Environmental Impacts( Comptia Objective 4.5)

Question 1

Where can you go to get more information regarding disposal procedures for hazardous materials?

Answer 1

• Read your Material Safety Data Sheets( MSDS)
  These are usually available on the manufacturers website and is mandated in the US by the Unites States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.(OSHA)
• The MSDS provides information for all hazardous chemicals such as batteries, display devices/ CRT’s, chemical solvents and cans, toner and ink cartridges.
• Sometimes abbreviated as Safety Data Sheets(SDS). Different names in different countries.

Question 2

What kind of information can be found on MSDS’s or SDS’s?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What are some elements of Room control?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are some features of a UPS?

Answer 4

• Uninterruptable Power Supply for backup power to help prevent downtime in the event of a Blackout, Brownouts and surges
• A few different types of UPS to choose from including;

Standby UPS( Machines run off of AC but in the event of an outage power is switched over to DC battery power from the UPS)

Line-interactive UPS( Able to adjust voltage in the event of voltage drops or spikes and maintain stable voltage then in the event of a blackout can maintain power to devices. When the power comes back on it recharges the batteries inside the UPS )

On-line UPS( Power supplied to machines is from batteries at all times using an inverter to convert DC to AC. When AC is working it is maintaining charge of batteries)

• Features include things such as Auto Shutdown, battery capacity, outlets and phone line suppression.

Question 5

What are some surge suppressor specs you should look at when choosing one?

Answer 5

• Joule ratings for surge absorption :
  200= Good, 400= Better.
  You will want to look for one that has over 600 Joules of protection.
• When it comes to surge amp ratings higher is better.
• UL 1449 Voltage let-through ratings.
  Ratings at 500, 400 and 330 Volts. The lower the voltage the better.

Question 6

What are some important elements of protecting against airborne particles?

Answer 6

• Enclosures. Protect computers on the manufacturing floor. Protect from dust oil and smoke.
• Air filters and masks. Protect against airborne particles such as dust in computer cases, laser printer toner etc.

Question 7

How do you go about dealing with Dust and debris in a computer?

Answer 7

• Cleaning using neutral detergents( No ammonia-based cleaning liquids. Avoid Isopropyl alcohol.
• Vacuum. Use a “computer” vacuum. Maintain ventilation.
• Compressed air pump. Try not to use compressed air in a can.

Question 8

What are some local government regulations surrounding the environment?

Answer 8

• Environmental regulations. May have very specific controls.
• The obvious. Hazardous waste, batteries, computer components.
• The no-so-obvious :
  Paper disposal etc.