Editing RetroTechCollection:Safety requirements

{{shortcut|RTC:SAFETY}}
{{policy}}

'''Safety requirements''' ensure that all technical documentation on RetroTechCollection includes appropriate warnings, protective measures, and safety procedures for vintage hardware repair and maintenance. This policy protects both individual users and the broader community by establishing mandatory safety standards for potentially hazardous activities.

== Mandatory Safety Documentation ==

=== High-Voltage Equipment ===
All articles covering equipment with voltages above 50V must include:

* '''Prominent voltage warnings''' - Clear identification of maximum voltages present
* '''Discharge procedures''' - Step-by-step instructions for safe voltage discharge
* '''Required safety equipment''' - Insulated tools, safety glasses, protective clothing
* '''Qualified personnel warnings''' - Statements about required experience levels
* '''Emergency procedures''' - First aid and emergency response information

=== Chemical Hazards ===
Documentation involving hazardous chemicals must specify:

* '''Material identification''' - Complete chemical names and hazard classifications
* '''Exposure limits''' - Safe handling concentrations and exposure durations
* '''Protective equipment''' - Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
* '''Ventilation requirements''' - Adequate air circulation and fume extraction
* '''Disposal procedures''' - Proper waste disposal and cleanup methods

=== Mechanical Hazards ===
Procedures involving mechanical risks must address:

* '''Pinch points''' - Moving parts that could cause injury
* '''Sharp edges''' - Cut hazards from sheet metal, broken components
* '''Weight hazards''' - Heavy equipment requiring proper lifting techniques
* '''Spring-loaded mechanisms''' - Components under tension that could release suddenly
* '''Tool safety''' - Proper use of power tools and cutting implements

== Risk Assessment Requirements ==

=== Hazard Classification ===
All safety hazards must be classified using standard risk levels:

'''DANGER:''' Immediate risk of death or serious injury
* Lethal voltages (>1000V or high current)
* Toxic chemical exposure
* Explosive or fire hazards
* Structural collapse risks

'''WARNING:''' Potential for serious injury or equipment damage
* Moderate voltages (50-1000V)
* Chemical irritants or sensitizers
* Sharp tools and cutting hazards
* Heavy lifting requirements

'''CAUTION:''' Risk of minor injury or equipment damage
* Low voltages with shock potential
* Mild chemical exposure
* Static electricity damage to components
* Repetitive strain injury risks

=== Documentation Standards ===
Safety information must be presented with:

* '''Prominent placement''' - Safety warnings before procedural instructions
* '''Clear visibility''' - Bold text, warning boxes, or highlighted sections
* '''Specific hazards''' - Detailed description of what could go wrong
* '''Preventive measures''' - Specific steps to avoid hazards
* '''Source attribution''' - References to authoritative safety documentation

== Equipment-Specific Safety Requirements ==

=== CRT Display Systems ===
'''DANGER: Lethal voltages up to 25,000V present even when unpowered'''

Required safety documentation:
* '''Discharge procedures''' - Mandatory CRT discharge before any internal work
* '''Anode cap warnings''' - Specific procedures for handling high-voltage anode connections
* '''X-ray emissions''' - Information about potential radiation exposure from damaged CRTs
* '''Implosion risks''' - Proper handling to prevent violent glass failure
* '''Lead content''' - Environmental and health considerations for CRT disposal

<pre>
{{safety warning
| type = DANGER
| hazard = High voltage
| voltage = Up to 25kV
| equipment = CRT displays, monitors, televisions
| procedure = [[CRT Discharge Procedure]]
| ppe = Insulated probe, safety glasses, rubber-soled shoes
| note = Voltage can remain for hours after power-off
}}
</pre>

=== Power Supply Systems ===
'''WARNING: Multiple voltage hazards and electrical shock risks'''

Required documentation:
* '''Input voltage warnings''' - Line voltage hazards (110V/220V)
* '''Output voltage identification''' - All secondary voltages and current capabilities
* '''Capacitor discharge''' - Large filter capacitors retain dangerous charge
* '''Isolation requirements''' - Proper electrical isolation during testing
* '''Fuse replacement''' - Correct fuse types and ratings for safety

=== Battery Systems ===
'''CAUTION: Chemical, fire, and explosion hazards'''

Safety requirements:
* '''Battery chemistry identification''' - Lead-acid, NiCd, lithium, etc.
* '''Ventilation requirements''' - Hydrogen gas evolution from lead-acid batteries
* '''Charging safety''' - Proper charging procedures and overcharge protection
* '''Disposal requirements''' - Environmental regulations and recycling procedures
* '''Leak handling''' - Cleanup procedures for electrolyte spills

