Computer Safety Unit 4 Quiz

Study Notes

Lecture Objectives:
- Assess and reduce VDU workstation hazards and risks
- Describe safe work practices for computers (breaks, planning, eye tests)
- Discuss safe laptop use
- Explain safety procedures for computer servicing/repair
- Discuss e-waste hazards and recycling barriers
- Detail product stewardship for minimizing e-waste impact

Assessing and Reducing Hazards/Risks of VDU Workstations
- Abbreviations:
  - VDU (Visual Display Unit)
  - ULD (Upper Limb Disorder)
  - RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
  - OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome)
  - These terms relate to work-related injuries in the upper limbs (muscles, nerves, tendons)

Proper Workstation Setup:
- Position monitor 18-24 inches away, arm's length and 15-30 degrees below eye level
- Avoid direct light shining on screen or in eyes
- Maintain 90-degree angles for forearms and thighs to spine
- Use wrist pad to support hands (when not typing)
- Keep feet flat on the floor
- Use well-designed, adjustable office chair with padded, adjustable arms

Breaks, planning, eye tests:
- Include regular breaks every hour
- Plan work tasks
- Schedule eye tests
Reduce Stress:
- Take breaks, relax, stretch, talk with someone
- Massage hands, forearms, neck muscles
- Evaluate your environment for ways to reduce stress
- Learn to change your reactions to unavoidable stress
Ergonomics:
- Watch your posture
- Avoid craning your head/shoulders forward
- Use a keyboard wrist rest properly
- Drink plenty of water regularly
Exercises:
- Squeeze a soft ball
- Stretch and curl fingers
- Gently shake your hands/arms
- Breathe deeply, exhale slowly
- Stretch the neck
- Rest the eyes

Refer to attachment: (Specific safety precautions are not provided in the text)

General Safety Guidelines:
- Remove jewelry, secure loose clothing
- Turn off and unplug equipment before servicing
- Cover sharp edges with tape to prevent cuts
- Never touch hot surfaces or areas with high voltage (inside the computer case)
- Know location of fire extinguisher and how to use it
- Keep workspace clean and free of obstructions
- Bend knees when lifting heavy objects to prevent back injury
Electrical Safety:
- Follow electrical safety guidelines to prevent fires and injuries
- Power supplies/CRT monitors contain high voltage; never open these when working on a computer
- Do not wear antistatic wrist strap if performing repairs (only experienced technicians should attempt repairs)

E-waste:
- Electronic waste (e.g., computers, laptops, phones, TVs)
- Categorized: Large Household Appliances, IT and Telecom and Consumer Equipment
Components:
- Metal, motor components, cooling systems, plastics, insulation, glass, etc.
E-waste Sources:
- CRTs (TVs, Monitors), batteries, PVC cables, paints, plastics from electronics, etc.
Hazardous Components/Effects:
- Lead, barium, heavy metals, Mercury, Cadmium, Beryllium, flame retardant substances (lead, mercury, cadmium: associated with anemia, renal toxicity, etc, beryllium with lung problems, etc)
Environmental Hazards:
- Heavy metals leaching into groundwater, toxic air emissions, toxic chemicals into water / soil
Effects on Humans:
- Various health issues (e.g., anemia, renal toxicity, insomnia, nerve/brain damage, birth defects, heart problems, obesity, reproductive disease, and suppression of immune systems, liver damage, nervous and reproductive system damage and more)
Barriers to Recycling:
- Current legislation lacks incentives for reuse/recycling
- Limited reuse options
- Manufacturers don't allow reuse
- Informal and illegal e-waste disposal creates negative public perception

Product Stewardship:
- Environmental management strategy that considers the entire lifecycle of a product.
10 Key Principles for Product Stewardship:
- Shared Responsibility: Safe handling throughout entire product lifecycle
- Lifecycle Thinking: Prevent risks and increase sustainability throughout product use
- Knowledge: Understand hazards associated with products
- Supply Chain Communication: Share info about hazards to upstream and downstream entities
- Stakeholders: Address concerns and needs of all involved parties
- Teamwork: Product stewardship expertise required
- Awareness: Continuously monitor for new risks and safer products and processes
- Innovation: Develop innovative, safer products and processes
- Management: Implement and continually improve systems
- Integration: Make product stewardship part of core business functions

E-waste recycling: Disassembling or shredding of electronic equipment.
Hazards: Release of toxic particles (heavy metals/chemicals) into the air; this can lead to soil-crop exposure from contaminated ground water and air for humans. Health issues include anemia, kidney damage, high blood pressure, nerve and brain damage, birth defects, miscarriages and more, depending on the hazardous substances involved.