One suggestion would be that they inform all students about all the health and safety representatives and the first aid representatives etc. this they could by either putting all this information on the school planner or by letting them no in a special assembly all bout health and safety, however done this is a vital area of health and safety which the school need to assess and improve.
Legal constraints affecting business
There are many constraints, which are going to affect the business; such as if they do not keep to the rules of the health and safety policy the courts can punish them they shall get into trouble and may loose their job if they do not obey the rules and keep to the policy and in danger the lives of those they are responsible for.
An employee who has been hurt or badly affected from the school or around school due to mistakes in health and safety they are to receive paid time off. These are the legal reasons behind the constraints.
Health and safety Regulations at Nab wood
The health and safety ant work act.
This act establishes a responsibity for both employers and employees to provide safe conditions at work. The employer’s duty is to ensure so far as possible and practical “the health and safety welfare of their employees.” The employee’s duty is to take responsibility of their own actions and ensure their own safety as well as their co-workers. Those employees and employers who do not abide these rules can be punished.
Fire precautions regulations 1997.
According to this act every employer must access the risks to the health and safety of their employees and the others who may be affected by their operations. Fire risks are to be carefully and thoroughly checked and taken into account at all times. Checks in to exits and fire equipment must be made time-to-time. Fire drills also are to be regularly taken.
Noise at work act
Employees have an obligation to reduce the risk of hearing damage to the lowest level practical. The employer has an obligation to make sure that the sound reaches that or exceeds a set level, ear protectors are worn.
Control of substances hazardous to health regulations 1988.
Employees must carry out an assessment of work tasks that are likely to create risks for the health and safety of employees. Following on from the assessment, decisions need to be made on how to prevent or limit the exposure of these substances.
Workers dealing with dangerous substances should be given appropriate information and training.
Negligence at common law.
An employee can claim for damages resulting from an employer’s negligence if the employer fails to abide the duty of care for the employee.
The employer has a duty at reasonable level keep the employee safe while working or under there responsibity, if this is not kept to the employee can sue them.
The offices, shops and premises act.
This act is also important at Nab wood, as there many employees working in offices, like the secretaries and receptionists.
The temperature must not fall below 16 degrees Celsius.
There must be adequate supply of air.
Toilet and washing supplies must be available at all times.
Suitable lighting must be provided.
The minimum space for each person is 12 square meters of floor.
Trends of health and safety.
Research has shown that there is an increase in the number of health and safety accidents in an around all work environments. This may be due to the lack of training and awareness on the hazards and risks in health and safety in work areas. The European union is making a lot of changes in business and work in order to make the environment a safe place. The trends have shown that
The health and safety executive report concludes the following on the costs Britain of workforce accidents and work related ill health in 99/2000.
The labour force survey reported 1 million injuries at work in the previous 12 months.
1.3 million people had work related ill health.
As a result of these injuries and illnesses a total of 24.3 million working days were lost.
The result of these loses.
Individual workers who suffer from work related injuries are estimated to lose around 558 million a year in expenditure and income.
Families suffer from loss of welfare in the form of pain, grief and suffering.
The cost to employers of workplace injuries and work-related ill health is estimated to be around 2.5 billion a year.
09 billion for injuries and 1.6 for illness.
Avoidable accidents cause between 1.4 billion 4.5 billion.
The total cost to employers including insurance and compensation is 7 billion.
My chosen inspection area of Nab of the Health and Safety risk assessment
DATE OF THE INSPECTION: 23 SEP 2002
Part of the research of the school Health and Safety risk assessment that I am carrying out I decided to carry out a check on certain areas and buildings around the school around to notify and deterring weather the school was meeting its overall objective of providing a safe environment.
The following inspection of these places was carried out at the following areas, which I felt were relevant:
1. Design Technology Department
2. Sixth form Common Room
3. Science Department
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY (Work Shop)
- Students running around
- Correct equipment not used while using machineries
- Equipment such as files, drills, tools etc, are misplaced everywhere
- Obstruction to the doors because of bags being in the way
6TH FORM COMMAN ROOM
- Nails hanging out of the walls
- Chairs obstructing the exists doors of the room
- Light Covers are dangling down
- Bags on the floor, people could easily trip over
- Litter on the floor
- Room overcrowded
- Warm a/c
- Chairs crowding the room (unorganised)
SCIENCE BLOCK P BLOCK
- Students running in and out of the classroom
- Bags not put in correct places
- Fire exist doors are blocked because of chairs obstructing the way
- Equipment not properly handled by the students.
