Job Safety Analysis: Electronics Recycling

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Set up drop off zone Vehicle traffic, poor visibility, uneven ground Use cones and barricades; direct traffic flow; establish customer unloading lanes
Don required PPE Cuts, broken glass, heavy items Wear gloves, safety glasses, steel toe boots, and high visibility vest
Greet and direct customers Sudden vehicle movement, distractions Signal drivers clearly; stand out of travel lanes; instruct customers to remain in vehicle when possible
Inspect electronics before handling Broken CRT tubes, leaking batteries, sharp edges Look for cracked screens, exposed wires, damaged casings; isolate damaged items
Lift and move electronics Back strain, dropping heavy items Use proper lifting technique; team lift large TVs or copiers; use dollies, carts, or pallet jacks
Handle CRT televisions and monitors Implosion risk, leaded glass hazards Keep screens facing away from body; store upright; avoid impacts; do not stack CRT units
Handle flat screen TVs Broken glass, internal battery hazards Lift from sides; avoid pressure on screens; check for swelling from lithium batteries
Remove batteries from devices (if policy allows) Short circuit, fire hazard Tape lithium terminals; store batteries in designated fire resistant containers
Sort items into categories Crushing, stack collapse, incompatible materials Keep like materials together; do not stack heavy items on fragile electronics; secure pallets
Transport items to storage area Trip hazards, equipment traffic Maintain clear walkways; communicate with forklift or loader operators
Store electronics properly Falling items, moisture damage Stack on pallets; shrink wrap as needed; store under cover to avoid water intrusion
Prepare e waste pallets for shipment Tipover, heavy lifting Use pallet jack or forklift if trained; secure load; label according to facility requirements
Manage broken electronics Cuts, toxic materials Sweep glass using tools; avoid touching sharp fragments; place broken items in sealed containers
Handle printers and copiers Toner dust exposure, heavy components Lift with two people; avoid spilling toner; wear dust mask if toner cartridges break
Handle small devices Fire risk from lithium batteries Identify swollen or overheating devices; isolate in sand filled or fire resistant container
Load transport vehicle Falling loads, forklift hazards Use trained operators; spotter assists when needed; secure all pallets
End of shift cleanup Sharp debris, scattered components Sweep area; collect loose cables or electronics; dispose of damaged PPE; wash hands
Documentation and reporting Lost inventory, regulatory issues Record quantities of TVs, computers, peripherals, and batteries; follow state e waste rules

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • High visibility vest or jacket (if working near vehicles)

  • Safety glasses or face shield

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Steel toe boots

  • Long pants and long sleeves

  • Dust mask or respirator when dismantling or handling CRT materials (as required by policy)

Additional Best Practices

  • Never throw or drop CRTs. They contain leaded glass and can implode.

  • Assume all electronics contain sharp edges or hidden batteries.

  • Keep lithium batteries separated from all other waste streams.

  • Ensure clear communication between staff and public in busy drop off areas.

  • Store electronics indoors whenever possible to prevent water damage and corrosion.

  • Train staff in responding to battery fires or hazardous spills from damaged electronics.

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Solid Waste and Recycling Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Set up drop off zone Vehicle traffic, poor visibility, uneven ground Use cones and barricades; direct traffic flow; establish customer unloading lanes
Don required PPE Cuts, broken glass, heavy items Wear gloves, safety glasses, steel toe boots, and high visibility vest
Greet and direct customers Sudden vehicle movement, distractions Signal drivers clearly; stand out of travel lanes; instruct customers to remain in vehicle when possible
Inspect electronics before handling Broken CRT tubes, leaking batteries, sharp edges Look for cracked screens, exposed wires, damaged casings; isolate damaged items
Lift and move electronics Back strain, dropping heavy items Use proper lifting technique; team lift large TVs or copiers; use dollies, carts, or pallet jacks
Handle CRT televisions and monitors Implosion risk, leaded glass hazards Keep screens facing away from body; store upright; avoid impacts; do not stack CRT units
Handle flat screen TVs Broken glass, internal battery hazards Lift from sides; avoid pressure on screens; check for swelling from lithium batteries
Remove batteries from devices (if policy allows) Short circuit, fire hazard Tape lithium terminals; store batteries in designated fire resistant containers
Sort items into categories Crushing, stack collapse, incompatible materials Keep like materials together; do not stack heavy items on fragile electronics; secure pallets
Transport items to storage area Trip hazards, equipment traffic Maintain clear walkways; communicate with forklift or loader operators
Store electronics properly Falling items, moisture damage Stack on pallets; shrink wrap as needed; store under cover to avoid water intrusion
Prepare e waste pallets for shipment Tipover, heavy lifting Use pallet jack or forklift if trained; secure load; label according to facility requirements
Manage broken electronics Cuts, toxic materials Sweep glass using tools; avoid touching sharp fragments; place broken items in sealed containers
Handle printers and copiers Toner dust exposure, heavy components Lift with two people; avoid spilling toner; wear dust mask if toner cartridges break
Handle small devices Fire risk from lithium batteries Identify swollen or overheating devices; isolate in sand filled or fire resistant container
Load transport vehicle Falling loads, forklift hazards Use trained operators; spotter assists when needed; secure all pallets
End of shift cleanup Sharp debris, scattered components Sweep area; collect loose cables or electronics; dispose of damaged PPE; wash hands
Documentation and reporting Lost inventory, regulatory issues Record quantities of TVs, computers, peripherals, and batteries; follow state e waste rules
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment


Additional Best Practices