|  | 9.1 | Project Planning
| 9.1.1 | Network installation safety procedures

The process of installing a network requires constant awareness of safety procedures. You might think of building a network as the combination of activities performed by an electrician and a construction worker. In both cases, safety is the primary concern.

Your instructor will inform you of the classroom safety procedures and general safety precautions that you must take while working with network building materials - both electrical and construction. You might also discuss these issues during one of your class sessions, so that you understand the reasons for the constant attention to safety.

Electrical The following list describes some of the precautions you should take when working with electrical materials:

- Never work on a device (e.g. hub, switch, router, or PC) with the case open and the line voltage (power cord) plugged in.
- Test electrical sockets with an appropriate voltage tester or multimeter.
- Locate all electrical conduits and power wires before trying to install any networking cable.
- Properly ground all networking equipment.
- Never cut or nick a live 120 V AC line.

Construction
The following list describes some of the precautions you should take when working with electrical materials:

- Wear safety glasses whenever you are drilling or cutting, and use care when handling bits and blades.
- Measure carefully before you cut, drill into, or permanently alter construction materials. "Measure twice; cut once."
- Investigate, along with your instructor, what you will be drilling or cutting into before you begin. You do not want your power tools to come in contact with electrical wiring or other utilities in the wall.
- Follow practices of general cleanliness (e.g. minimize dust that can affect sensitive networking devices).
- Follow proper ladder placement and safety procedures whenever you must use a ladder.

These are just some of the safety precautions you must take when working with network building materials. Discuss with your instructor and classmates other measures that you could take to ensure your safety and the safety of those people who will be working with you.

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