Safety Tutorial for Computer Technicians Cheryl Connolly B. Ramer Tech BOCES

2 Safety Training Tasks for Computer Techs  Appropriate Clothing  Tools & Equipment Used on the Job  Chemical Hazards & Your Right to Know  Fire Safety  Ergonomics  Drug’s in the Work Place  Prevention of Back Injuries  Reporting Injuries

3 Pre-Test True/False 1.To avoid injury on the job, you must understand and recognize hazards 2.Electrocution has been a leading cause of work- related injury among 16 & 17 yr olds 3.It doesn’t matter what kind of clothing or jewelry you wear while working on computers. 4.Always remember to lift from the waist when you are moving heavy computer equipment 5.All employers with hazardous chemicals at the workplace must provide an MSDS.

4 Appropriate Clothes Ask your supervisor prior to beginning your internship if there is a dress code and then adhere to it. Loose flowing styles should be avoided Rubber sole shoes should be warn Avoid wearing jewelry—rings, watches, or necklaces –while working on computer hardware

5 Safety Equipment & Tools Wear Safety Goggles while working on equipment Make certain computer parts are placed on anti-static material Make certain all equipment is grounded

6 Tools Used on the Job Always use the right tool because using the wrong tool is dangerous When you finish a project, make certain you store all tools in the proper storage provided Leave your workstation the way you found it (Neat & Clean)

7 Chemical Hazards & Your Right To Know Before using any chemicals on the job –Find out what it is –Find out what it can do –Find out how you can protect yourself from harm Did you know that employers must provide you with this information? Ask for an MSDS on the chemical

8 Electrical Safety Do not overload electrical outlets If a circuit blows, there is a PROBLEM— tell your supervisor Keep cords out of walkways Use proper voltage in equipment Don’t expose computer software disks to electromagnetic fields

9 Floors, Doors, Exits Make certain floors are not cluttered with computer parts etc. blocking exits Check out all exits and emergency evacuation routes prior to employment Make certain fire doors are closed upon existing

10 Fire Safety Know locations of all fire emergency pulls Be familiar with all fire exits Know location of all fire extinguishers Know which fire extinguisher is used for which type of fire & use only if you have been trained in doing so Evacuate immediately if fire alarm sounds

11 Ergonomic Hazards Working with Computers Visual Problems- Eyestrain, Irritation, Headaches due to: –Poor Lighting –Poor screen resolution and/or positioning –Copy material that is difficult to read Fatigue –Adjust Display Screen –Adjust Chair –Adjust Mouse/Keyboard –Take frequent rest pauses Musculoskeletal Problems - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis –Use adjustable keyboard –Use mouse pad with rest to maintain straight wrist while typing Radiation Concerns –Increase distance between operator and workstations –Issue is still being researched and studied-- not conclusive

12 Ergonomic Hazards Back Problems A Poorly constructed chair can cause –Back pain –Poor performance Things to look for –Adjustable chair height –Armrests –Backrest w/lumbar support –Size & Shape of Seat Pan Design Improper Lifting can cause back injury so –Lift with a straight back using your legs for strength and keeping your head up and looking straight ahead –Do not twist your body Did you know …Work for adolescents should not require them to lift objects weighing greater than 30 pounds or for more than 2 hours continuously

13 Drinking, Drugs, and Work Don’t Mix Find out the facts on the effects of alcohol and drug use Ask your employer if your worksite has a drug-free program Speak up if you suspect someone at work is using.

14 HOW and to WHOM DO YOU REPORT AN INJURY Report all injuries to your supervisor no matter how minor you think it is—ex. Paper cut Complete all necessary paperwork Injuries must be reported immediately so that paperwork and necessary compensation may proceed Report all unsafe working conditions to your supervisor verbally and in writing

15 Post Test 1.To avoid injury on the job, you must understand and recognize hazards 2.Electrocution has been a leading cause of work- related injury among 16 & 17 yr olds 3.When working with electricity, one can wear all the jewelry they want. 4.Lift from the waist when you are moving computer equipment 5.All employers with hazardous chemicals at the workplace must provide an MSDS. 10 True/False Questions

16 Post Test Continued 6.Immediately report any work related accidents, no matter how minor, to your teacher. 7.Working daily with computers may cause adverse health effects. 8.Poorly constructed chairs may cause back pain and poor performance. 9.Anyone can use a fire extinguisher without training. 10.If you report unsafe conditions at work, your employer can fire you. 10 True/False Questions

17 Answers to Pre and Post Test 1.T 2.T 3.F 4.F 5.T 6. F 7. T 8. T 9. F 10. F

18 Safety Web Resources OSHA Teen Safety Pagewww.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/ National Institute of Safety – Teen Pagewww.cdc.gov/niosh/adolespg.html Safe Teen – Mainewww.safeteen.org Work Safe Onlinewww.worksafebc.com/