Tool & Workshop
Safety Training.
Before you begin any practical repair work, complete this safety training. It covers the essential precautions every technician needs to know when handling tools, devices, and batteries.
A clean, organised, well-lit workspace is the foundation of safe repair work. Before you open any device, take a moment to prepare your area properly.
- Work on a flat, stable, non-conductive surface — an anti-static mat is ideal.
- Ensure the area is well lit so you can clearly see small components and screws.
- Keep liquids, food, and drinks away from your workspace at all times.
- Keep children and pets out of the repair area — small parts and batteries are hazards.
- Organise your screws and small parts as you remove them, so nothing gets lost or mixed up.
Repair tools are precise instruments — used correctly they're safe, used carelessly they can cause injury or damage the device you're working on.
- Always use the correct size screwdriver or bit — a mismatched tool strips screws and slips.
- Direct cutting or prying tools away from your body and hands at all times.
- Never force a tool — if it's not working, stop and check your technique or tool choice.
- Keep heat tools (heat guns, iOpeners) moving — prolonged heat in one spot can damage components or cause burns.
- Store sharp tools safely when not in use, tips covered or pointed away from reach.
Prying tools cause the majority of repair injuries. Always be aware of where your other hand is positioned before applying pressure.
Lithium-ion batteries are the single biggest safety risk in phone and tablet repair. They must be handled with real care and respect.
- Never puncture, bend, crush, or apply excessive pressure to a battery.
- Never charge a device while the battery is disconnected or exposed.
- Use plastic prying tools near batteries — never metal tools that could puncture the cell.
- Disconnect the battery before working on any other internal component where possible.
- Dispose of damaged or swollen batteries at an approved battery recycling point — never in general rubbish.
If a battery becomes hot, swells, smokes, leaks, or smells unusual — stop immediately. Move it to a safe, non-flammable surface away from anything combustible, and do not continue the repair.
The right protective equipment takes seconds to put on and can prevent serious injury. Make it part of your routine before every repair.
Knowing how to respond quickly to a problem is just as important as preventing one. Keep these steps in mind.
- If a battery starts smoking or catches fire, move it away from anything flammable — a metal container or concrete floor is ideal.
- Never use water on a lithium battery fire — use a Class D or ABC fire extinguisher, or sand, if available.
- If you cut yourself, stop work immediately, clean the wound, and apply appropriate first aid.
- Keep a basic first aid kit and a suitable fire extinguisher within reach of your workspace at all times.
- If in doubt, stop the repair and seek help — no repair is worth risking your safety.
Safety Knowledge Check
Safety training complete
You've completed the Tool & Workshop Safety Training. Keep these principles in mind every time you open a device — safety first, always.
Liability & Safety Disclaimer
This training provides general safety guidance for practical device repair work. It is not a substitute for proper judgement, local workplace health and safety regulations, or professional advice specific to your situation.
Repair work — including handling batteries, tools, and electronic components — carries inherent risk. TTNZ is not responsible for injury, device damage, property damage, or any other loss arising from repair work you undertake, whether during training, practice, or professional repair. You are responsible for your own safety, your workspace, your tools, and your protective equipment at all times.
If you are ever unsure about a repair step or safety precaution, stop and seek further guidance before continuing.