Safety precautions for handling replaceable
units
Review these safety considerations before replacing any parts to avoid damage to your system.
Topics:
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Handling replaceable units
This section describes the precautions that you must take and the general procedures that you must follow when removing, installing, and
storing any replaceable unit.
Avoiding electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage
When replacing or installing hardware units, you can inadvertently damage the sensitive electronic circuits in the equipment by simply
touching them.
Electrostatic charge that has accumulated on your body discharges through the circuits. If the air in the work area is very dry, run a
humidifier in the work area to help decrease the risk of ESD damage.
Follow these procedures to prevent equipment damage:
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Provide enough room to work on the equipment.
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Clear the work site of any unnecessary materials or materials that naturally build up electrostatic charge, such as foam packaging,
foam cups, cellophane wrappers, and similar items.
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Do not remove replacement or upgrade units from their antistatic packaging until you are ready to install them.
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Before you begin service, gather together the ESD kit and all other materials you need.
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Once servicing begins, avoid moving away from the work site; otherwise, you may build up an electrostatic charge.
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Use ESD anti-static gloves or an ESD wristband (with strap).
If using an ESD wristband with a strap:
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Attach the clip of the ESD wristband to the ESD bracket or bare metal on a cabinet/rack or enclosure.
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Wrap the ESD wristband around your wrist with the metal button against your skin.
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If a tester is available, test the wristband.
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If an emergency arises and the ESD kit is not available, follow the procedures in Emergency Procedures (without an ESD kit).
Emergency procedures (without an electrostatic discharge
kit)
In an emergency when an electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit is not available, use the following precautions to reduce the possibility of an
electrostatic discharge by ensuring that your body and the subassembly are at the same electrostatic potential.
NOTE:
These precautions are not a substitute for the use of an ESD kit. Follow them only in the event of an emergency.
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Before touching any unit, touch a bare (unpainted) metal surface of the cabinet/rack or enclosure.
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Before removing any unit from its antistatic bag, place one hand firmly on a bare metal surface of the cabinet/rack or enclosure, and at
the same time, pick up the unit while it is still sealed in the antistatic bag. At the same time, do not move around the room or touch
other furnishings, personnel, or surfaces until you have installed the unit.
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When you remove a unit from the antistatic bag, avoid touching any electronic components and circuits on it.
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If you must move around the room or touch other surfaces before installing a unit, first place the unit back in the antistatic bag. When
you are ready again to install the unit, repeat these procedures.
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Safety precautions for handling replaceable units
