General Health and Safety steps when using a Computer

It is important to work safely for the safety and welfare of you and others around you. If you do not follow the safe practices you could hurt yourself and others and equipment could be damaged.

When connecting peripherals to a computer make sure that the computer is switched off at the mains before connecting any external hardware.

To avoid health problems while using a computer you should sit up straight in your chair and make sure your eyes are at level with your computer that your neck does not have to bend for you to see your screen properly. You should adjust your seat to your liking and make sure that there is no sun or light reflecting off your screen which will lead you to strain your eyes which can cause headaches, neck strain and eyestrain.

Make sure you have plenty of room on your work station for your arms and that your wrists are resting on your desk. A footrest is also of great help as it can reduce problems when working in front of a computer for long hours. Repeated movement of your wrists and fingers can lead to repetitive strain injury to avoid this you must always follow the safe practices for your own welfare and by taking a break from your computer at least every hour or so for 15 minutes. 

Do not put food or drink beside your computer as this is a safety issue. If liquid is to spill on electrical equipment the outcome can be very dangerous and life threatening. Also make sure that all leads and cables are out of the way to avoid falling and causing an injury and that sockets are not overloaded with plugs. A fire extinguisher should be available at all times and the fire exit locations should be on notice beside the door in each room.

Health and Safety steps when connecting to Peripherals

All printers should be examined, tested and checked thoroughly before being connected, these are the guidelines offered by the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and all sockets must also be switched off before inserting the plug.  It is recommended that laser printers should be situated one metre away from were people are sitting.

Digital Camera’s

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

Hard Drive

Before connecting a hard drive to your computer make sure that the system is turned off and is not connected to the wall socket. You should also use an anti-static band to get rid off any static you may have in your body. Handle the hard drive with care when connecting it, never force it too much. Carefully remove VDU from system and use the proper utensils



Printers