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Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.

WARNING: The power supplies in this computer system produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the computer covers and access any of the components inside the computer.

WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

WARNING: This system may have more than one power supply cable. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, a trained service technician must disconnect all power supply cables before servicing the system.

When Using Your Computer System

As you use your computer system, observe the following safety guidelines:

• Be sure your monitor and attached peripherals are electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
• To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and peripheral power cables into properly grounded power sources. These cables are equipped with
  three-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a three-wire cable with properly grounded plugs.
• To help protect your computer system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or un-­interruptible power supply (UPS).
• Be sure nothing rests on your computer system's cables and that the cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
• Do not spill food or liquids on your computer.
• Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
• Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on a rug.

Ergonomic Computing Habits

WARNING: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.

For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting up and using your computer system:

• Position your system so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard.
• Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).
• Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
• Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the monitor screen.
• Use a chair that provides good lower back support.
• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or mouse.
• Always leave space to rest your hands while using the keyboard or mouse.
• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
• Sit erect, with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair's height or use a footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.
• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that use both hands.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

CAUTION: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the system before disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.

When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

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