Computer Safety - Unit 4 - Specialised Option - PDF

Unit 4: Specialised option – Computer Safety ___________________________________________________________ Lecture objectives i. Assessing and reducing hazards and risks of VDU workstations ii. Safe Work Practices when using a computer (breaks, planning work, eye tests,) iii....

Unit 4: Specialised option – Computer Safety ___________________________________________________________ Lecture objectives i. Assessing and reducing hazards and risks of VDU workstations ii. Safe Work Practices when using a computer (breaks, planning work, eye tests,) iii. The Safe Use of a Laptop iv. Safety when servicing or repairing a computer v. Discuss hazards of E-waste and identify the barriers to recycling e-waste vi. Describe the concept of product stewardship as a method for minimizing the impact of e-waste on the environment __________________________________________________ Computer Safety- Use and disposal (i) Assessing and reducing hazards and risks of VDU workstations Abbreviations The following are umbrella terms covering all kinds of work-related injuries to the muscles, nerves, and tendons of the upper limbs. In this section they will be referred to as: VDU (Visual Display Unit), ULD (Upper Limb Disorder), RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome) 1  How you should organise your workstation to avoid strain injuries and stress 2 vii. Safe Work Practices when using a computer (breaks, planning work, eye tests,) 3  viii. The Safe Use of a Laptop Refer to attachment. ix. Safety when servicing or repairing a computer Safe working conditions help prevent injury to people and damage to computer equipment. A safe workspace is clean, organized, and properly lighted. Everyone must understand and follow safety procedures. Follow the basic safety guidelines to prevent cuts, burns, electrical shock, and damage to eyesight. As a best practice, make sure that a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are available in case of fire or injury. Poorly placed or unsecured cables can cause tripping hazards in a network installation. Cables should be installed in conduit or cable trays to prevent hazards. This is a partial list of basic safety precautions to use when working on a computer:  Remove your watch and jewelry and secure loose clothing.  Turn off the power and unplug equipment before performing service.  Cover sharp edges inside the computer case with tape.  Never open a power supply or a CRT monitor.  Do not touch areas in printers that are hot or that use high voltage.  Know where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it.  Keep food and drinks out of your workspace.  Keep your workspace clean and free of clutter.  Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects to avoid injuring your back. Electrical Safety Follow electrical safety guidelines to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities in the home and the workplace. Power supplies and CRT monitors contain high voltage. CAUTION Do not wear the antistatic wrist strap when repairing power supplies or CRT monitors. Only experienced technicians should attempt to repair power supplies and CRT monitors. 4 Some printer parts become hot during use, and other parts might contain high voltage. Check the printer manual for the location of high-voltage components. Some components retain a high voltage even after the printer is turned off. Make sure that the printer has had time to cool before making the repair. Electrical devices have certain power requirements. For example, AC adapters are manufactured for specific laptops. Exchanging power cords with a different type of laptop or device may cause damage to both the AC adapter and the laptop. Fire Safety Follow fire safety guidelines to protect lives, structures, and equipment. To avoid an electrical shock and to prevent damage to the computer, turn off and unplug the computer before beginning a repair. Fire can spread rapidly and be very costly. Proper use of a fire extinguisher can prevent a small fire from getting out of control. When working with computer components, be aware of the possibility of an accidental fire and know how to react. Be alert for odors emitting from computers and electronic devices. When electronic components overheat or short out, they emit a burning odor. If there is a fire, follow these safety procedures:  Never fight a fire that is out of control or not contained.  Always have a planned fire escape route before beginning any work.  Get out of the building quickly.  Contact emergency services for help.  Locate and read the instructions on the fire extinguishers in your workplace before you have to use them. Be familiar with the types of fire extinguishers used in your country or region. Each type of fire extinguisher has specific chemicals to fight different types of fires:  Paper, wood, plastics, cardboard  Gasoline, kerosene, organic solvents  Electrical equipment  Combustible metals It is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher. Use the memory aid P-A-S-S to remember the basic rules of fire extinguisher operation:  P: Pull the pin.  A: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames.  S: Squeeze the lever.  S: Sweep the nozzle from side t 5  x. Discuss hazards of E-waste and identify the barriers to recycling e- waste Electronic waste or e-waste is the term used to describe old, end-of-life electronic appliances such as computers, laptops, TVs, DVD players, mobile phones, mp3 players, etc., which have been disposed by their original users. E-waste has been categorized into three main categories, i.e., Large Household Appliances, IT and Telecom and Consumer Equipment. Refrigerator and washing machine represent large household appliances; PC, monitor and laptop represent IT and Telecom, while TV represents Consumer Equipment. Each of these e-waste items has been classified with respect to 26 common components found in them. These components form the ‘building blocks’ of each item and therefore they are readily ‘identifiable’ and ‘removable.’ These components are metal, motor/ compressor, cooling, plastic, insulation, glass, LCD, rubber, wiring/electrical, concrete, transformer, magnetron, textile, circuit board, fluorescent lamp, incandescent lamp, heating element, thermostat, brominated flamed retardant (BFR)-containing plastic, batteries, CFC/HCFC/HFC/HC, external electric cables, refractory ceramic fibers, radioactive substances and electrolyte capacitors (over L/D 25 mm). 6 As a result of economic development and rapid advances in technology, enormous quantities of WEEE, or e-waste, are generated globally. Equipment that still has a functional lifespan is often discarded early and sent for recycling as newer products come on the market. Re-using e-waste helps extend a product’s useful life and reduces the demand for resources to produce EEE. Re- use is part of the sustainable management of e-waste and contributes to the goal of resource conservation. The top set of barriers relates to obtaining enough used equipment. Sourcing sufficient quantities of good-quality used equipment is a major concern. Some of the reasons for this include current legislation that does not support re-use organisations by providing adequate financial incentives for and enforcement of e-waste re-use. In addition, re-use options are not being incorporated into collection and recycling initiatives. Furthermore, some equipment manufacturers do not allow their products to be re-used, to avoid competition with new products. Instead, these manufacturers require used equipment to be recycled, even when it could be re-used. The second set of barriers relates to the informal and illegal disposal of e-waste. This creates a negative public perception of re-using e-waste. For example, workers’ health and the environment could be harmed when informal collectors send e-waste to developing countries with inadequate health and safety controls. Issues related to regulations, standards and product design are grouped together in the third set of barriers. It can be costly for organisations, particularly those that operate globally, to comply with different standards and regulations, especially as there is no internationally recognised re- use standard. Although not considered a major barrier, many products are not designed with re- use in mind. The top four factors identified that contributed to successful re-use of e-waste were: a high quality refurbishment process ensuring good quality, reliable products; being in charge of quality control; accessing good quality used equipment; and ensuring that the confidential data of previous users was safely destroyed, as well as protecting the manufacturer’s brand. All of these factors help counteract the negative perception of re-used e-waste created by the informal and non-compliant participants in the e-waste sector. Other success factors include effective management of stakeholder relationships, for both suppliers and receivers of e-waste, and a transparent and traceable chain from the collection of e-waste through 7 The Health Hazards of Electronic Waste Recycling Electronic waste recycling is the process of disassembling or shredding unwanted electronics that have reached the end of their useful life or have become obsolete. According to the EPA, the U.S. generated 3.42 million tons of e-waste in 2012. Only 1 million tons (29.20%) of the electronics were recycled. When e-waste is recycled, toxic particles are released and disperse into the air. This increases the risk of human exposure as these chemicals may enter the soil-crop food pathway. The soil-crop food pathway is considered, “One of the most significant routes for heavy metals’ exposure to humans.” Since e-waste recycling creates fine dust that may contain various hazardous metals, it is the responsibility of both the employer and employee to practice e-waste recycling in a safe and responsible manner. Chemical hazards and potential health effects found in common household electronics (such as computers, monitors, keyboards and mice, TVs and mobile devices) include: · Lead dust – Anemia, kidney damage, high blood pressure, nerve and brain damage, miscarriage, birth defects. · Mercury vapor – Nerve and brain damage, birth defects. · Cadmium dust – Kidney disease, bone problems, lung cancer. · Beryllium dust – Lung disease. · Flame retardant dust – Possible thyroid hormone problems. 8 While e-waste recycling can cause permanent and serious physical and health problems, companies can work towards a safer and greener approach by transitioning to elements that are biodegradable, thus decreasing the risk of chemical exposure. xi. Describe the concept of product stewardship as a method for minimizing the impact of e-waste on the environment Product Stewardship is an environmental management strategy that means whoever designs, produces, sells, or uses a product takes responsibility for minimizing the product's environmental impact throughout all stages of the products' life cycle, including end of life management. The greatest responsibility lies with whoever has the most ability to affect the full life cycle environmental impacts of the product. This is most often the producer of the product, though all within the product chain of commerce have roles. The following 10 principles are key to achieving product stewardship and apply to each of us involved in any product's lifecycle: 1. Shared Responsibility: Take responsibility to ensure products are managed safely throughout their lifecycle for the products that you supply, manufacture, distribute, use, dispose/recycle or regulate. The manufacturer of a product does not have complete control over every actor throughout a product's lifecycle. No matter how "foolproof" a product is, each of us has an obligation not to be foolish. 2. Lifecycle Thinking: Work to prevent or significantly reduce risks and increase sustainability throughout the product lifecycle. This could range from simple communications to redesign to regulations to withdrawing the product from the market. A product take-back program may be an effective and efficient component of product stewardship in some cases, as might substituting safer components. But beware of unintended consequences as you fix one problem only to create another. 