Assignment 5 - Health and Safety

General Health and Safety steps when using a computer

It is essential than when using a computer you remember all the ways for safe working, such as:

1.     Make sure cables are positioned properly – cables should be out of the way so that they cannot be tripped over or no liquid could be spilt on them, cables should be kept neatly behind the computer or tied so that they are out of reach. An appropriate number of sockets are needed so wires are not trailing along the ground.

2.    Make sure the seat is positioned properly – chair should have a back rest and adjustable height, your arms and thighs should be in a horizontal position while working.

3.    Worktops - worktops should be between 660mm and 730mm in height so that the user is at a good distance away from the screen.

4.    Lighting – the computer screen should be positioned away from light refection, so it should no be opposite a window, it should be at a right angle.

5.    Eye strain – looking away from your screen and focusing on a far away object every so often will stop straining on the eyes.

6.    Fire precautions – their should be a Co2 fire extinguisher that can put out electrical fires. 

Health and safety steps when connecting to peripherals

Printer – when connecting a printer to a computer you should follow the instructions that are in the user manual, make sure the printer driver matches the printer model. All sockets must be switched off when inserting the plugs and USB cables. The printer must be tested before being connected and used. You should make sure that no cables are running along the ground as this is a hazard and puts people in harm.

You should set up your camera using the instructions provided by the supplier. You should make sure that the computer is turned off at the mains and the plugs have been removed from the socket before connecting the camera. You should also use and anti-static band this discharges any static that have in your body before you connect the camera

 

Hard drive – when connecting a hard drive you should Handle it with care, never force it. You should remove VDU (visual display unit) from system and use the proper utensils; you should lift the hard drive carefully as it may be heavy so you should bend your knees and not your back. An anti static mat should be placed underneath the hard drive to stop short circuiting happening. when connecting the hard drive you should read the instructions and make sure cable are put corectly into the hard drive and monitor.