SENIOR

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

.NET TECHNOLOGY
MODULE 2: BASIC COMPETENCIES
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

Department of Education  Republic of the Philippines

.Net Technology -Senior High School Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 - Module 2: Computer Programming
Lesson 1: Introduction to Mensuration
Lesson 2: Practicing Occupational Health and Safety

What This Module is About

In this module, you will learn the different number systems and learn
how to practice Occupational Health and Safety.
General Instructions
To do well in this module, you need to remember the following:

1. Read texts carefully so that you can easily comprehend what you are
reading.
2. Answer questions with all honesty. Success does not come from copying
from others. It is made possible by trying hard on your own so that you
can learn even from your mistakes.
3. Review your answers. It is safe to go back and think about what you have
written. This can help you lessen if not avoid errors.
4. Follow instructions given and ask if there is something that you did not
understand.
5. Do the tasks given and do not delay in submitting requirements. This can
help you avoid having a pile of unfinished activities.
6. Feel free to communicate with your teacher. There is no harm in asking
for clarification so that you will not be lost in the discussion.
7. Remember to review every time you are done answering the activities.
8. Have fun as you learn. This course is very important. When you’re having
fun, you can easily learn the lessons.
Icons of this Module
What I Need to This part contains learning objectives that
Know are set for you to learn as you go along
the module.

What I know This will assess your level of knowledge

to the subject matter at hand, it meant
specifically to gauge prior related
knowledge

What’s In This part connects previous lesson with

that of the current one.

What’s New An introduction of the new lesson through

various activities, before it will be
presented to you

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 What is It These are discussions of the activities
as a way to deepen your discovery
and understanding of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are

intended for you to practice further in
order to master the competencies.

What I Have Activities designed to process what you

Learned have learned from the lesson

What I can do These are tasks that are designed to

showcase your skills and knowledge
gained, and help you to apply it to real-
life concerns and situations.

Introduction to Mensuration

What I Need to Know

At the end of the period, learners should be able to:

1. identify components and objects that could be measured;

2. identify correct specification of relevant components; and
3. perform conversion and calculations.

What I Know

Let us check your prior knowledge about this lesson’s coverage.

Directions: Calculate the following binary strings.

1. 1010
+ 0001

2. 1011
- 1000
2
 3. 1111
x 0111

4. 1010102 ÷ 102 =

What’s In

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, mensuration is the “geometry

applied to the computation of magnitude lengths, areas or volumes from given
dimensions or angles.” Simply put, it is, “the act of measuring.”

In the field of computing though, such act will not require us to use specific
measuring tools. What we have instead are virtual measurements to refer to different
measurable specifications of various computer components and converting between
the different number systems used in computing. Knowing these measures and
number systems will help us better understand and appreciate how a computer does
its work.

Remember that computers can only understand and perform the

manipulations of 0s and 1s. 0s and 1s are called binary digits. The smallest unit of
information that a computer supports refers to bits. For the user to communicate with
computers, these digits are being combined to represent character, number, or
symbol. As programmers, it is essential to understand how data is being translated
from one form to another inside the computer.

What’s New

Directions: Give the equivalent binary digits of the following characters.

1. A 2. W 3. T 4. Z

Key Terminologies

Bit – short for binary digit; refers to the smallest unit of information the
computer support
Binary - considered as the computer machine language
Decimal – the most common number system that has a base or radix of 10
Octal - a result of simplifying the representation of characters in
programming
Hexadecimal – has a base or radix of 16

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 What Is It

NUMBER SYSTEMS
Number systems are also called numeral system. Number system is any
notation that represents numerals or numbers. Some are as follows:
Decimal
This is the most common number system we have ever known and the basis
of how we count, as we know it. Decimal number system has a base or radix of 10.
This means that the numbers are notated with one digit starting a sequence from 1
to 9, ending the sequence with a 0 prefixed with another digit, and start another
sequence from 1 to 9. The symbols used are the numbers 0-9.
Example:

1 11 21 91 991 9991
2 12 22 92 992 9992
3 13 23 93 993 9993
4 14 24 94 994 9994
5 15 25 … 95 … 995 … 9995
6 16 26 96 996 9996
7 17 27 97 997 9997
8 18 28 98 998 9998
9 19 29 99 999 9999
10 20 30 100 1000 10000

Binary
This is considered as the computer machine language. It means that on the
machine level, this is the only recognizable data to the computer. The binary simulates
the toggle switches that a computer uses to perform its calculations. It has a base or
radix of 2. In terms of counting, this means that a digit is added in sequence for every
two counts using only the symbols 0 and 1.
Example:
Binary Decimal
Binary Decimal Binary Decimal
1100 12
0 0 110 6
1101 13
1 1 111 7
1110 14
10 2 1000 8
1111 15
11 3 1001 9
10000 16
100 4 1010 10
101 5 1011 11
Octal
The octal number system is a result of simplifying the representation of
characters in programming in a computer. As computing became more and more
advanced, as well as convenient for users, programmers needed to find a way to
simplify the way data are represented so that it is still understood by the computer. Of
course, they cannot deviate from the binary system since it is the very principle in
which the computer performs its tasks. So they thought of grouping the binary bits
into groups of three (3) called octets. Thus 23 is equal to 8, deriving the name octal.
This number system uses, as the name suggests, 8 as its radix or base represented by
the symbols 0-7.

