Basic 7 · Computing · Health and Safety in Using ICT Tools
Health Hazards and Safety Measures in Using ICT Tools
In this topic you will identify the health hazards of prolonged use of computers and other ICT tools, the regulations that protect computer users, and the safety measures that prevent accidents.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Identify computing-related health disorders and their causes
- Explain the purpose of health and safety regulations for computer users
- Describe safety measures for using ICT tools
What you already know
- Input and output devices
- Workshop safety rules
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Health and Safety in Using ICT Tools
- Indicator
- B7.1.3.1.1 – Describe health measures and current regulatory requirements and potential computing-related disorders
Introduction
Many people spend hours every day on phones, laptops and televisions. Using ICT tools for a long time without care can harm the eyes, hands, back and even the mind.
1. Common ICT Tools at Home and School
ICT tools include desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, televisions, game consoles, printers and headphones. They help us learn, work, communicate and relax. However, long and careless use can lead to health problems known as computing-related disorders.
2. Computing-Related Health Disorders
| Disorder | Signs | Main cause |
|---|---|---|
| eye strain (computer vision syndrome) | tired, dry or blurred eyes; headaches | staring at screens for long periods without breaks; glare |
| repetitive strain injury (RSI) | pain in fingers, wrists, arms | repeating the same movements, such as typing and clicking |
| carpal tunnel syndrome | numbness and tingling in the hand | pressure on a nerve in the wrist from poor wrist position |
| back and neck pain | stiffness and aches | poor posture and badly adjusted chairs or screens |
| "text neck" | neck pain | bending the head down to look at a phone |
| hearing damage | ringing in the ears, poor hearing | loud music through headphones |
| obesity and poor fitness | weight gain, low energy | sitting for long periods without exercise |
| sleep problems | difficulty falling asleep | using screens late at night |
| stress and addiction | anxiety, inability to stop using devices | too much gaming or social media |
3. Why These Problems Develop
Most of these problems develop slowly. A learner who types for many hours with bent wrists, sits slouched on a bench and stares at a bright screen in a dark room may feel only slight discomfort at first. After weeks or months, the discomfort can become pain that lasts. That is why prevention, not cure, is the best approach.
4. Health and Safety Regulations
Many countries have rules to protect people who use computers at work. These rules require employers to check workstations, provide adjustable chairs and suitable lighting, allow breaks and offer eye tests. In Ghana, the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) requires employers to provide safe and healthy working conditions, and organisations follow international ergonomic standards when setting up offices. Schools also have rules on the use of computer laboratories.
5. Mental Wellbeing and Screen Time
Spending too long on social media and games can reduce sleep, homework time and face-to-face friendships. It can also expose young people to cyberbullying. Set limits on screen time, take part in sports and family activities, and talk to a trusted adult if something online upsets you.
New words
- RSI
- Repetitive strain injury caused by repeated movements.
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- Numbness in the hand from pressure on a wrist nerve.
- eye strain
- Tired, sore eyes from long screen use.
- ergonomics
- Designing workplaces to fit the human body.
Summary
- Long or careless use of ICT tools can cause eye strain, RSI, back pain and hearing damage.
- Problems develop slowly, so prevention is important.
- Regulations require safe workstations, breaks and good lighting for computer users.
Class activity: Hazard Brainstorm
- List the ICT tools used at home and their uses.
- Brainstorm the health hazards linked to long-term use of each tool.
- Present your findings on a chart with the cause of each hazard.
You need: Computer chair, Keyboard, Printed workstation-posture chart
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Tired, sore eyes from long screen use is called…
- A. eye strain
- B. RSI
- C. obesity
- D. text neck
Show answer
Answer: eye strainComputer vision syndrome.2. Numbness in the hand caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist is…
- A. carpal tunnel syndrome
- B. eye strain
- C. back pain
- D. hearing loss
Show answer
Answer: carpal tunnel syndromeWrist nerve.3. Using screens late at night can cause sleep problems.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLight keeps the brain awake.4. Designing workplaces to fit the human body is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: ergonomicsBody-friendly design.5. Name four health hazards associated with prolonged use of ICT tools.
