A computer room with problems
Picture a computer room. A power lead lies across the floor. Six plugs run from one socket. A monitor sits low on the desk, so a student bends her neck to see it. A desktop is pushed against the wall with its fan blocked. Another sits next to a heater. Its vents are thick with dust.
How many problems can you count? By the end of the lesson you will find them all.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can spot safety risks around computers and say how to reduce each one.
Key words
| Word | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ergonomics | arranging a workplace so the body is comfortable | |
| Static | electric charge that builds up on a person or object | |
| Electrostatic discharge | a sudden jump of static that can damage parts | ESD |
| Airflow | air moving through and around a device to cool it | |
| Recycle | to turn old equipment into new materials | |
| Interference | unwanted signals that disturb a device | EMI |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Sit and set up your desk well
Ergonomics means setting up your workplace to suit your body.
Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Keep your wrists straight at the keyboard and mouse. Put the top of the monitor at eye level, about an arm's length away. Take a short break often.
A desk check
| Part of the desk | Good set-up | Risk if wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Feet flat, back supported | A sore back |
| Monitor | Top at eye level, an arm away | A sore neck and tired eyes |
| Keyboard and mouse | Wrists straight, close to you | Sore wrists and hands |
| Cables | Tucked away from walkways | Someone trips |
| Breaks | A short break each hour | Tired eyes and stiff muscles |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Check
Have a go
Check
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.