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 Example

Octal Decimal
Octal Decimal Octal Decimal
14 12
0 0 6 6
15 13
1 1 7 7
16 14
2 2 10 8
17 15
3 3 11 9
20 16
4 4 12 10
5 5 13 11
Hexadecimal
This number system is a spin off from the octal system. Due to significant
developments in the way computers are being used, the instructions and character
representations fed into it have grown as well. Again, not having the option to deviate
from its binary root, the hexadecimal system was introduced. The hexadecimal system
has a base or radix of 16. It is represented by 0-9 and A-F.
Example
Dec 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Hex 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Dec 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Hex 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E 1F

ASCII TABLE
As the computer evolved to an all-around computing device, the need to input
and represent different characters must be made. Thus, a system has to be introduced
to translate characters to binary digits. The idea was to assign a specific decimal
number for each character (numbers, letters, punctuations, and other special
characters) converting it into string of bits. This string of bits is now what we call a
byte, consisting of 8 binary digits that could represents a total of 255 characters.
These 255 characters are now mapped in an American Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII) Code Table. The table below shows a portion of the ASCII Table
representing each capital letters of the alphabet. Take note that there is a separate set
of code for lower case letters. A full set of the ASCII table can be easily found in the
internet.

Character ASCII Binary Character ASCII Binary

A 65 1000001 N 78 1001110
B 66 1000010 O 79 1001111
C 67 1000011 P 80 1010000
D 68 1000100 Q 81 1010001
E 69 1000101 R 82 1010010
F 70 1000110 S 83 1010011
G 71 1000111 T 84 1010100
H 72 1001000 U 85 1010101
I 73 1001001 V 86 1010110
J 74 1001010 W 87 1010111
K 75 1001011 X 88 1011000
L 76 1001100 Y 89 1011001
M 77 1001101 Z 90 1011011

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 Character ASCII Binary Character ASCII Binary
A 97 1100001 n 110 1101110
B 98 1100010 o 111 1101111
C 99 1100011 p 112 1110000
D 100 1100100 q 113 1110001
E 101 1100101 r 114 1110010
F 102 1100110 s 115 1110011
G 103 1100111 t 116 1110100
H 104 1101000 u 117 1110101
I 105 1101001 v 118 1110110
J 106 1101010 w 119 1110111
K 107 1101011 x 120 1111000
L 108 1101100 y 121 1111001
M 109 1101101 z 122 1111010

BINARY ARITHMETIC
Just like any number system, binary numbers can be operated mathematically
to be able to perform the computer’s more essential function – to compute or calculate.
Take a look at how the four basic mathematical operations are done using the binary
number system.
Addition
The basic rule:
0+0=0
0+1=1
1+0=1
1 + 1 = 0 (carry 1 to the next significant digit)
Example
1010
+ 0101
1111
To check:

1010 = (1 x 23) + (0 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (0 x 20) = (8 + 0 + 2 + 0) = 10 (Decimal)

+ 0101 = (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (0 + 4 + 0 + 1) = + 5 (Decimal)
1111 = (1 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (8 + 4 + 2 + 1) = 15 (Decimal)
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Now, try addition with regrouping
Example: Solution: 1 1 + 1 = 0 carry 1
0101 0101
+ 0110 + 0110
1011 1011
To check:
0101 = (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (0 + 4 + 0 + 1) = 5 (Decimal)
+ 0110 = (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (0 x 20) = (0 + 4 + 2 + 0) = + 6 (Decimal
1011 = (1 x 23) + (0 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (8 + 0 + 2 + 1) = 11(Decimal)
Subtraction
The basic rule:
0–0=0
1–0=0
1–1=0
Exception: 0 – 1 = 1(0, being the minuend, in this case borrows 1 from the next
significant digit to have a value of 102 or “two”. Thus, 2 – 1 = 1)
Example:
1111
- 1001
0110 (without regrouping)

To check:
1111 = (1 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (8 + 4 + 2 + 1) = 15(Decimal)
- 1001 = (1 x 23) + (0 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (8 + 0 + 0 + 1)= - 9(Decimal)
0110 = (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (0 x 20) = (0 + 4 + 2 + 0)= 6(Decimal)

Now, try subtraction with regrouping

Example: Solution: 2 borrow 1 which has a value of 2
1001 1001
- 0100 - 0100
0101 0101

To check:
1001 = (1 x 23) + (0 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (8 + 0 + 0 + 1) = 9 (Decimal)
- 0100 = (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (0 x 20) = (0 + 4 + 0 + 0)= - 4(Decimal)
0101 = (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20) = (0 + 4 + 0 + 1)= 5(Decimal)