=== Floppy Drive Systems ===
'''CAUTION: Mechanical and chemical hazards'''

Documentation requirements:
* '''Lubrication safety''' - Proper lubricants and application procedures
* '''Cleaning solvents''' - Safe solvents for head cleaning and degreasing
* '''Drive belt handling''' - Proper installation to prevent mechanism damage
* '''Static protection''' - ESD precautions for sensitive components

== Chemical Safety Requirements ==

=== Cleaning and Restoration Chemicals ===
All chemical procedures must document:

'''Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA):'''
* '''Concentration requirements''' - Specify appropriate concentration (70%, 90%, 99%)
* '''Fire hazards''' - Flammability warnings and ignition source control
* '''Ventilation needs''' - Adequate air circulation requirements
* '''Skin contact''' - Defatting effects and protective glove recommendations

'''Solvents and Degreasers:'''
* '''Toxicity information''' - Inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion hazards
* '''Environmental protection''' - Groundwater and air pollution prevention
* '''Disposal requirements''' - Hazardous waste disposal regulations
* '''Substitute recommendations''' - Safer alternatives when available

'''Retrobright and Peroxide Chemicals:'''
* '''Concentration warnings''' - Proper dilution and handling procedures
* '''UV exposure requirements''' - Safe UV light sources and exposure durations
* '''Chemical compatibility''' - Materials that may be damaged by treatment
* '''Neutralization procedures''' - Stopping reactions and cleanup methods

=== Electronic Component Chemicals ===
Special requirements for electronic materials:

'''Flux and Soldering Materials:'''
* '''Ventilation requirements''' - Adequate fume extraction during soldering
* '''Lead content warnings''' - Health hazards of lead-containing solder
* '''Flux residue''' - Proper cleaning and residue removal procedures
* '''Temperature hazards''' - Burns from hot soldering equipment

'''Component Replacement Chemicals:'''
* '''Thermal compound safety''' - Handling procedures for heat sink compounds
* '''Adhesive hazards''' - Solvent content and curing chemical emissions
* '''Coating materials''' - Protective coating application and curing safety

== Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ==

=== Mandatory PPE Requirements ===
Specific PPE must be documented for different hazard types:

'''Electrical Work:'''
* '''Insulated tools''' - Properly rated for maximum voltage present
* '''Safety glasses''' - Impact and electrical arc protection
* '''Insulated footwear''' - Rubber-soled shoes or insulated boots
* '''Insulated gloves''' - Voltage-rated electrical safety gloves

'''Chemical Work:'''
* '''Chemical-resistant gloves''' - Appropriate for specific chemicals used
* '''Eye protection''' - Chemical splash goggles or face shields
* '''Respiratory protection''' - Appropriate masks or respirators for vapors
* '''Protective clothing''' - Chemical-resistant aprons or coveralls

'''Mechanical Work:'''
* '''Cut-resistant gloves''' - Protection from sharp edges and tools
* '''Safety glasses''' - Impact protection from flying debris
* '''Hearing protection''' - Ear plugs or muffs for loud equipment
* '''Steel-toed footwear''' - Protection from dropped heavy components

=== PPE Selection Guidelines ===
Documentation must specify:

* '''Hazard-specific selection''' - PPE appropriate for the specific risks present
* '''Proper fit requirements''' - Sizing and adjustment for effective protection
* '''Inspection procedures''' - Regular checks for damage or degradation
* '''Replacement schedules''' - When to replace worn or damaged PPE
* '''Training requirements''' - Proper use and maintenance of protective equipment

== Emergency Procedures ==

=== Electrical Accidents ===
Required emergency response documentation:

'''Electrical Shock Response:'''
# '''Power disconnection''' - Immediately disconnect power source if safe to do so
# '''Victim assessment''' - Check consciousness and breathing without direct contact
# '''Emergency services''' - Call appropriate emergency numbers (911, etc.)
# '''CPR procedures''' - Only by trained personnel if victim is unconscious
# '''Medical attention''' - All electrical shock victims require medical evaluation

'''Electrical Fire Response:'''
# '''Power disconnection''' - Shut off electrical power if safe to access
# '''Appropriate extinguishers''' - Class C fire extinguishers for electrical fires
# '''Evacuation procedures''' - Clear area and call fire department
# '''Ventilation''' - Provide adequate ventilation for toxic combustion products

=== Chemical Accidents ===
Emergency procedures for chemical exposures:

