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SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
Anti-static precautions
Static electricity can cause permanent damage to electronic
components. You should be aware of this risk, and take precautions
against the discharge of static electricity into the computer.
Anyone can generate static electricity by moving on a chair,
brushing against desks or walls, or simply walking across an
ordinary carpet. Items handed from one person to another, or being
wrapped or unwrapped, can acquire a static charge. Air
conditioning systems can also result in ambient static. Clothing
made of synthetic fibres is particularly likely to generate static
electricity; this static electricity is often completely unnoticed by the
wearer, but can be sufficient to cripple or impair an electronic
component.
The computer is at risk from static discharge while the top cover is
off. This is because the electronic components of the motherboard
are exposed. Memory modules, expansion cards and replacement
processors are other examples of electrostatic sensitive devices
(ESSDs).
All work that involves removing the cover must be done in an area
completely free of static electricity. We recommend using a Special
Handling Area (SHA) as defined by EN 100015-1: 1992. This
means that working surfaces, floor coverings and chairs must be
connected to a common earth reference point, and you should wear
an earthed wrist strap and anti-static clothing. It is also a good idea
to use an ionizer or humidifier to remove static from the air.
When installing any upgrade, be sure you understand what the
installation procedure involves before you start. This will enable
I I
you to plan your work, and so minimise the amount of time that
sensitive components are exposed.
Do not remove the system unit cover, nor the anti-static bag or
wrapping of any upgrade, until you need to.
Handle static-sensitive items with extreme care. Hold expansion
cards and add-on components only by their edges, avoiding their
electrical contacts. Never touch the components or electrical
contacts on the motherboard or on expansion cards. In general, do
not handle static-sensitive items unnecessarily.
Keep all conductive material, and food and drink, away from your
work area and the open computer.
Thermalcote bonding compound
The thermal bonding compound used between the system
processor and its heat sink can cause skin irritation and stain
clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Wash
thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with
eyes and inhalation of fumes. Do not ingest.
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