Multiplication
The basic rule:
0x0=1
0x1=0
1x0=0
1x1=1
Example:
0110
x 0010
0000
+ 0110
0000 Apply the basic rule in addition here if necessary
0000
0001100

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 To check:
0110 = (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (0 x 20) = (0 + 4 + 2 + 0) = 6(Decimal)
x 0010 = (0 x 23) + (0 x 22) + (1 x 21) + (0 x 20) = (0 + 0 + 2 + 0)=x 2(Decimal)
1100 = (1 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (0 x 20) = (8 + 4 + 0 + 0) 12(Decimal)
Division
Division in binary is similar to the long method of division in decimal numbers.
Examine the example below:

101012 Checking:
102 1010102
- 10 1010102 = 4210;
01 102 = 210;
- 0 42 ÷ 2 = 2110
10 Answer:
- 10 101012 = (1 x 24) + (0 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20)
1 = 16 + 0 + 4 + 0 + 1
- 0 = 21
10
- 10
0

CONVERSION AND CALCULATION

Now, try to find out and understand how data or information is translated so
that computers can understand it. Remember that a computer only understands and
processes data in binary format so knowing how to convert between different number
is important.

Decimal conversion
Converting from a decimal number to any number system used in computing is
easy enough. As a general rule, you may consider the following steps:
1. Divide the decimal number by the base or radix of the number system you want
to convert to.
2. Write down the remainder of the division operation.
3. Repeat steps (1) and (2) for each quotient you get until you cannot divide the
quotient by the radix any further.
4. Write down the remainder for each division operation in sequence from bottom
to top to get the converted number.
Example: Convert the decimal number 250 to binary, octal, and hexadecimal numbers
respectively.
Binary Octal Decimal
250 ÷ 2 = 125 remainder 0 250 ÷ 8 = 31 remainder 2 250 ÷ 16 = 15 remainder 10
125 ÷ 2 = 62 remainder 1 31 ÷ 8 = 3 remainder 7 15 ÷ 16 = 0 remainder 16
62 ÷ 2 = 31 remainder 0 3÷8=0 remainder 3
31 ÷ 2 = 15 remainder 1
15 ÷ 2 = 7 remainder 1 Using the hexadecimal
7÷2=3 remainder 1 symbols for 15 and 10 we
3÷2=1 remainder 1 have “F” and “A”,
1÷2=0 remainder 1 respectively.

Answer: 25010 = 111110102 Answer: 25010 = 3728 Answer: 25010 = FA16

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Binary Conversion
A. Binary to Decimal
To convert a binary number to decimal number, multiply each value of
the binary bit by the powers of two (2x), where x is the ordinal bit number - 1.
Then, add them altogether.
Example:
11012 = (1 x 23) + (1 x 22) + (0 x 21) + (1 x 20)
= (1 x 8) + (1 x 4) + (0 x 2) + (1 x 1)
=8+4+0+1
= 1310

B. Binary to Octal
The following are the steps in converting binary to octal:
1. Arrange the given binary bits in groups of 3 starting from the least significant
digit (right-most digit).
2. Convert each group to its octal equivalent by using the formula:
f(a,b,c) = (a*4) + (b*2) + c
3. Write down the octal equivalent in succeeding order.
Example:
1100011011002 = 110 001 101 100 = 61548
= 1: (1 x 4) + (1 x 2) + 0 = 4 + 2 + 0 = 6
= 2: (0 x 4) + (0 x 2) + 1 = 0 + 0 + 1 = 1
= 3: (1 x 4) + (0 x 2) + 1 = 4 + 0 + 1 = 5
= 4: (1 x 4) + (0 x 2) + 0 = 4 + 0 + 0 = 4
C. Binary to Hexadecimal
Converting from binary to hexadecimal is like converting from binary to
octal. The only difference is that instead of grouping the binary string in sets of
3, you will need to group them in sets of 4 to get a single hexadecimal value for
each set. Use the table below as reference for the corresponding hexadecimal
value.
Dec 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Bin 0000 0001 0010 0011 0100 0101 0110 0111 1000 1001 1010 1011 1100 1101 1110 1111
Hex 0 1 2 3 5 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Steps:
1. Arrange the given binary bits in groups of 4 starting from the least significant
digit (right-most digit). Use leading “0” on the most significant digit (left-most
digit) if necessary to complete the grouping.
2. Convert each group to its hexadecimal equivalent by using the formula:
f(a,b,c,d) = (a*8) + (b*4) + (c*2) + d
3. Write down the hexadecimal equivalent in succeeding order.
Example:
1101001110111002

0110 1001 1101 1100 = 69DC16

= 1: (0 x 8) + (1 x 4) + (1 x 2) + 0 = 0 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 6
= 2: (1 x 8) + (0 x 4) + (0 x 2) + 1 = 8 + 0 + 0 + 1 = 9
= 3: (1 x 8) + (1 x 4) + (0 x 2) + 1 = 8 + 4 + 0 + 1 =13(D)
= 4: (1 x 8) + (1 x 4) + (0 x 2) + 0 = 8 + 4 + 0 + 0 =12(C)

