Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing

1. Computer Systems 1Fundamentals of Computing Health & Safety

2. Health & Safety • Working with computers • Effects on life • Health & Safety • Social aspects • Legal requirements / implications • Equipment specific aspects • Environmental issues • Ergonomics Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

3. Working with computers • Risks and effects associated with computer use • These are not only health related but also have social and economical implications • Computers and technology encroach on many aspects of everyday life • Desktop computers • Laptop computers • PDA’s • Mobile phones Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

4. Working with computers • “All businesses must ensure their workplace - whether this is a factory, office or shop - meets minimum health and safety standards.” • IT Related employer responsibilities: • carrying out a risk assessment • ensuring employees use IT equipment safely • reporting accidents or dangerous incidents in the workplace to the relevant authorities UK Law (www.businesslink.gov.uk) Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

5. General Health & Safety • Risk Assessment • All business must carry out an assessment • Issues • What are the potential hazards? • What hazard prevention measures are in place? • Five Step Risk Assessment • Look for the hazards • Decide who might be harmed and how • Evaluate risks and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or whether more needs to be done • Record your findings • Review your risk assessment from time to time and revise it Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

6. General Health & Safety • Equipment Regulations • Equipment must be suitable and safe to use under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). • All equipment must be: • suitable for its intended use • maintained in a safe condition • accompanied by suitable safety measures such as protective devices, markings and warnings • Only people who have received adequate information, instruction and training use the equipment. Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

7. Specific IT Regulations • Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 • Measures: • Ensure workstations and workplace layout meet a range of minimum requirements in areas such as clarity of image, adjustable chairs and suitable lighting • Ensure staff receive a Display Screen Equipment risk assessment and arising problems are resolved Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

8. Specific IT Regulations • Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 • Measures continued: • Give staff regular breaks away from display screens • Pay for employees' eye tests on request • Provide training so staff can use their VDU and workstation safely • VDU User Guide • http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.pdf Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

9. Health and Safety • Predominantly because of keyboard and mouse use • RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) • Primarily affects the hand and arms (pain!!!) • Can cause permanent damage • CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) • Mainly affects the wrists of computer users • Especially in the mouse hand • Swelling of tendons, causes pressure on the nerves Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

10. Health and Safety • VDU use • VDU = Visual Display Unit • The monitor or screen to you and I • Eye strain • Poor positioning of monitor • Issues with electrostatic fields • Skin and eye irritation • Magnetic & light radiation • Issues with electromagnetic fields • Reduction of immune system effectiveness Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

11. Solutions - Overview • Working environment • OHSA (US) • Occupational Health and Safety Administration www.osha.gov • UK Health and Safety Executive • www.hse.gov.uk Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

12. Solutions - Overview • Ergonomics • Correct posture • Positioning of components • Copy holders • Better work environment • Adjustable chair, desk, etc. • Wrist supports • Monitor filters • Regular breaks Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

13. VDU Legal Requirements • Computer screens should: • tilt and swivel to suit the needs of the user • be adjusted to the correct height for the user • show clear characters with adequate spacing • show a stable image with no flickering • have easily adjustable brightness and contrast controls • be free of reflected glare • have a screen size suitable for its intended use • You should also ensure that users know: • how to adjust brightness and contrast controls to suit • keep the screen surface clean • how to adjust software settings to make text large enough to read easily • take frequent breaks Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

14. Keyboard Legal Requirements • Keyboards should: • be tilt adjustable and separate from the screen to allow the user to work comfortably • have enough space in front of them to allow the user to rest their hands and arms when not keying • be legible and have a matt surface to minimise glare • You should also ensure that users: • adjust the keyboard to get a comfortable position • keep their wrists straight when keying • use the keys lightly and not overstretch their fingers • take frequent breaks Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

15. Pointing Device Legal Requirements • If an employee uses a mouse, trackball or other pointing device for long periods, they may develop problems in their hands, wrists or upper body • Minimise risk by: • Train user to use the mouse with relaxed arm and a straight wrist • informing the user that their fingers should rest lightly on the buttons and not press too hard • limiting the length of intensive mouse sessions • ensuring users take frequent short breaks • ensuring the device is suitable for the task • training the user in keyboard shortcuts • training the user to adjust the software settings - these control the reaction time between the mouse and the cursor on the screen Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

16. Laptop Advice • Some design features on laptops and portable computers can make them uncomfortable to use for long periods • Employees shouldn't therefore use laptops where full-sized equipment is available • Laptops should: • be as light as possible - 3kg or under • be fitted with as large and clear a screen as possible • preferably detachable or height-adjustable • come with a lightweight carrying case with handle and shoulder straps Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

17. Laptop Advice • Laptops should: • have a tilt-adjustable keyboard • be able to be used with a docking station • have friction pads underneath to prevent sliding across work surfaces • have enough memory and speed for the software used • be fitted with as long a battery life as possible and have extra transformer/cable sets provided so that the user has a set in each main location where the equipment is used Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

18. Laptop Advice • Laptops users should be aware of: • comfortable postures for using a laptop • using the keyboard at the right height • adjusting the screen to reduce reflection and glare • the need for regular rest breaks • how to report any problems that develop • how to reduce the manual handling risk, • eg by reducing the amount of extra equipment and paperwork to be carried • how to reduce the risk from theft or mugging Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

19. The Workstation • Desks: • big enough to allow the user to arrange the screen, keyboard, documents, etc in a flexible way • have a matt surface • big enough to let the user work comfortably & change position • be stable and positioned so that it's comfortable and easy to use where an employee uses a document holder • Chair: • be stable and allow the user to work comfortably • be adjustable in height • have a seat back adjustable in height and tilt Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

20. Social Implications of Computers • Computers are everywhere! • IT training becoming a necessity • Everyone prone to health and safety issues with technology • Stress / ‘Computer rage’ • Software manufacturers fault? • Information easily available and easy to share • Less need for social interaction • Why can’t the computer do it? • Laziness? • Un-sociable society? Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)

21. CS1: Week 10 • What you know now: • Aspects of safety • General working requirements • IT Specifics • Monitors • Working with computers • Health & Safety Issues • VDU usage • Workstation • Equipment safety Computer Systems 1 (2004-2005)