- Equipment not put away safely as told so
- Room overcrowded therefore accidents could occur
After carry out my health and safety inspection of these three areas I discovered in my report a total of 18 health and safety hazards. Next to each hazard I put down how sufficient the hazards need improving on such as Low, Medium, and high risk the matter needs to be dealt with.
Reducing health and safety matters at Nab wood school?
Any problem in school when it comes to health and safety issue at the school the people who should deal with the issue with immediate effect is: Mrs Lynch and Mr Briggs.
See more of this in detail at the above:
The reduction of health and safety matters I have mentioned this at the previous page under (the responsibilities of the union reps of the school)
Conclusions that have been concluded from My Health and Safety assessment of Nab Wood School?
After completing my inspection of the rooms here are the following conclusion that I come across:
- Design Technology (Work Shop)
In the workshop there were many hazards, which concerned me a lot and therefore need being delth with right away. I think that before every lesson that teacher of that lesson should quickly recap on the rules and regulations of the room and what are expected from them.
There were bags left in the entrance of the shop, which I felt, is a major safety hazard to both staff and students and therefore this could lead to a serious accident. Some students I witnessed just didn’t even bothered bout the bags, they just simply didn’t even care were the bags were put. Once you finished using the room its very important that you leave the room clean and tidy, but from what I have concluded from my report there was dust left in the room after the lesson had been finished, now that is very dangerous and the room must be left tidy as possible and the teacher of that lesson has the responsibility of making sure that takes place. Furthermore equipment such as tools was left around and students were prating about in the classroom like running around and not having the right gear on while using different machineries. This matter needs sorting straight away or else this could lead to a serious effect on the pupils.
The Common Room is a quiet small, overcrowded room and wasn’t in the cleanest of health when carried out the inspection of the room.
Soon as you entered the room there were so many hazards in that room, which are extremely dangerous to the senior students of Nab Wood. The room was very untidy, and also from my report that I concluded they were nails hanging out from the walls and that I felt was dangerous. More hazards that I concluded was chairs were misplaced everywhere they wasn’t organized like they were put in front of the exist doors which I confessed before could course accidents to both staff and students at any time. Light covers in the common room were dangling of as that could any time hit any one head at any time, new cover should therefore be replaced straight away.
The science block I felt was quiet a clean place but still I discovered its week points in terms of health and safety hazards.
Students in between the lessons kept running in and out of the classroom that therefore could lead to nasty consequences in terms of injuries etc. The equipment should be used with care etc not used as a toy as some students handled it with that manner, also this one keeps cropping up over and over again and that is obstruction to fire exist doors. The fire exists doors of every classroom should be kept clear at all times, at any time they could be a fire drill held at school and fire exist doors are used so therefore all exist doors every where in the building must be kept clear at all times.
Recommendations for the school?
- Keep fire exists doors clear at all times
- Keep all the rooms clean and tidy
- Put back all the equipment back to where they belong after finishing with it
- Behave sensibly in the classrooms
- Place your bags in the correct place when using the workshop
European Health and Safety Act
The European union has set out a new plan to cut work related injuries.
There is great emphasis on health and safety from Europe.
It has concern on the safe working or lack of safe working environments.
They discuss personal protection plans and teaching children to better care of themselves for later on in life when they work. Also the importance of correct body positions. The plans objectives are to:
- Reduce the number of working days lost per 100,000 workers from the related injuries by 30% by 2010
- Reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injury incidents by 10% by 2010
- Reduce the incidence rate of causes of work related ill health by 20% by 2010.
- Achieve half of each improvement target by 2004
The eight priorities and major concern areas they are targeting are
- Falls from height
- Workplace transport
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Work related stress
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Health services
- Slips and trips
“Good health and safety practice must be an Integral part of company culture, responsibility starts at the top. When we arrange for these changes we need and expect the public to help and participate in the strategy that we have set up.”
Bill Callaghan-EU health and safety representatives.
The strategic plan covers the financial years 2001-2004. The commotion about health and safety is due to vast number of risks and hazards in work places such as Nab wood.
Reduction of Health and Safety risks by managing health and safety.
- Check that all the rules are kept to regularly more than once or twice a month. This will insure that all the rules are followed and that if any changes are needed to be made they can work on them as quick as possible.
