Basic 9 · Computing · Health and Safety in the Use of ICT Tools
Lighting and Safety Risk Reduction at Workstations
In this topic you will further evaluate lighting at workstations, and assess ways of reducing safety risks in computer rooms and offices.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Evaluate lighting in a computer room
- Identify safety risks at workstations
- Propose ways of reducing those risks
What you already know
- Ergonomics
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 the Use of ICT Tools
- Indicator
- B9.1.3.1.1 – Evaluate health issues at workstations
Introduction
Stand in a computer lab and look at the screens. Can you see the window reflected in them? A good evaluation starts with observation.
1. How to Evaluate Lighting
- Walk around the room at different times of day.
- Sit at several computers.
- Look for glare and reflections.
- Check whether the paper on the desk is easy to read.
- Ask users whether their eyes feel tired.
- Record your findings.
- Suggest improvements.
2. Types of Lighting
| Type | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| natural | daylight | pleasant, varies in the day |
| general | ceiling lights | lights the whole room |
| task | desk lamp | lights the work area |
| indirect | light bounced off walls | reduces glare |
LED lights are efficient and last for a long time. Bulbs should be covered with diffusers to spread the light evenly. Light-coloured walls reflect light and brighten a room. Dark walls absorb light. In a well-designed room, the light levels change gently and no area is much brighter than another.
3. Screen Settings
| Setting | Advice |
|---|---|
| brightness | match the room |
| contrast | keep text clear |
| text size | large enough for reading |
| night light | warm colours in the evening |
| refresh rate | use the recommended setting |
4. Temperature, Noise and Air
Workstations should be in a comfortable environment. Computers give off heat, and a crowded room can get hot. Keep vents clear of dust and paper. A stuffy room may cause tiredness and headaches. Printers can produce fine particles and fumes, so place them in well-ventilated spots. Noise from generators outside or from air conditioners can reduce concentration. All of these should be included in an evaluation.
5. Writing an Evaluation
A short report helps leaders to act. State where and when you looked, what you found, why it matters and what you recommend. Use evidence, such as photographs or a simple table of scores. Be fair, noting what is good as well as what should change. For example: "Lab screens on the east wall have strong glare before 10 a.m. We recommend curtains and moving four desks." Recommendations should be specific and realistic, and they should fit the school's budget.
New words
- natural light
- Light from the sun.
- task lighting
- Lighting for a work area.
- diffuser
- A cover that spreads light evenly.
- evaluation
- Judging how well something works.
Summary
- Evaluate lighting by observing and asking users.
- Use suitable lighting and screen settings.
- Temperature, air and noise also matter.
Class activity: Lighting Report
- Evaluate lighting in the computer lab.
- Record your findings in a table.
- Write two recommendations.
You need: Computer monitor, Desk lamp, Printed glare-safe workstation chart
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is task lighting?
- A. a desk lamp
- B. a street light
- C. the moon
- D. a torch only
Show answer
Answer: a desk lampWork area.2. Light walls…
- A. reflect light
- B. absorb all light
- C. cause malaria
- D. slow computers
Show answer
Answer: reflect lightEnvironment.3. Computers give off heat.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueTemperature.4. A cover that spreads light evenly is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: diffuserLighting.5. Name three types of lighting.
Show answer
Answer: Natural, general and task lighting.Any three.6. What should a lighting evaluation report contain?
Show answer
Answer: Where and when, findings, why it matters and recommendations.Report.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Health and Safety in the Use of ICT Tools
- Indicator
- B9.1.3.1.2 – Evaluate Safety Risk Reduction issues at workstations
Introduction
A computer room is full of cables, sockets and heavy equipment. Most hazards there can be reduced by simple actions.
1. Safety Risks
| Risk | Danger | Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| trailing cables | trips and falls | use cable covers or ties |
| overloaded sockets | fire | use one plug per socket |
| frayed wires | electric shock | replace them at once |
| liquids near computers | shock, damage | no drinks at the desk |
| blocked exits | trapped in emergencies | keep paths clear |
| heavy monitors | falling objects | place on firm desks |
| dust in vents | overheating | clean regularly |
2. Electrical Safety
Electric shock and fire are the main dangers. Use properly earthed sockets, and do not overload extension boards. Keep liquids away from plugs and leads. Never open a computer's power supply or monitor, because high voltage may remain inside even after it is unplugged. Switch off and unplug before cleaning. Use surge protectors or voltage regulators, because power surges are common in Ghana and they can destroy equipment. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) keeps a computer on for a few minutes during a power failure, so you can save your work.
3. Fire Safety
Computer rooms should have a carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguisher. Water must not be used on electrical fires. Everyone should know the exit routes and the assembly point. Fire drills should be practised. Switch off equipment at the end of the day, and report any burning smells at once.
4. Laptops and Phones
Laptop batteries can overheat. Do not cover vents with blankets or pillows, and do not charge devices on your bed. Use the correct charger, because cheap chargers can cause fires. Do not use a swollen battery. Do not use phones when walking across a road. Never use a phone while driving or riding, or while filling up with fuel.
5. Risk Assessment Steps
- Identify the hazards.
- Decide who might be harmed and how.
- Evaluate the risks.
- Put controls in place.
- Record your findings.
- Review regularly.
Risks can be rated by likelihood and severity. A wet floor beside sockets is likely and severe, so it needs urgent action. A worn mouse pad is minor. A simple risk register can record each hazard, who is responsible for it and the date when it was fixed. Safety works best when it is a shared habit.
Safety: If someone suffers an electric shock, do not touch them. Switch off the power first and call for help.
New words
- trailing cable
- A cable lying across a walkway.
- surge protector
- A device that guards against voltage spikes.
- UPS
- A backup power supply.
- earthing
- A safe path for electricity to the ground.
Summary
- Keep cables tidy, sockets safe and exits clear.
- Protect equipment from surges and overheating.
- Use risk assessment to reduce danger.
Class activity: Risk Register
- Inspect the computer room.
- List hazards with their likelihood and severity.
- Record what should be done.
You need: Desktop system unit, Small desk fan, Printed workstation heat-risk chart
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A trailing cable can cause…
- A. trips
- B. rain
- C. viruses
- D. laughter
Show answer
Answer: tripsHazard.2. A UPS provides…
- A. backup power
- B. extra RAM
- C. faster internet
- D. printing
Show answer
Answer: backup powerPower.3. Water should not be used on electrical fires.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueShock.4. A device guarding against voltage spikes is a ______ protector.
Show answer
Answer: surgePower.5. State three ways of reducing electrical risk.
Show answer
Answer: Avoid overloading, keep liquids away and replace frayed wires.Any three.6. How would you rate a risk?
Show answer
Answer: By how likely it is and how severe its effects would be.Assessment.
Homework
- Check the sockets and cables at home and list any risks.