[sdiy] OT: CD explosion

[Ian Fritz]

OK, this is way OT, but I know how concerned we all are about safety.

:-)

 >>>>>>>>>

Statement:
On Thursday, June 19, 2003, a compact disk (CD-R) being used in a CD-ROM
drive at NASA Ames Research Center shattered and was ejected explosively
from the drive. The cover and door of the CD drive were blown off and landed
about six feet away from the front of the CPU. Pieces of the disk were found
in a pattern that extended about three and a half feet out from the CPU.

Discussion:
The drive was dissected on Friday by an Ames Computer System Engineer to
investigate possible causes. The drive appeared to be in good condition
other than the few remaining disk pieces that had remained there. This is a
generic 56x CD-ROM drive. No manufacturer could be identified, however, the
drive was built in China in March 2001 and bears the number (not sure if a
model or serial number) CKD0112002456. Our computer specialists believe this
was a failure of a flawed disk, not the drive. The brand of the disk is also
not known.

Analysis:
See above

Actions:
Due to the distinct possibility of future similar events, we issue the
following cautionary statement:

Many computer users install their CPUs on top of their desks. This places
the CD drive at approximately eye level resulting in an unacceptable risk to
the user should a disk failure occur. We recommend that, where possible, the
CPU should be installed below the desktop and to the side of the users legs.
If the CPU must remain on the desktop, it should be arranged so that the
front of the CD drive does not face the user or any other person. An initial
mishap report has been written and entered into IRIS. The case number is
03-ARC-39.

Any inquiries may be directed to Andy Hocker, GIDEP Manager Safety,
Environmental, and Mission Assurance Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 218-7
Moffett Field, CA 94035 Telephone (650) 604-4120 Email:
ahocker at mail.arc.nasa.gov