- Also the awareness of the representatives and first aide etc will help in case an accident occurs and will in some cases make injuries etc less severe.
- Train more teachers to be prepared for accidents and how to handle health and safety hazards and to deal with preventing them in the first place.
- Regular checks by the health and safety representatives on hazards and prevention methods.
- Teaching students in lessons how to look after themselves in a crowded area and how to take care of others in the same environment.
- More time and money spent on making sure all the health and safety hazards totally limited all around the school.
- There are also problems with the fire exits, which are used in an incorrect manner at times. For instance exits are not to be used other then fires in some areas of the school such as the library and the DT area they are used as normal student exits. This is a safety hazard and may cause complications in situations such as fires etc.
- The kitchen staff can reduce risks by assuring that all the food is swept off the floor regularly and on time before there is a rush in the dining areas before or after the students and staff eat.
- Also the wet floor even with the signs on them is a danger to the people. The better solution would be to only mop the floors before and after school times.
- More first aide should be introduced in case one or the other representatives are absent from school on any occasion when there is an accident or injury.
Essentially, a policy statement should consist of three parts, as follows:
1 A general statement of intent
This should outline in broad terms the organisation’s overall philosophy in relation to the management of health and safety, including reference to the broad responsibilities of both management and workforce.
2 Organisation (people and their duties)
This outlines the chain of command in terms of health and safety management.
- Who is responsible to whom and for what?
- How is the accountability fixed so as to ensure that delegated responsibilities are undertaken?
- How is the policy implementation monitored?
Other organisational features should include:
- Individual job descriptions having a safety content;
- Details of specific safety responsibilities;
- The role and function of safety committee(s);
- The role and function of safety representatives;
- And a management chart clearly showing the lines of responsibility and accountability in terms of health and safety management.
The competent person who is to assist with compliance with health and safety requirements should also be included. [Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, Reg 6]. (See also employers’ duties to their employees.)
3 Arrangement (systems and procedures)
This part of the policy deals with the practical arrangements by which the policy will be effectively implemented. These include:
- Safety training;
- Safe systems of work;
- Environmental control;
- Safe place of work;
- Machine/area guarding;
- Housekeeping;
- Safe plant and equipment;
- Noise control;
- Radiation safety;
- Dust control;
- Use of toxic materials;
- Internal communication/participation;
- Utilization of safety committee(s) and safety representatives;
- Fire safety and prevention;
- Medical facilities and welfare;
- Maintenance of records;
- Accident reporting and investigation;
- Emergency procedures;
- And workplace monitoring.
(Records of arrangements are also required to be kept where more than five employees are employed.[Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, Rag 4].)(See also employers’ duties to their employees.)
Basic objectives and general content of statement
Health and safety policy statements should state their main objectives, e.g.:
(a) Commit to operating the business in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all applicable regulations made under the Act, ‘so far as reasonably practicable’;
(b) Specify that health and safety are management responsibilities ranking equally with responsibilities for production, sales, costs, and similar matters;
(c) Indicate that it is the duty of management to see that everything reasonably practicable is done to prevent personal injury in the processes of production, and in the design, construction, and operation of all plant, machinery and equipment, and to maintain a safe and healthy place of work;
(d) Indicate that it is the duty of all employees to act responsibly, and to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves and fellow workers. Although the implementation of policy is a management responsibility, it will rely heavily on the co-operation of those who actually produce the goods and take the risks;
(e) Identify the main board director or managing board director (or directors) who have prime responsibility for health and safety, in order to make the commitment of the board precise, and provide points of reference for any manager who is faced with a conflict between the demands of safety and the demands of production;
(f) Be dated so as to ensure that it is periodically revised in the light of current conditions, and be signed by the chairman, managing director, chief executive, or whoever speaks for the organisation at the highest level and with the most authority on all matters of general concern; and
(g) Clearly state how and by whom its operation is to be monitored.
Organisation (people and their duties)
Suitable policies will demonstrate – both in written and diagrammatic form (where appropriate) – the following features:
(a) The unbroken and logical delegation of duties through line management and supervisors who operate where the hazards arise and the majority of the accidents occur.
(b) The identification of key personnel (by name and/or job title) who are accountable to top management for ensuring that detailed arrangements for safe working are drawn up implemented and maintained.
(c) The definition of the roles of both line and functional management. Specific job descriptions should be formulated.
