4.5 - Environmental Impacts

Question 1

Disposal procedures

Answer 1

• Read your Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
  – United States Department of Labor,
  – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  – https://www.osha.gov, Index page
• Provides information for all hazardous chemicals
  – Batteries, display devices / CRTs,
  chemical solvents and cans, toner and ink cartridges
• Sometimes abbreviated as Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
  – Different names in each country

Question 2

MSDS info

Answer 2

• Product and company information
• Composition / ingredients
• Hazard information
• First aid measures
• Fire-fighting measures
• Accidental release / leaking
• Handling and Storage
• Much more

Question 3

Handling toxic waste

Answer 3

• Batteries
  – Uninterruptible Power Supplies
  – Dispose at your local hazardous waste facility
• Toner
  – Recycle and reuse
  – Many printer manufacturers provide a return box
  – Some office supply companies will provide a discount
  for each cartridge
• Other devices and assets
  – Refer to the MSDS
  – Don’t throw out without clear directions

Question 4

Room control

Answer 4

• Temperature
  – Devices need constant cooling
  – So do humans
• Humidity level
  – High humidity promotes condensation
  – Low humidity promotes static discharges
  – 50% is a good number
• Proper ventilation
  – Computers generate heat
  – Don’t put everything in a closet

Question 5

Battery backup

Answer 5

• Uninterruptible Power Supply
  – Backup power
  – Power failures, under-voltage events, surges
• UPS types
  – Standby UPS
  – Line-interactive UPS
  – On-line UPS
• Features
  – Auto shutdown, battery capacity, outlets,
  phone line suppression

Question 6

Surge suppressor

Answer 6

• Not all power is “clean”
  – Self-inflicted power spikes and noise
  – Storms, power grid changes
• Spikes are diverted to ground
• Noise filters remove line noise
  – Decibel (Db) levels at a specified frequency
  – Higher Db is better

Question 7

Surge suppressor specs

Answer 7

• Joule ratings
  – Surge absorption
  – 200=good, 400=better
  – Look for over 600 joules of protection
• Surge amp ratings
  – Higher is better
• UL 1449 voltage let-through ratings
  – Ratings at 500, 400, and 330 volts
  – Lower is better