Quick Safety Tips for IT Personnel, Teachers and Students in the Computer Lab

1. Quick Safety Tips! For ITS Personnel, Teachers and Students in the Computer Lab Cheska Lorena © 2010 http://misscheska.pbworks.com

2. For Technology Personnel Before working inside the computer… Turn off the computer first! Always follow instructions from the manual. Protect against electrostatic discharge with a ground bracelet, or anti-static wrist strap and ground mat.

3. Document your work with step-by-step notes. Use chip retrievers to clamp small chips. Keep disks and chips away from magnetized areas or tools. Use static shield bags to move electronic parts to different areas.

4. For Teachers Create individual student contracts on computer lab safety where rules, procedures, and consequences are clearly outlined. Spend several class sessions on identification of basic computer equipment, lab safety procedures, and internet safety during the first weeks of school. Show Do’s/Don’ts of Computer Equipment Safety.

5. Allow classes to brainstorm and generate their own computer lab safety rules and/or safety pledges. Create safety posters and other visuals with students and post on bulletin boards in highly visible areas in the computer lab. Create a classroom routine on how to enter/exit the computer lab, use the equipment responsibly, and how to get teacher attention for help during class sessions.

6. Create a brochure with students on safety tips, or a monthly digital newsletter to share with other students and staff members on lab events. Review safety tips and procedures through closure strategies or interactive games frequently. Practice safety procedures and preventative maintenance all the time!

7. Some Teacher Resources Computer Rules Prevent Problems – Education World article with tips from different computer teachers and technology specialists Computer Lab 10 Commandments – Great set of rules to start with in elementary to middle school settings Sample Lesson Plan – Sample lesson plan on how to teach computer lab rules and technology ethics to high school students

8. For Students Be gentle with the computers and lab equipment. Pay attention to the No Food/Beverages signs! Clear high-traffic areas of backpacks, books and other things to secure a good flow of movement in the lab. Throw your trash away to prevent it from piling up behind computer vents and overheating of the computers.

9. Do not tamper with any power cords and cables. Leave keyboards, mice, and other computer parts in the lab! Pens, bits of paper, and other objects do not belong in the computer drives and ports. Never attempt to fix something yourself – ask for adult help first. If you notice something wrong in the computer lab, always tell an adult!