(d) The provision of adequate support for line management via relevant functional management such as safety advisers, engineers, medical advisers, designers, hygienists, chemists, ergonomics, etc.
(e) The nomination of persons with the competence and authority to measure and monitor safety performance.
(f) The responsibilities of all employees.
(g) The arrangements for employee representation on health and safety matters (i.e. whether by trade union safety representatives, employee elected safety representatives or by direct consultation with each employee (see joint consultation, safety representatives and safety committees).
(h) The involvement of the safety adviser and relevant line/functional management at the planning/design stage.
(j) The provision of the means to deal with failures in order to meet job requirements.
(k) The fixing of accountability for the management of health and safety in a similar manner to other management functions.
(l) The organisation must unambiguously indicate to the individuals exactly what they must do to fulfill their role. Thereafter a failure is a failure to manage effectively.
(m) The organisation should make it known – both in terms of time and money – what resources are available for health and safety. The individuals must be certain of the extent to which they are realistically supported by the policy and by the organisation needed to fulfill it.
Arrangements (systems and procedures)
It is vital to establish safe and healthy systems of work designed to counteract the identified risks within a business. The following aspects should be used as a guide when preparing arrangements for health and safety at work:
(a) the provision of health and safety performance criteria for articles, and product safety data for substances, prior to purchase.
(b) The provision of specific instructions for using machines, for maintaining safety systems, and for the control of health hazards.
(c) The development of specific health and safety training for all employees.
(d) The undertaking of medical examinations and biological monitoring.
(e) The provision of suitable protective equipment.
(f) The development and utilisation of permit-to-work systems.
(g) The provision of first-aid/emergency procedures, including aspects of fire safety/prevention.
(h) The provision of written procedures in respect of contractors and visitors.
(i) The formulation of written safe systems of work for use by all levels of management and workforce.
Other matters that might also be referred to include the arrangements for compliance with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 Reg 3 (risk assessments), and the disciplinary measures consequent upon a breach of the policy.
Appendices to statements
There are a number of reasons for incorporating appendices to statements of health and safety policy (although this is not a statutory requirement). For instance, there may be a need to detail the organisation’s intentions, arrangements and procedures for dealing with a hazard specific to a process, e.g. the risk of back injury associated with a particular handling operation. It may be necessary to formally declare the company’s policy on asbestos in existing buildings or on the provision of prescription lens eye protection to certain groups of operators. Fundamentally, an appendix qualifies in depth certain provisions outlined in the policy.
Policy monitoring
Policy monitoring highlights four areas as follows:
(a) The accident and ill-health record.
(b) The standards of compliance with legal requirements and codes of practice.
(c) The extent to which organisations specify and achieve – within a given time scale – certain clearly defined objectives (of both short-term and long-term nature).
(d) The extent of compliance with the ‘organisation’ and ‘arrangements’ parts of the organisation’s own policy (discussed earlier), including in particular the written safe systems of work that have been developed by the organisation to meet its individual needs.
Plant Equipment and substances
- Maintenance of equipment such as tools, ladders, etc.
- Are they in safe condition?
- Maintenance and proper use of safety equipment such as helmets, boots, goggles, respirators, etc.
- Maintenance and proper use of plant, machinery and guards.
- Regular testing and maintenance of lifts, hoists, cranes, pressure systems, boilers and other dangerous machinery, emergency repair work, and safe methods of doing it.
- Maintenance of electrical installations and equipment. Safe storage, handling and, where applicable, packaging, labeling and transport of dangerous substances.
- Controls on work involving harmful substances, such as lead and asbestos.
- The introduction of new plant, equipment or substances into the workplace – by examination, testing and consultation with the workforce.
i) The statement of intent
This involves a general statement of good intent, usually linked to a commitment to comply with relevant legislation. Many employers extend their policies so as to relate also to the health and safety of others affected by their activities. In order to demonstrate clearly that there is commitment at a high level, the statement should preferably be signed by the chairman, chief executive or someone in a similar position of seniority.
