220-1102 Question 719
Single answerAir filter maskA technician is assigned to clean several desktop PCs in a workshop area where heavy dust has accumulated inside the cases. The company wants the technician to follow proper personal safety procedures while using compressed air to remove the dust. Which of the following is the BEST choice of personal protective equipment for this task?
- A
Wear an air filter mask to avoid inhaling dust particles while cleaning the systems
- B
Wear an antistatic wrist strap to prevent breathing in airborne dust
- C
Use insulated gloves because they are designed to block fine airborne particles
- D
Place the PC on a rubber mat because it filters contaminants from the air
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question focuses on selecting the correct safety equipment for a real maintenance task. In A+ Core 2, technicians are expected to understand workplace safety and proper use of personal protective equipment. When cleaning dusty systems with compressed air, debris becomes airborne, so an air filter mask is the best choice to reduce inhalation risk. Other safety items, such as antistatic straps and mats, serve different purposes related to ESD control rather than respiratory protection. This aligns with standard PC maintenance best practices: power down equipment, use compressed air appropriately, and wear suitable protective gear such as eye protection and a dust or air filter mask when particulates may become airborne.
- A. Correct.
Correct. An air filter mask is appropriate when cleaning dusty computer equipment because compressed air can blow accumulated dust and debris into the technician's breathing zone. A mask helps reduce inhalation of particulates and is part of standard personal safety practice when working in dusty environments.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. An antistatic wrist strap is used to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge when handling sensitive components. It does not provide respiratory protection and will not prevent inhalation of dust.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Insulated gloves are intended to help protect against electrical hazards in certain situations, not airborne particulates. They are not a substitute for respiratory protection when dust is being dispersed into the air.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A rubber mat may help with electrical safety or workstation setup depending on the context, but it does not filter air or protect the technician from breathing in dust created during cleaning.