COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING MODULE

c HYPERTEXT MARKUP LANGUAGE – CASCADING STYLE SHEET MODULE

Lesson 1
OHS Policies and Procedures

Occupational Health and Safety Laws

(Presidential Decree (PD) 442: Labor Code of the Philippines, Article (Art.) 162

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Laws are regulations or standards promulgated by
the Department of Labor and Employment, particularly for the protection of each and
every worker against any form of danger or hazard that can possibly occur in the workplace.
These laws specify safe and healthy workplace conditions, for the prevention of bodily
harm, illness, or loss of life. Penalties and punitive sanctions are imposed upon
employers who fail to comply with the regulations set by the doctrine.

Chapter II
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Art. 162. Safety and health standards. The Secretary of Labor and Employment shall, by
appropriate orders, set and enforce mandatory occupational safety and health standards to
eliminate or reduce occupational safety and hazards in all workplaces and institute new, and
update existing programs to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in all places of
employment.
Art. 163. Research. It shall be the responsibility of the Department of Labor and Employment
to conduct innovative methods, techniques and approaches for dealing with occupational
safety and health problems; to discover latent diseases and work in environmental
conditions; and to develop medical criteria which will ensure in so far as practicable that no
employee will suffer impairment or diminution in health, functional capacity, or life
expectancy as a result of his work and working students.
Art. 164. Training programs. The Department of Labor and Employment shall develop and
implement training programs to increase number and competence of personnel in the field of
occupational safety and industrial health.
Art. 165. Administration of safety and health laws.
I. The Department of Labor and Employment shall be solely responsible for the administration
and enforcement of occupational safety and health laws, regulations and standards in all
establishments and workplaces wherever they may be located; however charted cities may be
allowed to conduct industrial safety inspections of establishments within their respective
jurisdictions where they have adequate facilities and competent personnel for the purpose as
determined by the Department of Labor and Employment and subject to national standards
established by the latter.

Environmental Laws
(Presidential Decree (PD) 1586: Philippines Environmental Impact Statement System)
•Republic Act (RA) 8749: Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1999 — "Provides a comprehensive air quality
management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all
Filipinos."
•Republic Act (RA) 9275: Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 — "Provides a comprehensive and
integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectorial and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders."

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•Republic Act (RA) 6969: Philippine Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Act —
"Provides the legal framework for Philippines to control and manage the importation,
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, transport, treatment, and disposal of toxic
substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes."
•Republic Act (RA) 9003: Philippines Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (PESWMA) of
2000 — "Provides the legal framework for the country's systematic, comprehensive, and
ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure protection of public health and
the environment."
•Republic Act (RA) 9512: Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 — "Promote
environmental awareness through Environmental Education (EE) and covers the integration of
EE in the school curricula at all levels, be it public or private, including day care, preschool, non-
formal, technical, vocational indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth courses or programs.
"

Environmental Laws are promulgated by the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources particularly for the protection and preservation of the country's natural resources.

Many technologies these days can harm the environment simply by their manufacture
and use. The production of these technologies generates pollution that can harm the
environment and people as well. Notably, the production of technologies consumes renewable
and non-renewable resources. However, the depletion of renewable resources is at a faster
rate that it's regeneration. As lands are cleared to build new factories, pollution increases and
the risk of contamination becomes high. Thus, the natural cycle of the environment is disrupted
all the way down to the food chain. Great concern is placed on the disposal or large volumes of
waste known as 'techno trash'. Examples of these are old computers and devices
indiscriminately thrown out, which are unsafe for the environment because of their hazardous
material content.

Because of the negative impact posed by the improper disposal of electronic devices, it is
crucial that people use technology in a manner that would reduce its negative impact on the
environment. There are number of ways on how to properly dispose electronic devices, which
are less harmful to the environment.
 Before disposing a used computer, make sure that all important files are saved and have
back up versions, then wipe or delete the files from the hard drive.
 If planning to give or sell the computer, make sure to clean it properly first.
 A good way to properly dispose of old computers or electronic gadgets is to send it back
to the manufacturer. There are manufacturers that provide end-of-life disposal services
for the reuse and recycle of materials. Manufacturer who do not reuse or recycle and
simply dispose to landfills that could affect local community. Make sure to contact the
manufacturer first, or check the user manual if these types of services are available.
Otherwise, check local recycling stations that accept old computers.
 Certain parts of the computer, such as system case, can be reused as home decor or an
apparatus.

