Physical Safety Issues |
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Key Words:
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Physical safety, Causes, Prevention. |
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What is physical safety? |
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Physical safety in computing is all about ensuring that you do not suffer any harm whilst working with computers.
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There are physical safety issues associated with ICT and computing. |
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There are a number of physical safety issues that can arise from using ICT devices.
Some of these safety issues include:
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For each of these safety issues we will discuss the causes and how to prevent them.
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What is electrocution?
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Electrocution is caused by electricity passing through your body. |
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Don't use exposed electrical wires. |
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Keep drinks away from electrical equipment. |
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Never open up an electrical device. |
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Most ICT devices require an electrical power source.
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Whenever you have electrical power sources you run the risk of the electrocution.
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Electrocution is harm, or even death, caused by an electric current
passing through the body. |
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The main causes of electrocution along with prevention strategies are listed in the table below: |
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Causes and prevention of electrocution: |
Cause |
Prevention |
Faulty equipment (bare wires etc). |
Make sure wires are insulated.
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Spilling drinks over electrical equipment.
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Keep drinks away from equipment.
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Using malfunctioning or faulty equipment |
Report any malfunctioning equipment to a technician.
(Don't use it!)
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Opening up an electrical device and messing with the hardware inside.
(This should only be done by trained professionals) |
Never open up an electrical device. |
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Some videos:
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Here are some links to videos that contain more information about the causes and prevention of electrocution:
PLACE VIDEOS HERE
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ICT devices require power from a mains outlet.
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Examples: |
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Don't overload plug sockets. |
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Have a fire extinguisher in the room. |
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Keep vents clear to allow air circulation and prevent overheating. |
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If too many devices are plugged into a single mains at the same time it is possible to overload the circuit and start an electrical fire.
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You need to ensure that your room has many plug sockets so you don't have to overload any single one.
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The main causes of fires along with prevention strategies are listed in the table below: |
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Causes and prevention of fires: |
Causes |
Prevention |
Too many devices plugged into a single mains outlet. |
Make sure that your room has plenty of mains outlets.
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Leaving devices plugged in unattended for long periods.
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Don't plug too many devices into the same outlet. |
Covering air vents on devices like laptops.
(This can cause the device to overheat and start a fire)
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Turn off and unplug devices if you are going to be away for a long time. |
Have a CO2 fire extinguisher at hand to quickly put out any fires that start. |
Make sure that air vents on devices are uncovered to allow free air circulation. |
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Some videos: |
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Here are some links to videos that contain more information about the causes and prevention of fires:
PLACE VIDEOS HERE
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ICT devices with wires can make a room a potential hazard.
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Examples: |
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Trailing wires trip people and cause injury.
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Cable covers are used to encase loose wires and prevent tripping. |
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WiFi allows devices to operate without wires and removes the possibility of tripping over them. |
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Trailing wires are easy to trip over if they are not secured or tucked away.
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Tripping over wires can lead to falling to the ground and breaking bones, ligament strains etc.
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Causes and prevention of tripping over wires: |
Causes |
Prevention |
Long wires or cables trailing across a floor. |
Encase the wires in cable covers.
(Cable covers are pieces of plastic or rubber that are used to encase wires) |
Tuck trailing wires under desks or carpets.
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Use wireless technology to eliminate the use of wires altogether. |
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Some videos: |
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Here are some links to videos that contain more information about the causes and prevention of tripping over wires:
PLACE VIDEOS HERE
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Some ICT devices (like computer screens) are fairly heavy and can cause injury if they fall on you.
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Examples: |
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Falling equipment can cause physical injury. |
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Position equipment well away from edges. |
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Use a sturdy desk which can take the weight of the equipment and has plenty of space. |
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Equipment should be positioned securely on strong desks and tables well away from the edge.
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Causes and prevention of falling equipment: |
Causes |
Prevention |
Equipment not positioned securely onto desks. |
Make sure that equipment is positioned away from the edge of desks. |
Poor quality and flimsy desks. |
Make sure that the desk has plenty of space. |
Use strong desks/tables that can support the weight with ease. |
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Some videos: |
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Here are some links to videos that contain more information about the causes and prevention of heavy equipment falling:
PLACE VIDEOS HERE |
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Activity! |
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Click the above task and answer the questions about Physical safety.
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