Health & Safety (Edexcel IGCSE Ict)
Exam board Pearson Edexcel · IGCSEUpdated 2024-06-12
Spec point —
3.8.6
Health & safety
What are health issues?
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Health issues are a common side affect of the prolonged use of IT at home or in the workplace
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There are strategies that should be in place to help prevent health issues such as:
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Back/neck problems
- Eye strain
- Headaches
| Risk | Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Repetitive strain injury (RSI) | - Damage to the fingers, wrists and joints, traditionally cause d by prolonged use of a keyboard and mouse | - Have the correct posture (angle of arms to the keyboard and mouse) - Use a wrist support if necessary - Take regular breaks - Make use of ergonomic keyboards |
| Back/neck problems | - Sitting in front of a computer screen for prolonged periods of time | - Use adjustable chairs - Take regular breaks - Use a foot rest |
| Eye strain | - Staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time or incorrect lighting causing reflections | - Take regular breaks - Use anti-glare screen filter - Change from CRT to LCD monitor |
| Headaches | - A combination of factors, including: - Poor lighting - Flickering screens - Reflections - Fatigue | - Take regular breaks - Have regular eye tests - Use an anti-glare screen filter |
What is physical safety?
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Physical safety is creating a safe environment when using technology
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It includes considering dangers that could lead to serious injury or loss of life
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Identifying strategies to mitigate dangers
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Safety risks include:
- Electrocution from spilling drinks near electrical equipment
- Fire hazard from overloading plug sockets
- Equipment overheating
- Trailing cables (trip hazard)
- Heavy equipment falling and causing injury
| Risk | Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Electrocution | - Spilling drinks near electrical equipment | - Keep liquids away from electrical equipment |
| - Touching live cables | - Ensure that cables are properly insulated and protected - Use non-conductive materials where possible - Ensure that electrical equipment is turned off and unplugged before cleaning or maintenance - Use circuit breakers or fuses to prevent electrical overload | |
| Fire hazards | - Sockets being overloaded | - Use surge protectors to prevent electrical overload - Ensure enough plug sockets in the room - Don’t plug too many devices into the same plug socket - Don’t leave devices plugged in and unattended |
| - Equipment overheating | - Ensure that equipment is properly ventilated and not obstructed - Keep flammable materials away from heat sources - Regularly check equipment for signs of wear or damage - Use fire extinguishers in case of emergencies - Turn off or unplug devices when away from the location - Do not cover any air vents on devices | |
| Trip hazards | - Cables not properly secured or organised | - Use cable ties or clips to secure cables - Keep cables away from areas where people are walking - Secure cables where you can, like under desks to stop protruding into open areas - Use cable covers to protect cables and prevent tripping hazards - Regularly inspect cables for signs of wear or damage - Where possible use wireless devices to reduce cables |
| Personal safety | Improperly secured equipment | - Ensure that equipment is properly secured and stable - Regularly check the stability of locations containing devices |
| Equipment not placed on stable surfaces | - Keep equipment away from edges and other potential hazards - Regularly inspect equipment and locations containing devices for signs of wear or damage |
Worked Example Not having uncovered drinks near a laptop is one method of reducing the risk of electric shock.
Identify two other health and safety risks of using ICT and one method of prevention for each risk.
[4]
Answer
*Eye strain [1]
- Take regular breaks [1]
- Set lighting levels [1]
- Anti-glare screen [1]
- Use blue light filter [1]
- Sit at an appropriate distance from the screen [1]
- Use larger screen [1]
*Trip hazards [1]
- Use wireless technology [1]
- Use cable ties Run cables under carpet [1]
- Organise cables [1]
*Fire [1]
- Do not overload sockets [1]
- Have electric devices checked regularly [1]
RSI Back/shoulder/wrist pain *Carpel Tunnel syndrome [1]
- Position keyboard appropriately [1]
- Use ergonomically designed seating/furniture [1]
- Use ergonomically designed devices [1]
- Take breaks [1]
- Use correct posture [1]
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