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Workplace Hazards
In the past decades, computers have significantly changed the working environment by
simplifying and speeding up many tasks in the workplace. However, with these advances also
come some potential health issues and safety hazards. Safety hazards are situations that occur
in one's place of employment that could cause possible damage or injury.

Safety hazards are present in every work space. The common safety hazards for
computer technicians are often physical in nature such as tripping over wires, mishandling
tools, the improper or incomplete use of personal protective equipment, and the unsafe
positioning of electronic equipment. The use of variety of chemicals for cleaning electronic
equipment such as the display and the keyboard, compressed gas dirt and dust removers, and
other cleaning solvents could also be harmful, if accidentally swallowed or gets into contact
with the skin to the eyes. Electric shock is another risk present when working with a computer
unit or electrical equipment with voltage ranging from 3.3 to 25 volts. Though generally
harmless, there are some areas like the power source that provide a lethal voltage of 220 volts.

Potential health problems associated with working on computers.

BODY PART POTENTIAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Eyes Red eyes, sore eyes, watery eyes, dry eyes,
headache, blurry of vision
Upper back, nape, lower back Numbness, muscle discomfort, soreness, pain,
body structure (scoliosis)
Wrist, Arm Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, numbness, tingling
Skin Rashes (mechanically included contact
dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis)

PERSONAL SAFETY
Basic procedures and exercises can be done to ensure the personal safety of computer users.
A. Proper setup of the computer workstation to help prevent physical discomfort
1. Sit in an upright position. Adjust the computer chair to promote a downward slope
of the thighs, which allow the person to sit right back in the chair and gain the necessary
support.
 Set the backrest angle to an angle that would allow normal upright alignment of the
spine. Frequent posture changes encourage blood flow in the different muscle groups to
help minimize back fatigue when sitting for prolonged periods.
 Use a footrest if the feet does not touch the ground or if it felt under the thighs from the
front edge of the seat; ensure that there is still a slight downward slope on the thighs to
promote proper blood flow.
2. If using a non-adjustable desk, adjust the seat high to a point where the height of the
elbow height meets with the desk's height. There should be a slight downward slope of the
forearms.
The elbow(s) should remain at the side of the body while using the mouse and/or keyboard.

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 If the desk is adjustable, lower the height of the chair to a position where the feet can
rest on the floor to relieve any pressure on the underside of the thighs from the front
edge of the chair. Also, lower the desk height to the height of the elbow when seated. If
the use of the keyboard shelf is preferred, make sure that it is spacious enough to
accommodate the mouse as well.
3. The mouse and the keyboard are the two items frequently used when working on a
computer. Hence, both should be positioned within primary reach of the user. Touch typist
should position the keyboard close to the edge of the desk or position the keyboard around
10cm in from the edge of the desk. This would provide desk space for resting the hands when
not typing. Moreover, it reduces neck angle when looking between the keyboard and monitor.
 The mouse can be positioned either on the left or the right. Ensure that the elbow
remains bent when reaching for the mouse. It should glide over the desk when using the
mouse. At the same time, the forearm should rest on the desk. The wrist should not be
hit or be in contact with the edge of the desk.
4. The position of the monitor would depend on the type of monitor.
 If using a conventional monitor (CRT or Cathode Ray Tube Monitors), make sure it is
located in an area of the desk where it is balanced and parallel to the keyboard. Elevate
the monitor tube until its top is level with the user's eye sight when seated. Push the
monitor back until its arms-length away from the user when seated.
 If using laptop, make sure that the height of the screen is level with the user's eye sight.
If necessary, use a laptop stand to elevate the height of the screen.
 If using a flat LCD/LED Monitor, make sure that it is positioned parallel to the keyboard
and it is at arms-length away from the seated position. If necessary. Elevate the screen
so that it would level with the user's eye sight.

