Western Digital Re EX800M, Technical Reference Manual, Page: 51 / 60

EX800M Drive Handling and Maintenance
2679-771339-A05 RELEASED 8/13/13 43
6.0 D
RIVE
H
ANDLING AND
M
AINTENANCE
Hard drives are precision instruments that must be handled with care to prevent damage. It is important to
understand that drives are typically damaged because of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), rough handling, or shock
and vibration. Refer to the latest version of the WD 3.5-inch Hard Drive Handling poster (part number 2378-
701046) for details on drive handling.
Refer to http://support.wdc.com/warranty for detailed instructions on all phases of repackaging the drive.
6.1 Unpacking
6.1.1 Handling Precautions
WD products are designed to withstand normal handling during unpacking and installation. Take care
to avoid excessive mechanical shock or electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can permanently damage
the hard drive and void the warranty. Hard drives are typically damaged because of ESD, rough
handling, or shock and vibration.
To avoid ESD problems, wear a properly grounded wrist strap when handling the hard drive. Articles
of clothing generate static electricity. Do not allow clothing to come in direct contact with the hard
drive or circuit board components.
When the WD drive is not in its shipping container or installed in its proper host enclosure, it must
remain in the antistatic bag. To prevent damage, do not unpack your WD drive until you are ready to
install it.
6.1.2 Inspection of Shipping Container
Carefully examine the container for obvious shipping damage, such as: holes, signs of crushing, or
stains. Notify the carrier and your WD representative if you observe any shipment damage. Always
move the shipping container in the upright position indicated by the arrows on the container.
6.1.3 Removal From Shipping Container
Remove the WD drive from the shipping container only for inspection or installation. Carefully open
the box. When removing the WD drive from the box, follow these precautions:
„
Grasp the drive by the sides only; avoid touching the circuit board components.
„
Gently place the drive on its antistatic bag on a clean, level, grounded work area.
„
Do not stack drives or stand the WD drive on its edge.
Important: If your system does not support hot plugging (see “Hot Plug Support” on page 21), it
must be turned off and unplugged before installing your hard drive.
CAUTION: When removing the drive from the shipping container, be careful not to drop it.
Dropping the drive can severely damage the head disk assembly or printed circuit board.