Computers safety precautions.

 COMPUTER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 

What safety precautions should be undertaken in order to protect your computer from frequent break down? 

1.  Never use the computer in a dusty environment.
2.  Water or moisture should be avoided near computers or in a computer room. 
3. Never eat or drink in a computer room. 
4. Liquids might splash on the machines. 
5. Do not smoke near computers. 
6. Do not block the ventilation holes on a computer when it is hot. 
7. Use a dry, clean cloth to clean not a wet cloth. 
8. Computer rooms must be well ventilated. 
9. Computers hate heat or stuff atmosphere. 
10. Do not allow or bring diskettes from outside. They may have viruses. 
11. Do not switch the computer on and off abruptly or irresponsibly. 
12. Protect the machines using UPS and stabilizers. 
13. When In Doubt? Please Ask An Expert. 

Protect yourself: computer Health and Safety issues 

The information in this guide will help you to develop good working practices when using a personal computer or workstation. If you learn good habits now, it saves you from experiencing problems in the future.

Adopt a good posture

A good working posture is one which can be sustained with the minimum of static muscular effort. In general, a varied working position is better than a fixed working posture.

However, a working position which is static  and relaxed is better than one which is static and tense.

Your upper body is most comfortable when:

1. Your back is supported
2. Your head is up
3. Your upper arms are relaxed

Your hands and wrists are most comfortable when:

1. Your forearm is nearly at a right angle to your upper arm.
2. Your wrist is in a straight line with your hand and forearm.

Adjust your seating position

In order to improve your posture, adjust your chair your so that:

1. Your lower back is supported.
2. Your knees are level with your hips
3. Your feet are flat on the floor
4. Your eye level is just above the top of the screen. Tilt your necessary.
5. The screen is directly in front of you, not at an angle.

Type using both hands ... or better still, learn to touch type 

If your arms are raised or your wrists are bent for long periods of keyboarding, tendon and nerve disorders can result. 

It is worth learning to touch type because typing encourages the correct positioning of your hand and wrist so you will not over strain your forefingers. 

Remember that using the mouse a great deal can put strain on your hand and wrist muscles 

Repetitive Strain Injury -RSI 

Keyboard-induced RSI is caused by a combination of rapid keyboard movements, by arms in a static position, over a long period of time. 

There are several factors that can lead to keyboard-related RSI. 

These include: 

1. Rapid, repetitive movements. 
2. An awkward working position. 
3. An excessive work-load. 
4. Tight deadlines. 
5. Inadequate rest breaks. 

To prevent the symptoms of RSI, watch your posture, work at a steady rate and take regular breaks from the screen.

Eye right

According to medical evidence, computer use is not associated with danger your eyes or eyesight; nor does it make existing defects worse.

However, eye muscles that shift locus bet ween your source ncihent and a screen for a long period of time can tire. 

The symptoms of eye strain include 

I. Headache 

2. ltching eyes 

3. Burnng eyes

 4. Fatigue. 

If you wear contact lenses you may experience the sensation of dry eyes whilst using, a compu This is because you may blink less often than usual. 

Radiation

The Health and Safety Executive state that there is no evidence that electromagnetic radiators emitted from computers causes miscarriages, cataracts or skin diseases. 

Take a break 

To prevent the onset of fatigue, you should have a break, or change of activity , for about 10 minutes after every uninterrupted 60 minutes of computer work. 

Short, frequent breaks are more satisfactory than occasional, longer breaks. 

If  possible, breaks should be taken away from the screen. 

In between breaks, look into the distance and stretch occasionally. 

Your safety in the computer lab. 

1. Please refrain from eating and drinking in the labs. 
2. Avoid obstructing gangways with your bags, coats or belongings.
3. Remove your printout from the printers before you leave the lab.