3. Knowledge: Understand the potential environmental, health and safety risks of your actions – the inherent hazards associated with the materials you use and the exposures you may cause. In addition, understand how others in the product's lifecycle impact risk. The biggest burden for developing knowledge of a product's hazards falls on the manufacturer because it defines what the product is. Understanding the other necessary component of risk, exposure, is tougher. The challenges of acquiring the right kinds of information are addressed by some of the principles 9 below and are the subjects of vigorous discussions around science, business proprietary information, transparency and public policy on what and when something is "safe enough." 4. Supply Chain Communication: Share information necessary for others to understand hazards and manage exposures in their portion of the supply chain. Products are part of complex systems involving a series of suppliers and customers (including waste handlers). You need to help those upstream and downstream from you minimize total lifecycle impacts and use more sustainable practices. 5. Stakeholders: Understand the concerns of the range of stakeholders who influence the success of the product – employees, stockholders, suppliers, neighbors, governments, peers and public interest groups. Determine what you need to do to assure these stakeholders that a product is being managed safely. Work together to find the best solutions that preserve benefits and reduce risks. Stakeholders determine what is "safe enough." 6. Teamwork: Determine who knows the what, where, why and how of a product to find more sustainable solutions. Product stewards do not work alone. They must work closely with and rely on experts who understand each aspect of a product's lifecycle so that risks can be characterized and controlled (manufacturing, marketing, research, legal, health and environmental, public affairs, etc.). Expert teams are also needed to continue developing reliable standards to evaluate and communicate risk information to customers. 7. Awareness: Watch for new information relating to risks and safer products. Have processes in place that manage and quickly respond to changes that can impact product safety such as changes in resources, processes, science, technologies, uses, users/customers and societal and regulatory expectations. Try to anticipate and get ahead of changes. 8. Innovation: A commitment to product stewardship stimulates innovation in reducing risks and improving value to meet customer and societal needs with new and better products and processes. Building in sustainability and safety during the product design phase is the most effective way for a company to accomplish product stewardship. 9. Management: Implement practices that will continually move product stewardship forward. An ongoing plan-do-check-act cycle and all the other management tools you already use apply to product stewardship just like any other activity. Most importantly, product stewardship is not a one-time project; it's a way of thinking and acting responsibly. 10. Integration: Product stewardship should be integral to how a business operates and be part of the culture. It cannot be a stand-alone program performed by a staff group in a far off branch 10 of an organization chart. Every function contributes to the lifecycle impacts of a product. Individual consumers also need to be product stewards whenever they buy, use and discard any product. We should all ask ourselves, "Is this the responsible thing to do?" The principles of product stewardship should become common sense. Practice Questions Question #1: (i) You are the technician assigned to the helpdesk at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. A member of the academic staff requires some assistance. Identify how you would assist with each of the following: a. His hands become easily tired when typing on the keyboard. His elbows are in a downward position. b. The screen is being affected by glare c. The user cannot comfortably reach all the equipment and papers he needs to use. d. He has requested your advice on what is good keyboard technique. (4 marks) (ii) You have to work on your laptop for an extended period of time to complete your HSEV1005 class project. Identify three (3) precautions you should take to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal discomfort or injury. (3 marks) (iii)The portable nature of your laptop makes it likely that you will carry the laptop more often. Identify three (3) simple principles to reduce back, shoulder and neck strain: (3 marks) Question #2: a. What is the Basel Convention? (2 marks) b. Identify three (3) hazardous elements found in computers and explain how these elements can impact negatively on human health. (3 marks) a. iii. What does the term ‘product stewardship’ mean? (2 marks) c. Kodak as part of its commitment to product stewardship offers customers products that carry the ENERGY STAR® logo. Identify one benefit that can be gained from the use of ENERGY STAR® products. (1mark) Question #3: Identify two (2) barriers to recycling e-waste. (2 marks) 11 Question #4 a. Identify four (4) hazards associated with computers and Visual display unit (VDU) workstations and describe the appropriate hazard control technique that may be employed to reduce the risk associated with each of these hazards. (8mks) b. Explain the concept of ‘product stewardship’ (2mks) c. Identify two (2) benefits of product stewardship (2mks) d. Due to the fact that sometimes two people of the same height do not have the same limb segment length there are ergonomic measurements that should be taken when designing workstations. List and define three (3) of these measurements. (6mks) e. One hazard related to the use of the keyboard is the size and organization of the keyboard with the attached numeric keypad. Outline two methods to reduce the negative impact of this. (2mks) 12