Safe

PRECAUTI
ELECTRONIC
ty
S 10
ONS
Q1-MODULE
5
 HELLO
EVERYO
NE
 1. De-energize the circuit by removing the power source.
2. Remove and replace fuses only after the power
to the circuit has been de-energized.
3. Make sure all equipment is properly grounded.
4. Extreme caution is needed when removing
or installing batteries containing acid.
Use hand gloves and goggles. Do not put the battery above your
head.
5. Use cleaning fluids only in well-ventilated spaces.
You can also use gloves, mask, and goggles for extra protection.
6. Put cleaning rags and other flammable materials in tightly closed
metal containers when disposing them. Do not burn them.
7. When electrical fire happens, de-energize the circuit
and report it immediately to the appropriate authority.
 HIGH VOLTAGE
SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
Many pieces of electrical equipment in the
laboratory use voltages that can endanger your
life. A lot of people died due to high-voltage
electric shock. A line man working on the field
and even people submerged in the flood are just
few victims of electrocution.
The following precautions
should be followed at all
times
when working on
or near high-voltage
circuits:
CONSCIOUS ACTION &
FOCUS
Always consider the potential
outcome of each action you take.
Avoid distractions like playing,
eating, or drinking while working.
Your full attention is critical when
dealing with high-voltage
equipment.
AVOID LIVE CIRCUITS & SEEK
EXPERTISE
Maintain a safe distance from live
circuits. If you are unsure about a
procedure or component, always
seek assistance from an
experienced professional. Never
attempt to work on high-voltage
circuits without proper training.
 NEVER WORK ALONE
Always work with at least one
other person who is capable of
providing first aid and
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR) in case of an emergency. A
quick response can be life-saving.
Do Not Tamper with Interlocks
Interlocks are crucial safety
mechanisms, often installed on power
supply doors, designed to break the
circuit when the door is opened. Never
bypass or tamper with these devices,
as they are your last line of defense
against accidental electrocution.
 PREVENT GROUNDING
YOURSELF
Ensure you are properly insulated from
the ground. Wearing rubber or leather
gloves and safety shoes is highly
recommended. These materials act as
insulators, preventing current from
flowing through your body to the
ground.
 ONE-HANDED OPERATION
When connecting equipment to a
circuit, use only one hand and keep
the other hand in your rear pocket.
This minimizes the risk of current
passing through your chest, which can
be fatal.
ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS FOR
ACon
When working CIRCUITS
AC-powered circuits
or equipment, an isolation transformer
can be used. This device electrically
isolates the circuit from the main
power source, providing an additional
layer of safety by preventing a direct
path to ground.
 AVOID WATER LEAKAGE
Never energize equipment in the
presence of water leakage. Water is an
excellent conductor, and its presence
significantly increases the risk of
electric shock.
 DISCHARGE CAPACITORS
Capacitors can store high-voltage
charges for extended periods, even
after the power supply has been
disconnected. Always use a shorting
stick to safely discharge capacitors
before touching any associated
circuitry. Overlooking this step can
lead to severe shocks.
 SAFE ALLIGATOR CLIP
CONNECTION
Before connecting alligator clips that
could create potential shock hazards,
remove power to the circuit. This
prevents accidental short circuits and
reduces the risk of accidental contact
with live terminals
MEASURING HIGH VOLTAGE SAFELY
When measuring voltages over 300
volts, avoid holding the test prods
directly. Instead, use insulated test
leads with appropriate safety ratings
and ensure your hands are protected.
Holding probes directly at these
voltages can result in electric shock
due to leakage or accidental contact.
 is your first line of defense against physical
harm and various hazards encountered

PERSONAL during electronic and electrical work. Your

safety is paramount, and utilizing
PROTECTIVE appropriate PPE from head to toe is
essential. The following seven tips provide
EQUIPMENT (PPE) extra layers of protection to prevent
accidents and injuries.
 HEAD Wear a hard hat to shield your head from
falling objects or accidental bumps against

PROTECTI
overhead structures. This is particularly
important in work environments where
materials or tools might be stored above.

ON
 EYE Safety glasses or a face shield are critical
for protecting your eyes from chemical

PROTECTI splashes during PCB etching, flying debris

when using drills, or sudden sparks. Choose

ON
eyewear that offers comprehensive
coverage and impact
HEARING When working with noisy machines or in
environments with high decibel levels,

PROTECTI
earplugs or earmuffs are necessary to
prevent hearing damage. Prolonged
exposure to loud sounds can lead to

ON permanent hearing loss.

