Non-print equipment & safety: General equipment safety

Use equipment for intended purpose only.
Use equipment exactly as manufacturer directs.
Save all equipment information.
Keep equipment clean.
When oiling equipment use very little.
Keep software clean.
Turn off equipment and unplug before dusting or cleaning.
Do not attempt to defeat built-in safety mechanisms.
Tag damaged or inoperative equipment immediately with an explanation of the problem.
Store damaged or inoperative equipment separately.
Replace original lid or cover on equipment not intended to be used for a long period of time.
Store AV equipment in a cool, dry place.
Do not attempt to repair AV equipment unless you are trained to do so.
Ensure controls such as on-off lamp and fan switches are off before plugging in equipment.
Remove loose paper from carts with equipment such as overhead projectors.
Insert loose connectors carefully, refer to operator’s manual if unsure of connections.
Provide orientation and training in equipment use.
Keep equipment away from rain or moisture.
Keep jewellery, loose clothing (especially ties), and hair away from moving parts.

Projectors and lamp safety
Lamps/bulbs
ALWAYS use the lamp code recommended for a particular projector.
Do not handle the glass portion of a lamp with your fingers.
Wrap used lamp in tissue and place in replacement container for disposal (mark as burned out)

Overhead projectors
Carry by the base not the arm or post
Ensure cooling fan turns on within specification set for equipment
Do not allow loose papers to be placed under projector.
Keep projector lenses away from direct sunlight.

Slide projectors
Remove cord and any accessories from storage compartments before use.
Handle heat-absorbing glass with care

1. use a piece of cloth or glove
2. once removed place in an insulating material
3. keep glass covered while it is removed

Filmstrip projectors
Do not wind a dirty power cord around the take-up reel
Never try to stop a rapidly spinning take-up reel after rewinding

Opaque projectors
Caution users about heat generated by lamp
Do not use if fan not operating
Use a heat filter attachment to cover heat sensitive materials

Portable screens
Caution users re potential danger of injury to fingers

Television and VCR safety
Do not remove back or protective covering of TV and VCR
Protect equipment from jolts, smoke, ashes, humidity, dust, magnetic fields, etc.
If TV cabinet is broken or damaged unplug set and call qualified repair technician
Allow for proper ventilation of TV set
Avoid striking or scratching glass of picture tube
Clean TV screens only when set is unplugged
Keep TVs away from heat sources
If anything has accidentally dropped inside or if liquid has been spilled inside set, unplug and have set checked by repair technician
Relabel any TV with picture controls above picture tube or hidden on a pull-down panel

Other equipment safety
Laminators
Display caution sign warning of heat
Do not touch heat rollers when machine turned on
Check from side that film is exiting properly
Do not lean over machine
Use caution when tearing completed lamination from serrated cutter

Paper cutters
Consider purchasing cutters with clamps/levers to hold material in position
Caution users to place fingers a safe distance from blade

Cart safety
Design consideration
Use carts with large (6”-8” wheels)
Cart heights should be 42”-48”
Purchase carts with three shelves if possible, place equipment on lower shelves lowering the centre of gravity
A flared profile design will reduce tipping potential
Avoid spot welded cars
Fasten equipment securely using straps or bolts

Use considerations
Do not allow children to move carts carrying equipment
Train all cart users in proper safety procedures
- use two adults to move carts with TVs
- push cart from narrow side
- guide person should stand on side of cart away from picture tube
- when entering an elevator, push cart at an angle
- do not overload carts
- wrap electrical power cords around cart post before plugging into wall socket

Electrical safety
Plugs and outlets
Three-pronged plugs need three-holed grounded receptacles
Regularly check all equipment for loose plugs and worn cords
Inspect all extension cords and equipment which have been used off site
Always unplug equipment before attempting minor repairs
Disconnect a cord b y pulling on the plug, never on the cord
Check floor outlets frequently for damage or caked in dirt
Do not allow anything to rest on, or roll over power cords
Tape down any exposed cords
Never force a plug into an outlet or extension cord

Batteries
Store in a cool, dark, dry place
Remove from infrequently used equipment
Do not mix alkaline and zinc carbon batteries
Recharge only those batteries designed for recharging
Mark purchase date on batteries at time of purchase
Open battery components every month to check for leaks
Do not mix old and new batteries
Dispose of batteries in trash that will not be burned
Handle leaking batteries with care
- protect skin with cloth or gloves
- wrap leaking batteries in paper before disposal in wastebasket
- carefully wrap battery compartment
- wash hands thoroughly