(ii) Organisational responsibilities
It is vitally important that the responsibilities for putting the good intentions into practice are clearly identified. In a small organisation this may be relatively simple but larger employers should identify the responsibilities held by those at different levels in the management structure. Whilst reference to employees’ responsibilities may be included, it should be emphasized that the law requires the employer’s organisation to be detailed in writing. Types of responsibilities to be covered in the policy might include:
- Making adequate resources available to implement the policy;
- Setting health and safety objectives;
- Developing suitable procedures and safe systems;
- Delegating specific responsibilities to others;
- Monitoring the effectiveness of others in carrying out their responsibilities;
- Monitoring standards within the workplace; and
- Feeding concerns up through the organisation
(iii) Arrangements
The policy need not contain all of the organisation’s arrangements relating to health and safety but should contain information as to where they might be found, for example in a separate health and safety manual or within various procedural documents. Topics, which may require detailed arrangements to be specified, are:
- Operational procedures relating to health and safety;
- Training;
- Personal protective equipment;
- Health and safety inspection programmes;
- Accident and incident investigation arrangements;
- Fire and other emergency procedures;
- First aid;
- Occupational health;
- Control of contractors and visitors;
- Consultation with employees; and
- Audits of health and safety arrangements.
Employees must be aware of the policy and, in particular, must understand the arrangements, which affect them and what their own responsibilities might be. They may be given their own copy (for example, within an employee handbook) or the policy might be displayed around the workplace. With regard to some arrangements detailed briefings may be necessary, for example as part of induction training. Employers must revise their policies as often ‘as may be appropriate’. Larger employers are likely to need to arrange for formal review and, where necessary, for revision to take place on a regular basis (e.g.
by way of an ISO 9000 procedure). Dating of the policy document is an important part of this process.
HEALTH AND SAFETY WITH ICT.
Health and safety with ICT requires an awareness of legislation governing this area and the common sense.
Developments in legislation for health and safety within the European Union (EU) led to the introduction of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992. Regulations have subsequently been introduced for the protection of workers specifically in relation to the habitual use of display screen equipment manual handling, work equipment and personal protective equipment.
Whilst staff and students are not specifically mentioned under these or any other health and safety regulations with respect to information communication technology (ICT), the regulations will generally be interpreted to include many employees/staff who use computers in their work. Thus there are certain issues that those in any type or workplace should be aware of to minimize risk and to promote the safe use of ICT.
Over the last few years, there have been several issues that have caused concern over the use to ICT equipment. These include Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), eyestrain and related problems caused by stress and working with VDUs. Ergonomics or good design of the. Working environment can help to overcome these problems enabling people to work more efficiently. Other issues relate more generally to the working environment, such as general office safety, but can be applied easily to the office-working environment.
Health and Safety Legislation and ICT
Use of display screen equipment, the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to
An employee who habitually uses display screens equipment as significant part of their normal work………………
The regulations apply to most kinds of display screens used in this way (other than screens whose main use is to show TV or film pictures). Portable screens are covered if they are in prolonged use.
The Regulations require employers to assess and reduce risk, plan work to allow breaks or changes of activity, provide information and training and provide eye tests on request. A schedule contains minimum requirements for the equipment, workstation and work environment (e.g. the screen, keyboard, software, desk and chair design and also lighting). All equipment should have met these standards by 1996.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require all electrical systems and equipment to be constructed and maintained in a safe condition. Those involved in the purchasing of ICT systems and equipment needed to be aware that there are certain standards relating to the safety of ICT equipment, e.g. The Specification for safety of ICT equipment including electrical business equipment - IEC/EN 60 950/BS 7002. There are also guidelines set out for safety standards in offices: Electrical systems in office furniture and office screens - BS 6396.
Health and Safety and ICT in Work Place
Employers have the legal responsibility for health and safety in workplace, but in practice much of the day-to-day work to make sure ICT equipment is used correctly and safely will be done by staff. Where students or someone from outside the company are allowed to connect up or unplug electrical equipment this should only be after proper instruction and always under the supervision of the staff. Where equipment is positioned is very important. Workstation design should enable users to reach all necessary equipment without stretching and should be clear of obstruction.
The following list of specific considerations may help. They relate to most ICT equipment including computers, scanners and photocopiers:
- Electrical Safety
- Heat
- Humidity
- Light
- Noise
- Software
- Space
- User Comfort
Electrical Safety
Within the usual restrictions of locating electrical equipment such as socket availability (Telephone/TV Ariel/Power) and the length of cables, it is essential that the location of the equipment does not increase the risk of danger to equipment or users.