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Octal Conversion
A. Octal to Decimal
Octal to decimal conversion is no different from binary to decimal
conversion. Only this time, instead of using the powers of (2), you use the power
of (8).
Example:
70418 = (7 x 83) + (0 x 82) + (4 x 81) + (1 x 80)
= (7 x 512) + (0 x 64) + (4 x 8) + (1 x 1)
= 3584 + 0 + 32 + 1
= 361710
B. Octal to Binary
The long method to convert an octal number to binary number is to convert
it to a decimal number and then convert the resulting decimal number to binary.
Using our previous example, we already know that 70418 is equal to
361710. So, we already have the first step done for us. To complete the process,
we will now convert 361710 to binary. Using the process explained, we will get.
3617 ÷ 2 = 1808 remainder 1
1808 ÷ 2 = 904 remainder 0
904 ÷ 2 = 452 remainder 0 This means that 70418
452 ÷ 2 = 226 remainder 0 is equal to
226 ÷ 2 = 113 remainder 0
1110001000012
113 ÷ 2 = 56 remainder 1
56 ÷ 2 = 28 remainder 0
28 ÷ 2 = 14 remainder 0
14 ÷ 2 = 7 remainder 0
7÷2=3 remainder 1
3÷2=1 remainder 1
1÷2=0 remainder 1

To check, do a reverse conversion (binary to octal).

111 000 100 001 (group the binary string into sets of 3)
7 0 4 1 (get the octal equivalent of each group)

1110001000012 = 70418

C. Octal to Hexadecimal
As explained above in octal to binary conversion, octal to hexadecimal
conversion uses the same process as in converting the octal value to its decimal
value. Then from the decimal value, instead of using 2 as the divisor, we will use
16 which is the base or radix, for the hexadecimal number system. Again picking
up from the example above, if 70418 is equal to 361710 then we will have:
3617 ÷ 16 = 226 remainder 1
226 ÷ 16 = 14 remainder 2
14 ÷ 16 = 0 remainder 14 (E in Hexadecimal)
Writing down the remainders from the bottom to top, we get E2116
Hexadecimal Conversion
A. Hexadecimal to Decimal
To convert from hexadecimal to decimal number, we multiply each
hexadecimal bit with the powers of the base number, in this case, 16. However,
please note and remember that the hexadecimal number system uses alphabet

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 characters as well to represent the decimal numbers from 10 to 12. Use the table
below as reference.
Dec 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Bin 0000 0001 0010 0011 0100 0101 0110 0111 1000 1001 1010 1011 1100 1101 1110 1111
Hex 0 1 2 3 5 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Example:
F4C216 Referring to the table, we have F16 = 1510 and C16 = 1210. So, we will
substitute the decimal values to the letters in our hexadecimal number notation.
F4C216 = (15 x 163) + (4 x 162) + (12 x 161) + (2 x 160)
= (15 x 4096) + (4 x 256) + (12 x 16) + (2 x 1)
= 61440 + 1024 + 192 + 2
= 6265810
B. Hexadecimal to Binary
To convert from hexadecimal to binary, we will just use the short method
of converting each hexadecimal bit to binary strings, this time in groups of 4.
You may refer to the table above as well, to get the binary equivalent of each
hexadecimal digit. Thus,
F4C216 = 1111 0100 1100 0010 (then just put them altogether)
F4C216 = 11110100110000102
C. Hexadecimal to Octal
Converting hexadecimal to octal can be easily done in 3 simple steps:
1. Get the binary conversion of the hexadecimal number to be converted.
2. Put the binary conversion of each hexadecimal number altogether in one
binary string.
3. Regroup the binary string into groups of 3. Again, you may use leading “0”.
4. Get the octal value of each binary group and put them together.
Taking from our example above:
F4C216 = 11110100110000102 (group this by 3 starting right-most digit)
= 001 111 010 011 000 0102
= 1 7 2 3 0 2
= 1723028

MEASURING MEMORY AND FILE CAPACITY

Knowing the measurable specification of the different computer components is
important in terms of understanding how you manage your files in the computer or
how you configure your computer the best way possible. But before you go any further
into calculating files sizes and storage capacities, for example, take a look at the
standards of conversion. This will be especially important when it comes to data storage
requirements.
The standard of measure for most measurable specification of computer
components stemmed from its beginnings way back. Digital computers evolved based
on a number system called binary. This was based on its original processing design of
using an array of toggle switches that is capable of giving out only two (2) definite states,
on or off. Thus, the symbols or digits used in a binary number system are only 1 and
0. This is now the smallest unit of data used in computing called a bit.
As the computer evolved with more advanced functions, representing numbers
was not enough. Alphabets, punctuations, and special characters have to be
represented and understood by the computer as well. Thus, the need to use multiple
bits or bit grouping to represent each character came about, which is what is known
to be a “byte”. A byte is the basic unit of information used in computing.

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 Basic Conversion of Bytes
Unit ~ Equivalent (SI) Actual Size (Binary)
Byte 8 bits
Kilobyte ~1,000 B 1024 B
210 = 1,024 B
Megabyte ~1,000 KB 1024 KB
~1,000,000 B 220 = 1,048,576 B
Gigayte ~1,000 MB 1024 MB
~1,000,000 KB 230 = 1,073,741,824 B
~1,000,000,000 B
Terabyte ~1,000 GB 1024 GB
~1,000,000 MB 240 = 1,099,511,627,776 B
~1,000,000,000 KB
~1,000,000,000,000 B
To better appreciate the given conversion table, look at the example below that
would require a little calculation using the values given.
Example:
How many 1.5MB picture files will fit in a DVD? We know that a regular
DVD’s capacity is about 4.7 GB. Taking from the table above that 1GB is
~1,000MB, then we can arrive at the equation:
X = (4.7 * 1000) / 1.5
X = 4700/1.5
X = 3133.33 (~3133 files)
Actual size will be computed like this:
X =(4.7 * 1024)/1.5
X = 4,812.80/1.5
X = 3208.53 (3209 files)

What’s More

Directions: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. What is binary equivalent of 108 ?
A. 1000 B. 1100 C. 1001 D. 1010
2. What is the decimal equivalent of 1102 ?
A. 8 B. 6 C. 7 D. 9
3. What is the octal equivalent of 1416 ?
A. 13 B. 14 C. 15 D. 16
4. What is the hexadecimal equivalent of 1810 ?
A. 10 B. 11 C. 12 D. 13

Mensuration, as defines, is the act of measuring or the geometry

applied to the computation of different measures. In computing
though, much of the measures we dealt with are intangible objects
that are all virtual or seemingly imaginary. This is the reason why
computing mensuration heavily relies on standard values prescribed
to measure capacity or space. Unlike in physical geometry, when
asked for the measure of an area or a space, we simply get a measuring tool and measure
distances ‘tip-to-tip and side-to-side.” In computing, the most basic unit of measure in
terms of space or capacity as in data storage is called a byte. A byte is equal to 8 bits,
which is the term used as the smallest unit of data in computing.
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 What I Have Learned

I. Directions: Referring to the actual size (binary column) in the “Basic

Conversion of Bytes” table, find the following values:
1. 4.6GB = _______ MB
2. 350 KB = _______ MB
3. 32 GB = ________ KB
4. 12 MB = _________ B
5. 2.3 TB = _________ MB
II. Directions: Complete the table below by converting the different number
systems.
Decimal Binary Octal Hexadecimal
11001
165
566
1CC2
12621

What I Can Do

Directions: Answer the following:

1. How important are binary numbers to a programmer?
2. What are the basic rules in binary arithmetic using the basic mathematical
operators?

Self-Evaluation
Evaluate your current skills against the criteria listed below. Check the option
that you think is most appropriate to you.
Very Good – excellently demonstrates understanding, able to explain the
concept in wider context of the subject, perfectly performs tasks,
and produces excellent work
Good – competently demonstrates understanding, has sufficient understanding
of concepts, can describe the received information in own words,
easily accomplish tasks, and produces good quality work
Fair – some understanding is demonstrated, meets minimum knowledge
requirement to perform tasks, and can produce output by
following examples
Weak – understanding is not clearly demonstrated, having difficulty performing
tasks, insufficient knowledge and skills to produce output

Criteria Weak Fair Good Very Good

1. Firm understanding of mensuration
2. Can identify measurable computer
component specifications
3. Can convert from one unit of measure to
another
4. Can convert numbers from decimal to binary
5. Can convert numbers from decimal to octal
6. Can convert numbers from decimal to
hexadecimal
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 Practicing Occupational Health
and Safety

What I Need to Know

At the end of the period, learners should be able to:

1. learn how to practice Occupational Health and Safety;
2. identify the hazards and risks present in an office environment;
3. evaluate and control hazards and risks;
4. maintain occupational health and safety; and
5. understand the effects of hazards and risks.

What I Know

Directions: Match the risk or hazard in Column A with the cause in Column B.
Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.

A B
1. tripping A. electrical faults ranging from equipment
2. slipping failure, overloading of convenience outlets
3. ergonomic injuries and extension cords, frayed cable, exposed
4. eye strain wiring
5. fire B. loose overhead fixtures; tossing tools and
objects between co-workers
C. wires running down near or through the
walkways or aisle
D. staring at the computer screen for long
periods of time
E. painful condition of hands, hips, or back
due to poor posture
F. spills on the floor leaving it wet and
presence of small objects like pen caps
or paper clips that are left scattered

What’s In

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) – is defined as the: (a) promotion

and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of
workers in all occupations; (b) prevention among its workers of any departures from
health caused by their working conditions; (c) protection among workers in their
employment from risks usually from factors adverse to health and (d) placing and

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maintenance of the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his/her
physiological ability. (Rules and Regulations Implementing Executive Order No. 307)

What’s New

Directions: What would be the possible risk with the following

situations?
1. A water spillage along the walkway was left without caution
2. Wires lying across the doorway
3. Prolong use of cellular phones
4. Improper stacking of storage boxes
5. Overloading of convenient outlets and extension cords

Key Terminologies
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) – the promotion and maintenance of
the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all
occupations
Ergonomics – refers to any method or product feature designed to optimize
overall human well-being and performance especially at work
Hazard – source of potential injury or threat
Risk – the possibility that something bad or unpleasant thing will happen

What Is It

HAZARDS AND RISKS

Hazard is defined as ‘anything (including work practices or procedures) that has

the potential to harm the health or safety of a person’. Hazard can be grouped into 5
broad areas: 1) physical eg. noise, radiation, light, vibration 2) chemical eg. poisons,
dusts 3) biological eg. viruses, plants, parasites 4) mechanical/electrical eg. slips, trips
and falls, tools, electrical equipment 5) psychological eg. fatigue, violence, bullying.

Here is a simple scenario to differentiate hazards and risks – a water spillage

along the walkway was left without caution. In this simple example, the hazard, which
is the source of potential injury or threat, is the water spillage itself as it might cause
someone to slip and get injured. On the other hand, the probability that someone will
actually slip because of the water spillage is the risk. In other words, what are the
chances that a person or few people will step over the spill and might slip and fall
because of it. To reduce the risk, if not to eliminate it, the source of threat (hazard)
must be eliminated or fixed. In this case, to completely eliminate the risk, you could
wipe the floor dry from the spillage (hazard). You could also put a marker or a sign to
alert anyone who might step on it to avoid getting injured, thereby reducing the risk.
Generally, a risk can be classified as low, medium or high. Low being the least probable
and high being most likely to happen.

IDENTIFYING HAZARDS
Slips, Trip, and Fall
This kind of hazard may perhaps be the most common of all, whether you are
working in an office, in a construction site, or in other heavy industry job site. Common
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causes contribution to this hazard, especially tripping, are wires running down near or
through the walkways or aisle ; drawers that are not kept completely closed or simply
left open without regard ; frayed or buckled carpet ; and obstructions left unattended
along the walkways. Slipping is commonly caused by spills on the floor leaving it wet
and the presence of small objects like pen caps or paper clips that are left scattered.

Falling accidents are usually caused by improper use of office furnishing or

equipment being used as a stepladder when working or reaching objects at height. On
the other hand, the causes of being hit by falling objets can range from improper
stacking of storage boxes making it heavy ; loosely stored objects on overjead cabinets
or shelf tops ; loose overhead fixtures ; and tossing tools and objects between co-
workers.

Generally, this kind of hazard could cause minor to major injuries to a person
minor to major damage to properties. The key to controlling or avoiding this kind of
hazard is by doing the practice of good housekeeping. Housekeeping as defined by
Merriam, is ‘the routine tasks that must be done in order for the system to function
effeciently.’ When you say routine, it is being done regularly on a continuous basis. In
layman’s term it is the practice of tidying up or putting everything clean and in proper
oder. It makes sense because once the workplace is all tidied up and in order, then
there should be no reason for you to slip, trip, or fall. This will lessen the chance for
this kind of hazard to occur in your environment. Other ways of controlling it is by
carefully planning the layout of the workplace and by simply mindful and considerate
of the welfare of others.

Fire
This kind of hazard is most dreaded because of its potential to cause heavy to
catastrophic damage or even total loss of properties and lives. This is also the reason
why fire safety is a strict requirement in the building code. Every workplace is required
to have a full fire safety inspection and must keep and ensure that the required fire
safety equipment (usually fire extinguisher) is in good working condition. Common
cause of fire in the office is generally electrical faults. This could range from equipment
failure, overloading of convenience outlets and extension cords, frayed cable, or
exposed wiring to poor maintenance. Other causes are storage of highly combustible
materials or human error.
Because of its catastrophic potential, ways of controlling this kind of hazard is
highly standardized and involves not only private individual effort but rather one that
is a concern by the public, as a whole, and enforcement by the government. Thus, the
Fire Code of the Philippines was created.

Ergonomic injuries
This kind of hazard is often ignored but perhaps the one that causes long-term
injuries if not addressed. It is quite difficult to detect since it does not manifest
instantly, unlike accidents. The risks involved in this kind of hazard develops over time.
For instance, while you are conveniently seated inside the office the whole day doing
your work, it can cause ergonomic injuries to your hips and back due to poor posture.
On the other hand, if your job requires you to do repetitive movements to specific region
of your body like wrists, back, or hips, this causes repeated trauma which could be
negligible while doing the actual work and may gradually and increasingly worsens
over time until it manifests in a discomforting or worse, painful manner.

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 Proper Workstation Ergonomics

The workstation you are using can present a number of risks if not corrected.
Correcting or controlling this kind of hazard generally involves the use of ergonomically
adjustable office furnishings and equipment such as chairs, tables, computer monitor,
keyboard, or simple copyholder for documents while you are typing. While these things
may seemingly show some sort of hype for novelties and conveniences, they do
minimize the risks of long-term injuries that may not be life-threatening but definitely
discomforting. Remember that safety is not only concerned about reducing the risk of
accidents in the workplace but more so to protect the welfare of the workers. A
workplace that may not have all the convenience but free from discomfort is still a
happy workplace.

Injuries related to this kind of hazard are generally called Work-related

Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). This is also commonly called by many names
such as:
 Repetitive motion injuries
 Repetitive strain injuries
 Cumulative trauma disorders
 Occupational cervicobrachial disorders
 Overuse syndrome
 Regional musculoskeletal disorders
 Soft tissue disorders

Eyestrain
This is one of the most common risks that one may acquire not only in the
workplace but also at home. No matter what industry you work in, you use your eyes
to look at what you are doing. Most, if not all, office workers stare at computer screen
for long periods of time doing their daily tasks. Even when you stare at the screens of
your tablets and phones, you are still at risk of developing eyestrain. Eyestrain causes
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your eyes to get dry and irritated and worse, you might have trouble focusing at work.
While this kind of hazard could be inevitable, there are still some things and practices
that you can do to minimize it, especially in the workplace. The following are some
practices to avoid eyestrain:
1. Reduce glare on monitors
a. Lower light levels
b. Use and close blinds on windows
2. Adjust monitor position slightly below eye level at appropriate angle
3. Take 5-10 minute breaks for every hour spent staring at the monitor, focusing
your eyes at varying distances
4. Increase the computer’s font size

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Not because you work in an air-conditioned room means that your workplace is
safe and free from risks caused by poor indoor quality. Common risks involved in this
kind of hazard ranges from allergies, chemical sensitivity to occupational asthma, and
other respiratory disorder. Generally, this caused by poor housekeeping and
maintenance which promotes build-up of harmful gases, particulates, and microbial
contaminants.

Over-crowding is also another cause of poor IAQ. It affects the humidity and
temperature of the room. Nowadays, over-crowding does not only pertain to people
itself. Virtually, each person in the office is assigned to at least one computer to do
his/her tasks. These computers give off heat, among other, that also affects IAQ.
Copiers and laser printers give off ozone gas that contributes to IAQ hazards.

Like any other hazards in the office, good housekeeping and maintenance is
perhaps one of the most important and simplest way of controlling it. IAQ is all about
cleanliness and hygiene. Other ways of controlling it are through the use of various
equipment and appliances like air conditioners, heaters (for cold places), and other
ventilating machines. Moreover, an IAQ policy can be set-up for everyone to follow.

SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING HAZARDS

Since there are different kinds of hazards, controlling them requires different
systems. These include the following:
 Engineering Controls. It involves controlling the hazard right at its source.
Whenever applicable and feasible, the equipment and facility used to perform
the job is customized, fabricated, or manufactured in such a way that it removes,
isolates, or minimizes the risks involved. In an office environment, the use of
ergonomic office equipment that can be adjusted not only for convenience but
also to reduce physical stress while performing the work is part of an engineering
control.
 Safe Work Practices. This perhaps is the most cost effective and practical
system that can be implemented in an office environment. It involves
establishing certain rules and regulations regarding carrying out all task in a
safe manner. This may also require training and educating workers to enforce
the practice.
 Administrative Controls. This type of control goes hand in hand with safe work
practices. Though seemingly the same, administrative control may refer to
additional measures or organizational policies that aim to reduce hazards and
risks throughout the organization.
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  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). While use of PPE may not be necessary
when working in an office environment, it might be noteworthy to know what
PPE is and what kind of PPE applies to specific tasks in the office. Most common
PPE that could be found in the workplace, whether in an office environment or
heavy industry like construction site, are safety glass, helmets, gloves, and
safety shoes or rubber boots.
 Systems to Track Hazard Correction. This refers to a well-defined system of
identifying, tracking, and documenting hazards and the corrections made to
reduce, if not to completely eliminate it. This could be in the form of a simple
form document, a spreadsheet, or a database. In large organizations, such
systems are mostly in place and maintained. In smaller organizations, however,
it is more simple to implement, but often neglected.
 Preventive Maintenance Systems. A good and reliable preventive maintenance
program should be in place to ensure that hazard controls currently
implemented are always functioning well. This involves strict, regular monitoring
and replacements (where applicable) of controls that are in place even before it
needs repair. A common example of good maintenance practice is the regular
monitoring and replacement of fire extinguishers in the office. Again, such
practice is highly recommended to be well documented for tracking and
reference purposes.
 Emergency Preparation. An emergency is a situation where a threat to life or
property is present. This is mostly an unsuspecting or unexpected event such
as an accident or an event brought by natural calamity or disaster like typhoons
and quakes. The key to reduce or minimize the loss or damage to life or property
is by preparing for it. This requires detailed risk assessment and careful
planning. Essential part of this preparation is on keeping communication lines
open to appropriate parties involved in emergency response and relief. In an
office environment, a well-planned and coordinated evacuation plan should also
be included in the preparation. Conducting or participating in fire and quake
drills is also highly recommended.
 Medical Programs. This is an important part of health and safety system. Such
program can either be in-house, like in large organizations, or through certain
arrangements with local medical facility. Other than medical treatment, in case
of emergencies, medical programs control and promote the general health of the
workers in an organization. Something which is clearly an OHS concern A
company’s HMO program, though may not be complete, is a good start for a good
medical program.

MAINTAINING WORKPLACE’S HEALTH AND SAFETY

Building and maintaining a culture of safety is essential in any organization no

matter what the size of the organization would be. Employers must always think of the
safety of their workers in performing their duties and tasks.

An essential element in establishing such culture is by creating a safety

committee whose members are coming from both the management team and the
employee body. Once this committee is created, certain regulations and policies
referring to the health, safety, and welfare of employees can be drawn out. Proper and
reliable documentation must be maintained in order to manage and promote the
general health and safety of all employees in an organization. Every employee must
have his/her own health and safety record and monitored by management through the

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safety committee. In small organizations, keeping track and maintaining records of an
employee’s Annual Physical Examination (APE) is a good place to start.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

As you have already known, every emergency situation is unexpected. You can
only do so much in terms of preventing it but once it happens there is no better way of
handling it than to be prepared for it. One of the best practices in maintaining safety
in the workplace is keeping the communication line open and knowing where and how
to get emergency assistance for such eventuality. Whether at home, school, or work
you are constantly reminded and given information about emergency number that you
most often ignore until such time that you need it. Keeping such information in mind
may spell the difference between life and death. It is better to keep in mind your local
Emergency Response Team (ERT) hotline. In most cases these are hotline numbers for
police, fire department, and ambulance services that are commonly posted around your
community. If you cannot find such posting around your community, it is better to go
to your nearest local government unit and ask for the information.

Knowing how to contact your local ERT is just one part of ensuring emergency
preparedness. Knowing exactly where and how to get to key emergency facilities like
medical clinic or hospitals is another part of it. Identifying the best as well as alternative
routes to get there would be best as well.

What’s More

ACTIVITY :

Directions: How many of Safety Standards can you find? Describe and explain
each.

`
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 “Safety is everybody’s concern.” It starts with one’s self. Risks and
hazards are present in the workplace no matter how convenient it
looks, as in an office. Hazards that are present in the office can be
identified as those causing slip, trips, and fall; fire, ergonomic
injuries; eyestrain; and indoor air quality. These hazards can be
controlled through the use of different systems or a combination of
them. The systems that can be used to control hazards are engineering controls; safe
work practices; administrative controls use; use of PPE; systems to track hazard
correction; preventive maintenance systems; emergency preparation; and medical
programs.

What I Have Learned

Directions: Read each item carefully and identify what controlling hazard is
described. Write your answer on you answer sheet.
1. It is a well-defined system of identifying tracking, and documenting hazards
and the corrections made to reduce, if not to completely eliminate it.
2. Helmets, gloves, and safety shoes or rubber boots
3. Conducting or participating in fire and quake drills
4. Use of ergonomic seats and tables or other office equipment that can be
adjusted to reduce physical stress while performing the work
5. Programs that control and promote the general health of the workers in an
organization
6. Additional measures or organizational policies that aim to reduce hazards and
risks organizational wide
7. Establishing certain rules and regulations regarding carrying out all task in
a safe manner
8. Strict, regular monitoring, and replacements of controls that are in place even
before it needs repair

What I Can Do

Directions: Answer the following question:

1. How do you think you can help to maintain occupational health and
safety?
2. During this time of pandemic how will you safeguard yourself from
COVID-19?

Self-Evaluation
Evaluate your current skills against the criteria listed below. Check the option
that you think is most appropriate to you.
Very Good – excellently demonstrates understanding, able to explain the
concept in wider context of the subject, perfectly performs tasks,
and produces excellent work
Good – competently demonstrates understanding, has sufficient understanding
of concepts, can describe the received information in own words,
easily accomplish tasks, and produces good quality work

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 Fair – some understanding is demonstrated, meets minimum knowledge
requirement to perform tasks, and can produce output by
following examples
Weak – understanding is not clearly demonstrated, having difficulty performing
tasks, insufficient knowledge and skills to produce output

Criteria Weak Fair Good Very Good

1. Can identify hazards and risks in an office
environment
2. Can suggest or recommend practical risk
reduction methods or procedures
3. Understanding the effects of hazards and
risks

References:
Computer Programming Vol. 1 Innovative Training Works, pp. 22-55

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