RESPIRATO A mask protects you from inhaling harmful
chemical fumes, fine dust particles, and

RY
hazardous soldering fumes. Ensure the
mask is rated for the specific airborne
contaminants you may encounter.

PROTECTI
ON
 HAND Insulating gloves (rubber and leather) are
vital for safeguarding your hands from high-

PROTECTI
voltage wires and hot objects. For chemical
handling, use rubber or vinyl gloves to
prevent skin irritation and burns. Always

ON select gloves appropriate for the specific

hazard.
 FOOT Wear nonconductive shoes to protect your
feet from electrical shock and falling

PROTECTI
objects. Working barefoot is extremely
dangerous due to the high tendency of
electric shock and lack of physical

ON protection.
APPROPRIA Always wear fitted work clothing and avoid
loose garments that could get caught in

TE machinery or snag on components. Remove

all metal accessories like rings, watches,

WORK and necklaces, as they can conduct

electricity or get caught in moving parts.

CLOTHING
 Understanding Electrical
Hazards in Electronics
The field of electronics, while fascinating, presents a
variety of potential hazards. These include direct
electrical hazards such as electric shock and
electrostatic discharge (ESD), fire hazards, chemical
hazards, and risks associated with hand tools, power
tools, and soldering. It is crucial to be able to assess
these hazards, identify their root causes, and implement
preventative measures to avoid accidents. Furthermore,
knowing how to respond effectively when an accident
does occur is equally vital.
 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Contact with energized equipment or conductors can
result
in severe injuries ranging from electric shock to
electrical explosions or arc blasts. These incidents can
stem from direct electric current or an electrostatic
discharge.
Electric shock occurs when a low-resistance path is
created through the human body, allowing electric
current to flow and complete a circuit. The severity of the
shock is influenced by several factors: the individual's
physiological response, the quantity of current, the type
of current (AC vs. DC), the path the current takes through
the body, and the duration of contact.
The table illustrates the relationship between current
magnitude and its effects on the human body, with the
data scaled from 0 (no effect) to 1 (severe effect/death).
As the current increases, the effects become
progressively more dangerous. A current of 1 mA can
cause a mild tingling sensation. At 10 mA, muscular
control can be lost, making it difficult to release the
conductor. At 30 mA, breathing difficulties and muscular
paralysis can occur.
Crucially, a current of 100 mA or above can be lethal if
sustained for more than a second, while 200 mA can cause
severe burns and immediate cessation of breathing, leading to
death. Therefore, extreme caution is vital when dealing with any
electrical current. One effective technique to minimize current
flow through your body is to increase your body's resistance.
Your body resistance is significantly higher when your skin
moisture content is low and when there are no cuts or abrasions
at the point of electrical contact. This is why dry hands and
intact skin are important for electrical safety.
It is a common misconception that voltage determines the
severity of a shock. In reality, it is the amount of current flow
through your body that determines the severity of the shock.
The larger the current flowing through your body, the greater
and more dangerous the effect of the shock will be.
 First Aid for Electric
Shock
ACCESS SAFETY BEFORE
ACTING
Do not touch the victim if they are still in contact with the electrical
source. First, ensure the power is off by unplugging the device or
turning off the circuit breaker. If you cannot safely cut the power, use a
non-conductive object (like a wooden stick or thick rope) to separate
the person from the source. Only move the victim if they are in danger
of further shock.

Responding to an electric shock incident requires a calm and

cautious approach, prioritizing both the victim's safety and your
own. The immediate actions taken can significantly impact the
outcome.
 First Aid for Electric
Shock
CALL EMERGENCY
SERVICES
Immediately call local emergency services (e.g., 911 in the US) if the
victim has come into contact with high-voltage electricity, or if they
exhibit any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing,
unconsciousness, seizures, muscle pain or numbness, or any
symptoms suggesting heart issues (e.g., chest pain, irregular
heartbeat).
 First Aid for Electric
Shock
CHECK VITAL SIGNS &
ADMINISTER CPR
While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, check if the person
is breathing and has a pulse. If there is no breathing or pulse, and you
are trained, immediately begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Continue CPR until medical help takes over or the person shows signs
of life.
 First Aid for Electric
Shock
MANAGE SYMPTOMS OF
SHOCK
If the person shows signs of shock, such as vomiting, feeling faint, or
becoming very pale, gently elevate their legs and feet slightly (about
12 inches), unless this causes too much pain or discomfort. Loosen any
tight clothing and try to keep them calm.
 First Aid for Electric
Shock
ADDRESS BURNS
PROPERLY
Electrical burns can be deep and serious. Cover any burns with sterile
gauze. Do not use anything else that might stick to the burn, such as
Band-Aids or cotton. Avoid applying ice, butter, or ointments to the
burns.
 First Aid for Electric
Shock
KEEP THE VICTIM WARM