Particular issues to watch for are:
Stray leads - re-route, secure and cover
Trailing flexes - secure and cover
Frayed leads - replace
Damaged plugs - replace
Overloading/power surging - this can occur when running long extension leads
Coiled cables - where the heat generated could be sufficient to start a fire
Accidental damage - in particular any cuts to flex insulation but also damage
From dust, split liquid, and so on
Fuses - correct rating fitted
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1889, the employer should regularly maintain all electrical equipment. Always leave technical repairs to the experts. Ensure that you have the necessary CO fire extinguishers positioned near to any ICT equipment.
Heat
Almost all ICT equipment gives off heat. In many cases this can build up during the day and become quite oppressive for users whilst it is also not good for the equipment itself. Large collections of ICT equipment may need to be located in an air - conditioned or at least well-ventilated room. Turning off equipment when not in use can reduce heat.
Light
Screens should be positioned to reduce reflections and glare from lights and windows (blinds can be used to reduce glare on computer screens from windows). Clean screens give better visibility and reduce glare. Work surfaces should be non- reflective and clean. Also when using equipment such as the PowerPoint or overhead projectors in rooms such as N12 etc you must not stand in front of the projector as this could be very dangerous. This could seriously damage the visibility of your eyesight and if a teacher or student experience that they could sue the school or company and claim compensation against them so therefore be very careful.
Noise
Almost all ICT equipment gives of background noise even when not in use if the power is switched on. A persistent hum can be distracting, much software packages also feature noise as part of their operation and there is the noise of the users especially if working in groups. Therefore, some equipment may need to be located away from other sources of noise to avoid the user being distracted.
Software
The employer should be aware that the health and safety legislation covers this area in relation to stress and:
- Ease of use
- Sufficient training
- Appropriate to task
Space
Around a workstation there should be enough space for peripherals, papers, books and other materials. Also, there should be space for more than one pupil at a time and a staff member to also gain access.
User comfort and safety
Apart from taking frequent short breaks from intense computer work, e.g. 10 minute break for every hour to allow eyes to readjust to greater distances, users should comfortably positioned with easy access to all equipment. In the case of equipment to be operated whilst sitting it is essential that the user can adjust his or her position in relation to the equipment as appropriate. In particular:
-
Screens - Angle and height should be adjustable to suit. The top of the screen should be roughly at eye level. Users should also be able to control brightness and for much comfort is increased if they can adjust screen colors and type fonts.
-
Keyboard - Users should have the option to have the keyboard flat or tilted, and move the keyboard to a more comfortable position on the desk to suit them.
-
Seating - Height of the chair to the desk should be adjustable bearing in mind that users should be for a particular posture when operating computer equipment: the lower arms should be roughly horizontal when working with knees fitting comfortably under the desk with thighs roughly horizontal. Footrest should be available as necessary.
-
Peripherals - Avoid putting in hard to reach positions especially if users need access to drives, switches etc.
It is not just the positioning of the peripherals devices that is important. Headphones and speakers need to be adjusted so that the volume is not too loud. A child's ears are more sensitive than an adult's. It is advisable to ensure that volume controls are always turned down before use by students. Hygiene should also be considered, particularly when using in - ear headphones.
In some circumstances individual users may benefit from:
- Glare guard (if other measures to reduce glare are impracticable)
- Wrist rests
- Footrests
- Humidifiers or in air conditioning
- Copy holders
Related health and safety considerations
Other aspects of health and safety should also be considered:
- Hazardous substances
- Manual handling
- Personal safety
Hazardous Substances
Toner used in printers and photocopiers is a fine dust. At one time, some toners were carcinogenic and may still be in use in some institutions. Careful handling required the use of gloves and special waste disposal. Inhalation should be avoided as should contact with skin. It always advisable to check the manufacturer's instructions.
Fluids used for cleaning and in some reprographic processes are flammable. Always handle these with care and store in minimum quantities, preferably in metal containers, away from heat. Other substances, such as solvents are dangerous to inhale. Care should always be taken to reseal lids securely and store in upright containers. They should not be used in confined spaces and adequate ventilation should be maintained.
Manual Handling
IT equipment is often heavy or bulky and consideration should be given to the Manual Handling regulations. Trolleys could be used where appropriate. It is better to push a trolley, and then pull it.
Personal Safety
When using equipment such as photocopiers, remember that clothing, jewellery, hair and such thing can become trapped in fast moving parts. Dangerous parts should be guarded and guards must be kept in position when the machine is in use. As always some of the responsibility for all aspects of health and safety lies with individual, but instruction and training where possible will minimise risks.
