Learning Outcomes At the end of the lesson, you should be able to: • Identify hazard and risk in the workplace • Evaluate hazard and risk in the workplace • Control hazard and risk Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control In the context of a computer laboratory, a hazard refers to any situation, condition, or element that poses a risk to the safety and well-being of individuals, the environment, or equipment within the laboratory. Hazards in a computer laboratory can vary in nature and may include: Electrical Hazards: These include risks associated with electrical equipment, such as faulty wiring, exposed electrical components, or improperly grounded devices. Electrical hazards can result in electric shocks or fires. Fire Hazards: These encompass conditions or activities that can lead to fires within the laboratory. This might involve flammable materials, overheating equipment, or inadequate fire prevention measures. Chemical Hazards: Although computer labs primarily deal with electronic equipment, there may be instances where chemicals are used for cleaning, maintenance, or research. Inadequate handling or storage of these chemicals can pose serious risks, including chemical burns or exposure to toxic fumes. Ergonomic Hazards: Prolonged computer use without proper ergonomics can lead to health issues such as repetitive strain injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and eye strain. Physical Hazards: These include tripping hazards like loose cables, poorly arranged furniture, or clutter in the lab that can cause accidents. Environmental Hazards: Factors like inadequate temperature control, humidity levels, or poor ventilation can negatively impact both equipment and the comfort and safety of individuals in the lab. Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a planned system of working to prevent illness and injury where you work by recognizing and identifying hazards and risks. Health and safety procedure is the responsibility of all people in the computer and technology industries. • You must identify the hazards where you are working and • decide how dangerous they are. • Eliminate the hazard or modify the risk that it presents. There are three steps used to manage health and safety at work: 1. Spot the Hazard (Hazard Identification) 2. Assess the Risk (Risk Assessment) 3. Make the Changes (Risk Control) At work you can use these three Think Safe steps to help prevent accidents. Using the Think Safe Steps 1. Spot Hazard A hazard is anything that could hurt you or someone else. Examples of workplace hazards include: • frayed electrical cords (could result in electrical shock) • boxes stacked precariously (they could fall on someone) • noisy machinery (could result in damage to your hearing) • During work experience, you must remain alert to anything that may be dangerous. • If you see, hear or smell anything odd, take note. • If you think it could be a hazard, tell someone. 2. Assess the Risk Assessing the risk means working out how likely it is that a hazard will harm someone and how serious the harm could be. Whenever you spot a hazard, assess the risk by asking yourself two questions: • How likely is it that the hazard could harm me or someone else? • How badly could I or someone else be harmed? Always tell someone (your employer, your supervisor or your health and safety representative) about hazards you can't fix yourself, especially if the hazard could cause serious harm to anyone. For example: • Ask your supervisor for instructions and training before using equipment. • Ask for help moving or lifting heavy objects. • Tell your supervisor if you think a work practice could be dangerous. • If you are not sure of the safest way to do something during work experience, always ask your work experience supervisor. 3. Make the Changes It is your employer's responsibility to fix hazards. Sometimes you may be able to fix simple hazards yourself, as long as you don't put yourself or others at risk. For example, you can pick up things from the floor and put them away to eliminate a trip hazard. Common hazards encountered by computer technicians and users A hazard is a situation in the workplace that has the potential to harm the health and safety of people or to damage plant and equipment. The situation could involve a task, chemical or equipment used. Hazard management is a continuous process that can be used to improve the health and safety of all workplaces. Most common physical hazards involving computer technicians Cables running across the floor • If someone trips, falls, and hurts himself because of a cable you ran across the floor, someone (you, your employer, or your customer) has a serious legal negligence problem • If you need to temporarily run a cable across the floor, place a Danger sign similar to those "wet floor" signs used by cleaning services. For cables that are temporary but will need to run across the floor for a longer period of time, use "gaffers’ tape". Gaffers tape is a heavy tape with strong adhesive to stick to the floor. It comes in a wide range of colours, from intrusive matte black to hazard warning red For long term cable routing there is a wide variety of cable organizing devices like: cable ties, cable wraps, and cable raceways which can be used to run cable safely along the wall or ceiling. Other common include: • • physical hazards leaving tools on top of ladders and placing electronic equipment in precarious positions or on support that is not sturdy enough or not designed for holding electronic equipment. Ergonomics Hazard Ensure that computer workstations are ergonomically designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. This includes proper chair and desk height, monitor placement, and keyboard positioning. Encourage users to take regular breaks to reduce eye strain and prevent repetitive strain injuries. Mechanical Hazards When working on electronic equipment, ask yourself • "Is there any way this equipment could hurt me? • You might stick your hand in a printer and suddenly the paper feed arm moves, feeding not only paper through the printer, but a piece of your finger too. Chemical Hazards There is a wide array of chemicals used with electronic equipment. There are : • • • • • Display cleaning chemicals, keyboard cleaning chemicals, compressed gas dirt and dust removers, and many cleaning solvents. If chemicals are used in the laboratory (e.g., for cleaning or maintenance), follow proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety data sheets (SDS) for chemicals. Some of these chemicals can be harmful if accidentally swallowed, get on bare skin, or get in eyes. Before using any chemicals for electronic equipment always read the warnings and