Restoration Triage:
First Aid for Electrical and Electronic Equipment

By Lawrie N. Ackerman, E.E., CDRP

The steps taken after a disaster can make all the difference between a successful recovery and an unsuccessful attempt.

Triage and First Aid performed immediately after a fire, flood or other catastrophe can minimize the impact. The following prescribed treatment applies to PCs, mainframes, networks, phone systems and other electrical and electronic equipment.

AFTER THE DISASTER OCCURS…

Step One:
Turn off and remove electrical power to all equipment as soon as possible. This includes UPSs.

Step Two:
Control the environment. Bring in dehumidification equipment, reduce humidity levels, pump out water, etc. Be aware – internal dust can cause unexpected and hidden damage. (See sidebar.)

Step Three:
If possible, move the equipment to a controlled, clean, dry environment free from smoke, humidity, etc.

Step Four:
Exterior wipe-down should be performed on all external surfaces of equipment.

Step Five:
DO NOT attempt to test anything.

Step Six:
All equipment should be opened, evaluated, cleaned of contamination, corrosion, etc., and dried using proper technical procedures by a qualified company. All of this should be performed prior to any electronic evaluation and attempt at repairs.

Step Seven:
If necessary, after the equipment has been dried, consider performing a back-up of critical data and important information prior to the commencement of further repairs.

BEFORE THE DISASTER OCCURS…

Include Preventative Measures in the Disaster Plan
A review of Restoration Triage and First Aid leads one to consider preventative measures, which should be included in the disaster recovery plan. Some key steps are:

Step One:
At least twice a year (or more often depending on environmental conditions) key equipment should be opened and blown free of dust and contamination. The less dust to which smoke and moisture can adhere, the less chance of damage, and greater likelihood of a prompt recovery.

Step Two:
Surge protectors and small UPSs should be relocated off the floor (raised up a minimum of 4 to 6 inches). Many times, although the actual overall water exposure is nominal, soaking wet carpet may rise to a level high enough to outright short-circuit either the UPS or surge protector, or create enough relative humidity for moisture to be absorbed into the UPS or PC.

Pre-qualify Restoration Vendors
Qualified restoration vendors should be located, interviewed and qualified prior to the disaster. Their inspection of the facilities and equipment may yield valuable information for prevention and recovery.

Preventative measures coupled with the immediate triage and on-site "first aid" procedures will greatly increase the chances of a successful recovery from an emergency or disaster impacting electrical and electronic equipment.

About the Author
Lawrie Ackerman, an electrical engineer, is President of Asset Recovery Technologies, an engineering firm specializing in the evaluation and restoration of electrical and electronic equipment. For more information on this topic call (800) 805-0644 or visit their web site at www.disasterhelp.com.