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Generic Risk Assessment For Computer Use at BAS: Hazards

This document provides a risk assessment for computer use at BAS. It identifies potential hazards like ergonomic issues, eyestrain, stress, and WRULDs. The overall risk is rated as very high due to the potential for WRULDs. Control measures include completing an ergonomic assessment, taking regular breaks, and using ergonomic equipment. With these controls, the residual risk is rated as low. Laptops also require assessment due to postural issues from non-detachable keyboards.

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zarinam94
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25 views

Generic Risk Assessment For Computer Use at BAS: Hazards

This document provides a risk assessment for computer use at BAS. It identifies potential hazards like ergonomic issues, eyestrain, stress, and WRULDs. The overall risk is rated as very high due to the potential for WRULDs. Control measures include completing an ergonomic assessment, taking regular breaks, and using ergonomic equipment. With these controls, the residual risk is rated as low. Laptops also require assessment due to postural issues from non-detachable keyboards.

Uploaded by

zarinam94
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Generic Risk assessment for computer use at BAS

Hazards
Ergonomic Lighting and glare Work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) Stress Radiation Noise Emissions from printers

Risks
1. Physical fatigue, aches and pains in joints and limbs with possible development of more serious long, term musculo-skeletal problems. These could arise from inadequate adjustment of workstations poor ergonomics and bad posture. 2. Eyestrain and possible acute effects such as headaches caused by glare and long periods of close focus work. (There is no evidence that using a computer can cause permanent deterioration in the eyesight). 3. Regular prolonged use of the keyboard and mouse may result in some people developing WRULDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. 4. Stress may be caused by repeated problems with software or hardware as well as excessive working hours and demanding deadlines. 5. Radiation levels from visual display units (VDUs) are extremely low. Research has shown that there is no evidence of any hazardous effects from radiation on computer users. 6. Noise levels from computers and printers are insufficient to damage the users hearing, they may be at a level to cause a nuisance. 7. Printers can produce dust and fume emissions at levels that may cause irritation in some people.

Risk factor
The overall risk factor for computer use is 12 (Very high) because of the potential to develop WRULDs.

Control measures
The risks can be minimised by 1. Completing a DSE assessment form (http://basweb.nercbas.ac.uk/forms/health_and_safety/DSE_assessment.doc) and returning this by email to the Health and Safety Adviser. This form addresses the minimum requirements for a workstation. The Health and Safety Adviser in consultation with the line manager will follow up any issues identified in the completed form. Staff who use computers should complete this form on commencement of employment and then whenever there are any changes to the workstation. 2. Eyestrain due to glare can be reduced by the correct positioning of the monitor, suitable room lighting and the use of an anti-glare screen. Eye exercises also help to reduce strain due to long periods of close focus work. 3. BAS will pay for an eye test for recognised computer users and will make a contribution towards any spectacles that may be required. (NERC Staff Notice SN/2/98). 4. The risk of developing a WRULD can be minimised by - Adopting good ergonomic practices

- Taking regular breaks from computer work. (5 minutes every hour as recommended by NERC Guidance note Use of VDUs HS/1/97). - Using support equipment such as keyboard wrist rests and mouse wrist rests. - Using an ergonomic mouse. - Using an armrest designed for mouse use. - Using an ergonomic keyboard. - In some cases the use of voice recognition software may be needed. 5. Stress related problems might be intensified by spending long hours at a computer keyboard. NERC Staff Notice 3/95 offers advice on identifying the symptoms and causes of stress and the appropriate action there is a copy of the HSE advice leaflet on stress in the Occupational Health section of the Health and Safety website. 6. Radiation, noise and dust do not present a significant risk to health. Radiation and noise levels are insignificant and dust emissions from well-maintained equipment and in well-ventilated offices is not a concern.

Residual risk
Using the appropriate combination of control measures the residual risk is 4 (Low).

Other factors
Lap top computers are not exempt from assessment procedures. You should assess the use of these separately taking into account the circumstances in which they are to be used. Because the keyboard is not detachable laptops present a greater risk to the user if the computer is used for prolonged periods. Laptops should not be used as routine computers without the use of an appropriate docking station. Review Date 18 July 2006 Neil Wilson Reviewed - 6 July 2004. Reviewed 18 July 2005 (No changes made) Reviewed-18 July 2006 (no changes made). Reviewed 14 April 2008 (update)

Assessment completed by ....Angus Atkinson......... Assessment approved by ......Peter Ward.................

Date .2.12.08................................ Date ..2.12.08...............................

Risk assessment for use of minus 20, minus 80 and scientific cold room aboard James Clark Ross
Hazards
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Ergonomic Isolated environment Swinging doors Cold and hot burns Confined airspace Sliding objects in heavy seas

Risks
8. Confined space in cold room and minus 20 means that correct postures impossible to maintain when lifting heavy items in and out. Risks of musculo-skeletal damage. 9. Isolated environment coupled to loud noise from cooling system, means that public address/ships alarm system is much less audible than normal, especially when listening to music while wearing a hat. 10. Doors in cool room and minus 20 are very heavy and can swing strongly even in moderate seas. 11. Cold burns possible when handling objects in minus 80. Hot burns/potential fire hazard from defrosting tray 12. Recirculating air system in minus 20 and cool room means any toxic fumes or oxygen displacers cannot escape. 13. Large items in cold room (e.g. water tanks) cause great damage if lashed insecurely.

Risk factor
The overall risk factor for use of these facilities is 8 (moderately high) mainly because of points 1-3.

Practical control measures


The risks 1-6 can be minimised by 1. Enlisting help to shift awkward/heavy objects, and maintaining reasonable posture 2. Do not play music too loud, and double check what public address messages are as they are difficult to hear in cool room/minus 80. 3. Never leave cool room or minus 20 door to swing unattended while lifting items in or out, even for a short time or in light seas. 4. Wear gloves for taking stuff out of the minus 80 5. Do not use any harmful chemicals such as formalin in either minus 20 or cool room. No pressurised gases of any sort in either of these rooms, or a leak will displace air. Also no dry ice. 6. Bosun/ Deck Officer must lash large items in cool room before departure from port, and check those of scientists. Good working practices required for all scientists to avoid too much junk accumulating and to lash down gear as far as possible.

Residual risk
Using the appropriate combination of control measures the residual risk is 4 (Low).

Other factors All 3 of these spaces are shared lab facilities, very heavily used on biological cruises. They require good cooperation between users. Hazards 1-6 may need to be reiterated at intervals to visiting scientists or students not used to working aboard JCR Assessment completed by ....Angus Atkinson......... Assessment approved by ......Peter Ward................. Date .2.12.08................................ Date ..2.12.08...............................

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