1. G061 - ICT Safety Problems

2. Learning objectives: By the end of this topic you should be able to:
describe safety problems related to working with ICT
describe measures for avoiding safety problems

3. Trailing Wires
If trailing cables are near where somebody walks then they are a trip hazard.
also possible that somebody could disconnect the wrong equipment.

4. Trailing Wires
cables should not be stretched across desks, doorways or thoroughfares.
cable management used to keep cables out of the way:
floor trunking (rubber cable floor covers)
wall trunking with separate compartments for electrics and data
desk portholes
spiral cable covers
false floors and ceilings
cable trays running under desks

5. Risk of Fire overloaded sockets can use too much current
which can lead to overheating and potentially a fire.
electrical equipment can develop faults over time
if it is not safety tested then it could also lead to a fire.
having lots of paper, or other combustible material, near hot electrical equipment is also a fire risk.

6. Avoiding Risk of Fire electrical sockets should not be overloaded
one plug per socket
electrical equipment should be regularly tested for safety
rooms should be well ventilated to prevent overheating
air conditioning should be used in server rooms
where natural ventilation is inadequate.
equipment turned off when nobody is in attendance
computers should be kept away from heat
Carbon Dioxide & Halon fire extinguishers should always be available near electrical equipment

7. Risk of Electrocution
electrical equipment which has not been safety tested can lead to electrocution if parts become faulty.
if somebody trips over a trailing wire and it exposes the copper cables then that could also cause electrocution.
water that is spilt onto electric equipment will not only damage the equipment but could also cause an electric shock.
anybody who works on the inside of a computer with exposed circuitry is at risk of shock
especially if the computer is still turned on.

8. Unsecured Equipment equipment can become susceptible to falling
which could hurt somebody if the equipment is not properly secured.
monitors that are resting on books to raise their height can easily be knocked over.
screens that are attached to walls with insufficient brackets can fall off the wall and hurt somebody.
laptops can often be placed in very precarious places.

9. Food & Drink spillage of food & drink can damage computer equipment
spillage of food & drink can lead to electrocution
if drink spills over electrical sockets.
crumbs that fall between keys on a keyboard can make the keys more difficult to press
and lead to RSI

10. Proximity to Water
electrical equipment that is near water can easily be damaged and can catch fire or cause electrocution.
electrical equipment that is near taps can lead to potentially fatal consequences,
electric sockets that are near pipe joints could get wet due to leaks.