After an electric shock, the body's ability to regulate temperature can

be compromised. Cover the person with a blanket or coat to keep them
warm and prevent hypothermia, especially if they are going into shock.
 FIRE
SAFETY
IN THE
ELECTRONICS
WORKSHOP
Fire incidents in an electronics workspace can
arise from various electrical faults such as short
circuits, loose connections, overloading of
circuits, arcing, and the ignition of flammable
vapors or gases. Understanding the different
categories of fire and the appropriate
extinguishing methods is crucial for effective
response and minimizing damage.
 UNDERSTANDING
ELECTRONIC
DISCHARGE
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a miniature version of lightning, a
sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects
caused by contact, an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown. It
occurs when the surfaces of nonconductive materials develop equal
and opposite charges through friction (tribocharging), then separate
quickly. An electric field then surrounds the charged nonconductive
material. Eventually, the charge build-up exceeds the insulating
capacity of the air, resulting in a spark that jumps to a conductor. This
spark introduces transient currents into the conductor, which can
severely damage or destroy sensitive electronic devices.
 ESD PREVENTION:
ESSENTIAL
GUIDELINES Maintain Distance from Synthetics
Keep all synthetic materials, such as plastics and Styrofoam, at least
four inches away from electronic equipment. These materials are
highly prone to generating static charges through friction.

Avoid Direct Contact with Components

Refrain from touching the leads, pins, or printed circuit board traces of
sensitive electronic components. Your body can carry a static charge
that, even if imperceptible to you, can be devastating to microchips.
 Hazardous Chemicals in
the Electronics
Laboratory
The electronics laboratory often utilizes various chemicals that, if not
handled correctly, can pose significant health risks. These include
etching solutions (e.g., ferric chloride for PCBs), adhesives, numerous
cleaning solvents (e.g., isopropyl alcohol, acetone), photographic
developing solutions for photoresist, screen printing developing and
cleaning solutions, solder fumes, and aerosol spray paints. Improper
handling of these substances can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose,
and skin, difficulty breathing, and even chemical burns.
 Hazardous Chemicals in
the Electronics
Laboratory
Wear Appropriate PPE
Always wear chemical-resistant goggles to protect your eyes from
splashes, a mask or respirator to prevent inhalation of fumes, and
chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene, depending on the
chemical) when working with hazardous chemicals. Your skin and
respiratory system are particularly vulnerable.

Use Tongs for Etching

When handling printed circuit boards being etched, use plastic or
rubber-coated tongs. This prevents direct skin contact with corrosive
etching solutions, which can cause severe burns.
 Hazardous Chemicals in
the Electronics
Laboratory
Read & Label Chemicals
Before using any chemical, thoroughly read its label and the Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) if available, to understand its hazards and safe
handling procedures. Always ensure all chemical containers are clearly
and accurately labeled with their contents and hazard warnings.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Work in a well-ventilated space, ideally under a fume hood, when
dealing with volatile or fume-producing chemicals. Good ventilation
prevents the build-up of harmful concentrations of vapors in the air,
protecting your respiratory health.
 Hazardous Chemicals in
the Electronics
Laboratory
Clean Contaminated Tools
Immediately wash all tools and equipment that come into contact with
any hazardous chemical after use. This prevents cross-contamination
and minimizes prolonged exposure to residues.

Avoid Glass Storage

Whenever possible, avoid storing chemicals in glass containers,
especially if they are corrosive or subject to pressure changes. Plastic
containers, designed for chemical storage, are generally safer and less
prone to breakage.
 Hazardous Chemicals in
the Electronics
Laboratory
Proper Chemical Storage
Store all chemicals in a designated, fire-resistant metal storage cabinet,
especially flammable ones. Ensure chemicals are stored according to
their compatibility to prevent dangerous reactions.