Show answer
Answer: Eye strain, RSI, back pain, hearing damage (or obesity, sleep problems).Any four.6. Explain why repetitive strain injury develops in people who type a lot.
Show answer
Answer: Repeating the same finger and wrist movements for long periods without rest strains the muscles and tendons, causing pain.Repetition without rest.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Health and Safety in Using ICT Tools
- Indicator
- B7.1.3.1.2 – Describe Safety measures in using ICT tools
Introduction
A computer laboratory has many cables, sockets and expensive machines. Safety rules protect both the users and the equipment from accidents such as electric shock, fire and damage.
1. Electrical Safety
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| do not touch sockets or plugs with wet hands | water conducts electricity |
| do not overload sockets with many adapters | overloading causes overheating and fire |
| report damaged cables and plugs | exposed wires can cause shocks |
| switch off and unplug before cleaning | prevents electric shock |
| use surge protectors | protect equipment from power surges |
2. Fire Safety
Overheating devices, faulty wiring and overloaded sockets can start fires. A computer laboratory should have a carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguisher, which is safe for electrical fires. Water must never be used on an electrical fire because it conducts electricity. Learners should know the escape route and how to raise the alarm.
3. Safe Use of Equipment
- Keep food and drinks away from computers.
- Arrange cables so that no one can trip over them.
- Handle devices gently; do not bang keyboards or drop laptops.
- Shut down the computer properly using the Start menu.
- Keep the laboratory well ventilated so machines do not overheat.
- Do not open the system unit or repair equipment yourself.
4. Safe Use of Mobile Devices
Mobile phones and tablets also need care. Use the original charger, do not charge devices on beds or pillows where heat cannot escape, and stop using a battery that swells. Never use a phone while crossing the road or riding a bicycle. Keep the volume of headphones below about 60 percent and do not use them for more than about an hour without a break.
5. Online Safety
Safety also includes protecting yourself online. Do not share passwords or personal details, such as your home address, with strangers. Do not open links or attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain viruses. Report cyberbullying to a teacher or parent.
Safety: If someone receives an electric shock, do not touch them. Switch off the power at the mains first, then call for help.
New words
- overload
- Connecting too many devices to one socket.
- surge
- A sudden rise in electrical voltage.
- CO₂ extinguisher
- A fire extinguisher safe for electrical fires.
- cyberbullying
- Bullying through phones and the internet.
Summary
- Follow electrical safety rules and never overload sockets.
- Use a CO₂ extinguisher, not water, on electrical fires.
- Keep food away, arrange cables safely, shut down properly and stay safe online.
Class activity: Safety Rules Chart
- Inspect the computer laboratory for safety hazards, such as loose cables or overloaded sockets.
- Write ten safety rules for the laboratory.
- Display the rules near the door.
You need: Computer chair, Keyboard, Printed workstation-posture chart
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which extinguisher is safe for electrical fires?
- A. CO₂ extinguisher
- B. Water extinguisher
- C. Sand bucket only
- D. Foam on live wires
Show answer
Answer: CO₂ extinguisherIt does not conduct electricity.2. Connecting too many devices to one socket can cause…
- A. overheating and fire
- B. faster computers
- C. better sound
- D. cleaner screens
Show answer
Answer: overheating and fireOverloading.3. Food and drinks should be kept away from computers.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSpills damage equipment.4. A sudden rise in electrical voltage is a power ______.
Show answer
Answer: surgeSpike.5. State four safety rules in a computer laboratory.
Show answer
Answer: No food or drinks, do not overload sockets, arrange cables safely, shut down properly.Any four.6. Explain why water should not be used on an electrical fire.
Show answer
Answer: Water conducts electricity and could cause electric shock to the person and spread the fire.Conductivity.
Homework
- Check the sockets and cables in your home with an adult and list any safety hazards found.