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    Health and Safety When Working With Computers

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    m.popkolo7

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Health and Safety When Working With Computers

    Uploaded by

    m.popkolo7
    12 views4 pages

    Original Title

    Health and safety when working with computers

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as pdf or txt
    12 views4 pages

    Health and Safety When Working With Computers

    Uploaded by

    m.popkolo7

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 4

    Health and safety when working with computers

    There are various health problems associated with the regular use of computers. For
    this reason, employers must be aware of the regulations surrounding computer health
    and safety.

    Employer regulations

    The law states that an employer must:

    • provide tiltable screens


    • provide anti-glare screen filters
    • provide adjustable chairs
    • provide foot supports
    • make sure lighting is suitable
    • make sure workstations are not cramped
    • plan work at a computer so that there are frequent breaks
    • pay for appropriate eye and eyesight tests by an optician
    Note: These regulations do not apply to students in schools or colleges.

    In order to provide the satisfactory equipment for their employees, employers


    use ergonomics to assist the equipment design process. It is the science concerned
    with designing safe and comfortable working environments for humans. This includes
    furniture design and the design of parts of the computer like the keyboard and mouse.

    General working environment

    Don't forget that rules for all electrical appliances apply in a computer room. This
    means:

    • there should be no trailing wires


    • food and drink should not be placed near a machine
    • electrical sockets must not be overloaded
    • there must be adequate space around the machine
    • heating and ventilation must be suitable
    • lighting must be suitable with no glare or reflections
    • benches and desks must be strong enough to support the computers

    Possible dangers and solutions

    Within information technology it is important that people have an awareness of the


    various health and safety issues. Steps should also be taken towards preventing
    common problems rather than trying to cure them at a later date.
    Back problems

    Many computer users suffer serious back problems. This is probably due to a poor
    posture or an awkward position while sitting at a computer.

    Solutions

    • A fully adjustable chair should avoid poor posture.


    • Footrests can reduce these problems.
    • Screens should tilt and turn to a position that avoids awkward movements.

    Eyestrain

    Eyes can become strained after staring at a computer screen for a long time,
    particularly if working in bad light, in glare or with a flickering screen.
    Solutions

    • Screen filters can remove a high percentage of the harmful rays emitted from a
    computer screen.
    • Use screens that do not flicker.
    • Take regular breaks - do not work for more than one hour without a break.
    • Lighting must be suitable and blinds fitted to windows to reduce glare.
    Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

    Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is damage to the fingers, wrists and other parts of the
    body due to repeated movements over a long period of time.

    Solution

    • To prevent RSI, make sure your posture is correct, use wrist rests and have a five-
    minute break from typing every hour.
    Ozone irritation

    Health experts have suggested that ozone emitted from laser printers can lead to
    breathing problems.

    Solution

    • It is recommended that laser printers should be situated at least one metre away
    from where people are sitting and there should be good ventilation in the area.

    Słowniczek:
    tiltable screens – odchylane ekrany
    anti-glare – antyodblaskowy
    adjustable – nastawny, dający się regulować
    cramped - zagracony
    frequent breaks – częste przerwy
    trailing wires – rozciągnięte po podłodze przewody
    electrical sockets – gniazdka elektryczne
    awareness – świadomość
    eyestrain - zmęczenie oczu
    flickering screen - migający ekran
    blinds – rolety
    Repetitive Strain Injury - dolegliwości spowodowane powtarzającym sie napięciem
    mięśni
    Źródło: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zkyg87h/revision/3
    opracowanie: Małgorzata Popko

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