5. Make sure that the "System Unit", is stationed away from the direct sunlight, rain, or
other liquids, moist, humid, dust, and dirt, which could affect its overall performance and result
in problems. Always remember to clean and maintain the system unit.
 Ensure proper lighting in the workplace, if the lighting is dim, or not equally distributed,
it may result to eye discomfort.
 Do not eat or drink near or at the computer or workstation.
 Other electronic equipment needed, such as printers, scanners, fax machines, etc.,
should be placed away from the system unit.

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B. Basic exercises for computer users

Sitting for long period of time is not good for one's
health. The muscled become tense when stressed. Eventually,
the user will feel fatigue. In order to generate good blood flow,
the muscles require regular movement.

It is best to take short, frequent breaks as this would

allow the user to change position every so often. It is
preferable to stand up every hour and stretch to help generate
blood flow and minimize fatigue.

The following stretching exercises can be done to help prevent physical discomfort and possible
health problems:
 Head rolls and head turns
Gently lower ear to the shoulder. Hold the position for ten
seconds, then slowly roll the chin to the other shoulder and
hold the position for another ten seconds. Repeat the exercise
at least twice in circular motion then do it in reverse at 8 counts
each. Be careful not to extend the neck too far back.

 Chin tucks
Raise the head to straighten the neck then tuck the chin in
creating a double chin. Hold this position for ten seconds and
repeat at least twice at 8 counts each.

 Shoulder rolls
Sit straight and relax the shoulders. Move the shoulders in a
circular motion going forward for 8 counts. Do the exercise in
reverse, moving the shoulders in circular motion going backward
for 8 counts. This should be done at least twice.

 Shoulder stretch
Stretch the right arm above the head and cradle the elbow with
the left hand. Gently pull the right elbow behind the head. Hold
the position for about ten seconds and repeat at least twice,
alternate with the left elbow.

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 Wrist, hands, and arms stretch

Interface the fingers with palms facing outwards. Stretch the arms
forward until straightened out. Hold the position for ten seconds
and repeat at least twice.

 Upper and lower back stretch

Interface the fingers with palms facing upwards. Stretch the arms
up and above the head then slowly lean from side to side. This
should be done at least twice at 8 counts each.

 Back arching
Stand up straight. With the hands supporting the lower back,
gently and slowly arch backwards and hold the position for five
to ten seconds. Repeat this only as often as needed.

 Eye exercises
Sit up straight with face forward then repeat the following sequence several times using
the eyes without moving the head: look left, look right, look up, and then look down.

 Visual rest
Sit up straight then look up and away from the monitor screen. Focus
on the object in the distance that is at least three meter away. For
example, look out the window or at a picture on a wall, and then shift
back to the screen and focus.

Questions:
1. The laws in order to protect our environment and its natural resources.
A. Environmental Laws. C. OHS Laws
B. Moral Law. D. Republic Act

2. An example of physical discomfort

A. Tingling C. Joints
B. Sore eyes D. All of the above

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3. It is a common problem that naturally deteriorates with age.

A. Physical discomfort C. Sore eyes
B. Body pain D. Visual Discomfort

4. Looking up, then down, then left, then right, without moving your head.
A. Visual rest C. Head rolls
B. Eye exercise D. Chin tucks

5. Gently lowering the head from ear to ear in a circular motion and holding it foe about ten
seconds.
A. Chin tucks C. Shoulder rolls
B. Stretching D. Head rolls

6. It is present in any place of employment.

A. Safety Hazards C. Environmental Laws
B. OHS Laws D. OHS policies

7. It can either be positioned on the left or the right.

A. Monitor C. Printer
B. Mouse D. Keyboard

8. It can help to generate blood flow and avoid build-up of fatigue.

A. Exercise C. Stretching
B. Wrist stretch D. Back arch

9. The laws or standards setup to protect each and every working man and woman against the
dangers in ones place of employment.
A. OHS Laws C. Environmental Laws
B. Safety Hazards. D. OHS polices

10. It may affect the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, joints, body structures,
blood supply, nerves, and skin.
A. Physical hazards C. Visual discomfort
B. Physical Discomfort D. Body pain

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