instructions on the label. Also be very careful when dealing with inkjet printer cartridges, or laser printer toner cartridges. Ink and toner can stain skin, clothing, and carpet. Handling and disposal of hazardous materials such as cleaning agents, thermal paste, and other chemicals used in computer servicing. Electric Shock Hazard Inside computers and electronic equipment, there is a range of voltages from 3.3 volts to 25 volts, most of these are harmless. But at the power supply, you'll find line voltage, which is a lethal 220 volts • Ensure that all electrical installations comply with safety standards. • Use surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to protect sensitive equipment from power surges and outages. • Keep walkways clear to prevent tripping hazards caused by cables and cords. Most of the time while working inside computers and electronic equipment, you'll want them unplugged from the wall socket. If you need to work on equipment while it is still plugged in or powered up, remove all jewellery and wrist watches. If you must work inside a line power distribution box, • wear an electrician's rubber insulated gloves and safety glasses. • You might think you don't need these safety devices because you are going to be extra careful, but one little slip could cause a flaming explosion that could take off your hand, embed shrapnel in your eyes, or conduct electricity through your heart, where it takes only 10 milliamps (0.01) to kill a human. Guidelines for safely handling electrical components and equipment to prevent electrical shocks, including the use of proper grounding, insulation, and circuit protection. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Requirements for using PPE like gloves, safety goggles, and anti-static wristbands to protect against hazards like chemical exposure and electrostatic discharge (ESD). CRT Monitor High-Voltage Hazard CRT monitors are becoming less common nowadays, but should you run into one, it is best NOT to open it up. Instead, outsource any CRT repair job to a qualified CRT repair service. A CRT monitor has a high-voltage anode inside it, which can carry a charge of up to 25,000 volts, and it can still be holding a high charge day after the power is removed. If you must open a CRT monitor case for some reason, be sure to study the proper way to discharge a CRT before you proceed. It involves using a jumper wire and a flat blade screwdriver to shorten the anode to ground. After being discharged, even with no power connection, the anode voltage will actually build up again. So you have to repeatedly discharge it. To ensure the safety of individuals and the smooth operation of a computer laboratory, it's crucial to identify and mitigate these hazards through proper equipment maintenance, safety protocols, training, and regular inspections. Additionally, adhering to relevant safety standards and regulations is essential in managing and minimizing potential risks. Self Check: True or False A. Direction: Read carefully each statement below. Write T if the statement is TRUE. Place F if the statement is FALSE. _ . Health and safety procedure is the responsibility of all persons in the computer and technology industries _____Spotting the hazards means working out how likely it is that a hazard will harm someone and how serious the harm could be. ____If you need to temporarily run a cable across the floor, place a Danger sign similar to those "wet floor" signs used by cleaning services. Identify what hazard is being illustrated in the situation below. __________ 1. Slippery computer laboratory floor __________ 2. Hot components, or sharp edges of computer devices __________ 3. Laser printer toner __________ 4. Obstructed electrical Matching type Directions: Identify the type of hazard. Match Column A with Column B. Write only the letter of each correct answer on a separate sheet of paper. Column A 1. Cables running across the floor 2. Sharp edges of computers 3. Exposed power cable 4. Open casing of computer monitor 5. Slippery computer laboratory floor Column B mechanical hazard physical hazard Electrical hazards chemical hazard CRT monitor high voltage hazard 1. In a computer laboratory, what type of hazard might arise from a frayed power cord connected to a computer workstation? 2. When computer workstations lack adjustable chairs and desks, what kind of hazard is associated with the discomfort and potential musculoskeletal strain experienced by users? 3. In a computer laboratory, when computer cables are strewn haphazardly across the floor without proper organization, what kind of hazard does this pose? 4. What type of hazard is represented by a computer monitor that emits excessive heat during prolonged use, potentially causing discomfort and discomfort to users? 5. What kind of hazard is associated with the risk of electrical shock when a computer's power cord is damaged and exposes live wires? An open casing of a computer monitor represents a type of hazard known as an "electrical hazard" and, potentially, a "mechanical hazard." Let's break down these hazards: Electrical Hazard: An open casing exposes the internal electrical components of the computer monitor, which can include high voltage components and electrical wiring. This creates the risk of electric shock or electrical fires if individuals come into contact with the exposed parts or if conductive materials or liquids make contact with the components. Electrical hazards can lead to serious injuries or damage. Mechanical Hazard: Depending on the design and construction of the monitor casing, there may also be mechanical hazards associated with open casings. This could include sharp edges or protruding components that may pose a risk of physical injury, such as cuts or abrasions, to individuals who handle or interact with the exposed casing. To mitigate these hazards, it's essential to take the following actions: Isolation: Isolate the area around the open casing to prevent access by individuals. Power Off: If the monitor is powered, disconnect it from the electrical source to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Repairs: Repair or replace the monitor casing to ensure that all internal components are properly enclosed and insulated. Warning Signs: Clearly mark or label the area to warn others of the electrical and mechanical hazards. Training and Awareness: Educate individuals working in the area about the hazards associated with open casings and the proper procedures for handling such situations. Promptly addressing open casings of computer monitors is essential to prevent accidents, injuries, electrical shocks, or fires. It should be handled by qualified personnel with expertise in electrical and mechanical safety.
