Health and safety

Question 1

Health – problems

Answer 1

Vision & Posture Problems or stiffness
Repetitive strain injury
Throbbing, tingling & Numbness
Correct sitting position

Question 2

Vision & Posture Problems or stiffness preventions

Answer 2

Height must be appropriate so that it does not worry the users neck while on the computer. Shoulders should also be relaxed.
The users back must be supported if sitting for long periods of time. Seating must also be adjustable.
Distance and angle of monitor must be so that the glare does not hit the eyes.
Eye strain, eye irritation and headaches could be avoided by looking away from the computer for a period of time, adjusting the light, blinking regularly, have a glare screen(document holder) and the monitor must be at eye height.

Question 3

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Answer 3

Keep your wrists and hands in line with your forearm
Keep your elbows in, and your forearms horizontal, at right angles to your upper arms.
Take breaks every 30 minutes

Question 4

Throbbing, tingling &Numbness

Answer 4

Get up and walk around regularly
Take breaks every 30 minutes
Move often
Do not put a lot of pressure on your back and arms

Question 5

Electrocution

Answer 5

Electrical sockets should not be overloaded.
All electrical installations must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
All equipment must be of trustworthy standard and checked regularly(once a year – minimum)

Question 6

Fire

Answer 6

There must be CO2 fire extinguishers near by at all times.
Fire exists must not be blocked and must be kept clear at all times.
All equipment must be away from water supplies

Question 7

Tripping hazards

Answer 7

Cabling must not trail on the floor.
Additional equipment must be situated where it will not result in trailing wires.
Wires must be tied up together so that they do not trail loosely.
The cables should be out of the way, and hidden behind the desks.

Question 8

Danger caused by heavy falling objects

Answer 8

Tables and desks must be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of hardware and additional equipment stored on it.
No equipment, no matter how small, must overhang the tables. Even small objects like a mouse is connected to the computer and if the monitor is not stable then it may fall over if the mouse is pulled away.