'''Skin Contact:'''
# '''Immediate removal''' - Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry
# '''Copious water flushing''' - Flush affected area for minimum 15 minutes
# '''Medical attention''' - Seek immediate medical care for serious exposures
# '''Material Safety Data Sheet''' - Provide MSDS information to medical personnel

'''Inhalation Exposure:'''
# '''Fresh air''' - Move victim to area with fresh air immediately
# '''Medical attention''' - Seek immediate medical care for breathing difficulties
# '''Poison control''' - Contact poison control center for guidance
# '''Ventilation improvement''' - Increase ventilation in affected area

=== Equipment Damage Prevention ===
Procedures to prevent equipment damage during emergencies:

* '''Power shutdown''' - Safe power-down procedures for sudden shutoffs
* '''Component protection''' - Covering sensitive equipment during chemical incidents
* '''Documentation preservation''' - Protecting service manuals and technical documentation
* '''Tool safety''' - Securing tools and equipment during evacuations

== Training and Qualification Requirements ==

=== Minimum Qualifications ===
Certain procedures require specific qualifications:

'''High-Voltage Work:'''
* '''Electrical training''' - Basic electrical safety and circuit analysis knowledge
* '''Voltage measurement''' - Proper use of voltage measurement equipment
* '''Emergency response''' - Training in electrical emergency procedures
* '''Experience requirement''' - Supervised practice before independent work

'''Chemical Handling:'''
* '''Chemical safety training''' - Understanding of chemical hazards and controls
* '''MSDS interpretation''' - Ability to read and understand safety data sheets
* '''PPE training''' - Proper selection, use, and maintenance of protective equipment
* '''Spill response''' - Training in chemical spill cleanup and reporting

=== Supervision Requirements ===
When supervision or assistance is required:

* '''Novice technicians''' - Experienced supervision for first-time procedures
* '''High-risk procedures''' - Multiple qualified personnel for dangerous operations
* '''Emergency response''' - Trained personnel available during hazardous work
* '''Communication requirements''' - Check-in procedures and emergency contact methods

== Documentation and Record-Keeping ==

=== Safety Incident Reporting ===
Requirements for documenting safety incidents:

* '''Incident description''' - Complete description of what occurred
* '''Contributing factors''' - Analysis of why the incident happened
* '''Corrective actions''' - Steps taken to prevent similar incidents
* '''Documentation updates''' - Revisions to safety procedures based on lessons learned

=== Safety Review Procedures ===
Regular review of safety documentation:

* '''Annual review''' - Yearly assessment of safety procedure adequacy
* '''Incident-driven updates''' - Immediate updates following safety incidents
* '''Technology changes''' - Updates when new tools or procedures are introduced
* '''Regulatory updates''' - Changes to reflect new safety regulations or standards

== Legal and Regulatory Compliance ==

=== Disclaimer Requirements ===
All safety documentation must include appropriate disclaimers:

<pre>
{{safety disclaimer
| text = RetroTechCollection provides safety information for educational purposes only. 
Users assume full responsibility for their safety and must comply with local regulations. 
Consult qualified professionals for procedures beyond your experience level.
}}
</pre>

=== Regulatory References ===
Reference appropriate safety regulations and standards:

* '''OSHA standards''' - Occupational safety and health requirements
* '''NFPA codes''' - Fire safety and electrical safety standards
* '''Local regulations''' - Regional safety requirements and building codes
* '''Industry standards''' - Relevant technical society safety guidelines

== International Considerations ==

=== Regional Safety Standards ===
Acknowledge international variations in safety requirements:

* '''Electrical standards''' - Different voltage standards and safety practices
* '''Chemical regulations''' - Varying restrictions on chemical use and disposal
* '''Emergency services''' - Different emergency contact numbers and procedures
* '''Professional licensing''' - Varying requirements for professional qualifications

=== Language and Cultural Considerations ===
Ensure safety information is accessible:

* '''Clear language''' - Simple, direct safety instructions
* '''Universal symbols''' - Standard international safety symbols and colors
* '''Cultural sensitivity''' - Appropriate safety practices for different regions
* '''Translation accuracy''' - Proper translation of critical safety information

== See Also ==
* [[RetroTechCollection:Technical documentation]]
* [[CRT Discharge Procedure]]
* [[RetroTechCollection:Chemical safety]]
* [[RetroTechCollection:Electrical safety]]
* [[RetroTechCollection:Emergency procedures]]

[[Category:RetroTechCollection policies]]
[[Category:Safety and health]]
[[Category:Technical procedures]]