In the event of accidental contact with a hazardous chemical,

immediately consult the product label for first aid instructions. Rinse
affected skin or eyes with plenty of water for at least 15-20 minutes,
remove contaminated clothing, and seek expert medical help without
delay. Do not hesitate to call emergency services if symptoms are
severe or persistent.
 Tool Safety: Hand Tools,
Power Tools, and
Soldering
Accidents often arise from the improper use or neglect of hand tools,
power tools, and soldering equipment. Cutting tools can cause
lacerations and damage components, while driving tools can inflict
blunt force injuries. Haste, distraction, and poor organization are
common culprits that lead to mishaps. Maintaining a tidy workspace
and adhering to strict guidelines are your most effective safety nets.
 HAND TOOLS SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
• Inspect Tools: Always check tools for good working condition before
use. Worn or damaged tools can be dangerous.
• Choose Right Tool: Select the correct type and size of tool for the job
to prevent damage to the tool, workpiece, or injury to yourself.
• Carry Safely: Keep cutting edges pointed downwards when carrying
tools and away from the edge of the workbench to prevent
accidental cuts.
• Clean Hands & Tools: Ensure your hands are clean and dry when
using tools to maintain a firm grip. Clean tools before and after each
use.
• Clamp Small Pieces: Use clamps for small workpieces when using
saws, screwdrivers, or soldering irons to prevent movement,
ensuring stability and reducing the risk of cuts and burns.
 HAND TOOLS SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
• Avoid Mushroom-Headed Chisels: Never use chisels with
mushroomed or burred heads. Fragments can break off upon
impact, flying at high speed and causing severe injury, especially to
the eyes.
• Use Files with Handles: A file without a handle is a hazard; the tang
(pointed end) can pierce your hand. Always use files with a securely
fitted handle.
• Plastic Handles & Heat: Do not use tools with plastic handles near
open flames or hot components, as the plastic can melt, deform, or
even ignite.
• Metal Rules & Circuits: Keep metal rules or measuring tapes clear of
electrical circuits. Metal is conductive and can cause short circuits or
electric shocks.
 POWER TOOLS SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
• Operator Control: Only the designated operator should start and
stop the machine. Ensure the machine comes to a complete stop
before leaving it unattended.
• Adjustments Before Power: Make all necessary adjustments to the
machine (e.g., blade depth, fence settings) before turning on the
power.
• Clear Work Area: Keep loose hand tools, rags, or brushes away from
moving machine parts. They can get caught and cause injury or
damage.
• Safety Guards: Ensure all safety guards are in their proper position
and functioning correctly at all times when operating power tools.
• One Person Per Machine: When the power is applied, only one
person should be at the immediate workplace of the machine to
avoid distractions and accidental activation.
 POWER TOOLS SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
• Teacher Approval: For any special setups or complex operations,
have your teacher or supervisor check and approve them before
applying power.
• Avoid Overhead Work: Use ladders or stable platforms to avoid
working overhead with outstretched arms, which can lead to loss of
control or fatigue.
• Grounded Tools: Use only grounded power tools with three-prong
plugs or UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-approved double-insulated
housing power tools to prevent electrical shock.
 SOLDERING SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
• Assume Hot Iron: Always assume the soldering iron is hot,
regardless of whether it's plugged in or not. Never use your body
parts to check if the tip is hot.
• Use Holder: Place the soldering iron securely in its designated holder
when not actively soldering to prevent accidental burns or damage
to the workbench.
• Clean Tip Safely: Wipe the soldering iron tip on a damp sponge or an
approved tip cleaner. Do not shake excess solder off the tip, as hot
solder splatters can cause burns.
 SOLDERING SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
• Safe Iron Transfer: Do not pass a hot soldering iron directly to
another person. Instead, place it in its holder and allow the other
person to retrieve it safely.
• No Power Soldering: Never solder on a circuit that has power applied
to it. This can cause severe electric shock, damage components, or
create short circuits.
• Grounded Tip Iron: Always use a grounded-tip soldering iron to
prevent static discharge damage to sensitive components and
reduce the risk of electrical shock.
• Wire Placement: Ensure that excess wire or other flammable
materials are not near the hot soldering iron tip or stand, as they
can melt or catch fire.
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING