DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT-402)

Unit – 4 (NCERT Text Book)

Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment
(Health, Safety and Security at Workplace)
1. Briefly explain the concept of health, safety and security at workplace.
Ans:
i) Health: Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social
well-being. Every organization must provide healthy and safety working environment
for their employees at the workplace. Health of an employee must be in a good
condition so that the employees of the organization will not suffer from any diseases.
 Cleanliness at the workplace is mandatory.
 A proper air conditioning is mandatory to provide clean and cool air at
workplace.
 A properly filtered water facility must be available for the employees of the
company.
 A fresh food cafeteria must provide the good quality food for the employees.
ii) Safety: The work environment of the organization must be safe. It must be free
from hazards and risk. A proper safety guideline must be prepared by the company and it
should be strictly followed. At regular intervals of time, the safety procedures must be
practiced by employees.
iii) Security: Every employee working in an organization must feel that they are
secured in the company campus. Security ensures the safety of the people
working in the organization. This department should be responsible for various
security such as personal safety, computer system safety, electrical safety,
transport safety and other equipment safety.
2. State the most important reasons for health, safety and security program in
workplace.
Ans: Reasons for Health, Safety and Security Programs or Policies in Workplace are:
 It clearly indicates the company’s commitment for their employee’s health and
safety.
 It shows the performance of the business and the safety performance are
compatible with each other.
 It clearly state that the company is not only doing the business for profits but
it is taking care of all its stake holders.
 Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy.

3. List out the various workplace safety hazards.

Ans: Various workplace safety hazards are:
 Chemical hazards
 Health hazards
  Fire hazards
 Physical hazards
 Electrical hazards
4. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organization.
Ans:
 Hazards using Computers.
 Handling Office Equipment
 Handling Objects
 Stress at Work

5. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organization.

Ans: IT workplaces present unique challenges to employee health and well-being.
Here are some of the key IT workplace hazards:
 Eye Strain and Headache
 Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs)
 Repetitive Strain Injuries(RSIs)
 Stress and Anxiety
 Sleep Disruption
 Social Isolation
 Environment Hazards
 Improper Lighting

6. What are the examples of potential hazards?

Ans:
 Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems,
making it difficult to clearly see your work.
 Hazards while using computer include poor sitting postures or excessive
duration of sitting in one position.
 Improper handling of office equipment can result in injuries.
 Lifting or moving heavy items without proper procedure or techniques can be
a source of potential hazard.
 Potential hazards at workplace area may include poor ventilation, chairs and
tables of inappropriate height, hard furniture, poor lighting, staff unaware of
emergency procedures, or poor housekeeping.

7. Describe information technology workplace hazards.

Ans: IT workplaces present unique challenges to employee health and well-being.
Here are some of the key IT workplace hazards:
Physical Hazards:
 Eye Strain: Staring at computer screens for extended periods can lead to
eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.
 Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSDs): Poor posture, repetitive motions like
typing, and awkward working positions cause neck pain, back pain, carpal
tunnel syndrome, and other MSDs.
 Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Similar to MSDs, but often focused on
specific areas like wrists and hands due to repetitive movements.
 Working Organization Hazards:
 Stress and Anxiety: IT professionals often face tight deadline, demanding
workloads, and the pressure to stay up-to-date with technology. This can lead
to chronic stress and anxiety.
 Sleep Disruption: IT work can sometimes involve irregular hours or on-call
duties, disrupting sleep patterns and Impacting overall health.
Environmental Hazards:
 Poor Indoor Air Quality: Stale air in office environment can contribute to
headaches, fatigue and respiratory problems.
 Improper Lighting: Dim or flickering office lights can cause eye strain and
headaches.

8. What are the workplace safety rules?

Ans: Basic safety rules to follow at workplace- First safety, falls and slips, Electrical
safety, Use of first aid.
Basic Fire safety rules in an organization are:
 Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels.
 Smoke alarms must be placed at proper intervals
 Keep workplace a no-smoking zone.
Falls and Slips Safety rules:
 Keep the moving area clean and cluster free.
 Workplace must be proper ventilated receive light.
 Wear non slippery footwear.
 Floors must be clean and dry.
 Oil spills, dust must be immediately cleaned.
Electrical Safety Rules:
 Electrical equipment used should be approved by a recognized organization.
 Workers should be trained to handle the electric equipment safely.
 Damaged and hazardous electrical equipment should be immediately
replaced.
 Take care that the outlets/ circuits should not be overloaded.
 Switch off and unplug the electrical appliances before cleaning or relocating
them.
Uses of First Aid:
 Assure the injured to remain calm and not to panic.
 Keep them warm if they are under shock.
 Do not move the victim in case of back/neck injury.

9. List out different safety guidelines?

Ans:
Safety Guidelines Checklist
 1.Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed
containers in separate cupboards.
2. Throw garbage daily.
3. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.
4. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when
working with machines.
5. Never distract the attention of people who are
working near a fire or with some machinery, tools
or equipment.
6. Where required, wear protective items, such
as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, and
hair nets.
7. Shut down all machines before leaving for
the workplace.
8. Do not play with electrical controls or switches.
9.Do not operate machines or equipment until you
have been properly trained and allowed to do so
by your supervisor.
10. Repair torn wires or broken plugs before using
any electrical equipment.

10. Describe type of emergency with example.

Ans: Some of the types of emergencies are as follows:
 Chemical spills
 Extreme heat waves
 Droughts
 Pandemics
 Terrorist attack
 Fire
 Floods
 Thunderstorms
 Leakage of some hazardous gas/ chemical
Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment
(Workplace Quality Measures)
1. What causes the water pollution?
Ans: Causes of water Pollution:
 Industrial waste: Industries release a variety of pollutants into
waterways, including chemicals, metals and organic matter.
 Agricultural runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used in
agriculture can contaminate water sources when they are washed
away by rain.
 Sewage and wastewater: Untreated sewage can introduce harmful
bacteria and viruses into water.
 Oil spills: Oil spills can have a devastating impact on marine life and
ecosystems.
 Plastic pollution: Plastic pollution is a growing problem that is
harming aquatic life and ecosystems.

2. What is occupational overuse syndrome?

Ans: Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetition strain injury (RSI), is a
collective term for a range of conditions, characterized by discomfort or persistent
pain in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, with or without physical
manifestations. It is usually caused or aggravated by work, and is associated with
repetitive movement, sustained or constrained postures and/or forceful movements.

3. What are musculoskeletal problems?

Ans: This problem includes different areas of your body, such as neck, back, chests,
arms shoulders and feet. It occurs because of your wrong posture, uncomfortable
chair for sitting that is not ergonomically correct while working on the computer.

4. What cautions to be taken while working on the computer?

Ans: Various cautions to be taken while working on the computer are:
 Use Serge Protector: The Static electricity generated just by walking on the
carpet can damage the computer component. So, use a surge protector when
you plug your system in.
 Use a Battery Backup System: A battery backup system is the best way to
protect against a power outage, as it provides the system with constant
voltage.
 Remove Ornaments while working: Remove rings, watches and necklaces
while working on the computer. These ornaments are often made of
conductive metals which can damage computer components by striking them
static electricity.
 Unplug Cables: Unplug all power sources and cables from computer. If you
are working with plugged in computer then it might damage your hardware.
Modern processors will overheat within 7 sec if heat sink is not attached.
5. Why there is no right way to use a laptop?
Ans: In laptop the screen and keyboard are very close together and there is really no
right way to use laptop because if you position the screen at right height for your
back and neck, it will cause you to have to lift your arms and shoulders too high to
use it and vice versa. It will probably cause a problem.

6. What causes eye strain and how to avoid it?

Ans: Causes of Eye Strain:
 Computer’s bright light.
 Glare and flickering images.
 Constant focusing on screen without blinking.
 Poor lighting.
Avoid eye strain by using following methods:
 Adjust the brightness of computer screen.
 Reposition the screen to avoid glare from lights or windows.
 Keep a proper vision distance from computer screen and blink your eyes
in an interval.
 Wear anti-glare glasses while working in computer.
 Give your eyes periodic breaks from the screen.
 Perform frequent blinking.
 Look away from the screen into the distance for a few moments to relax
your eyes.
 Keep your monitor between 18 to 24inches away from your face.

7. What type of keyboard is suitable to work on computers?

Ans:
 Use the modern LED monitor of legible size and with adequate spacing
between the characters and lines.
 The image on the screen should be stable, with no flickering or other forms of
instability.
 The screen must be free of reflective glare and reflection liable to cause
discomfort to the user.

8. What type of keyboard is suitable to work on computer?

Ans:
 The keyboard should be tilt and separate from the screen to find a
comfortable working position and avoid fatigue in the arms or hands.
 The space in front of the keyboard must be sufficient to provide support for
the hands and arms of the user.
 The keyboard should have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare.
 The symbols on the key must be adequately contrasted legible from the
design working position.
Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment
(Prevent Accidents and Emergencies)
1. What is workplace emergency?
Ans: A workplace emergency is any sudden, unexpected event that threatens people
or the work environment. These can be fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters,
or security threats. They disrupt operations and require immediate action.

2. How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your business?

Ans: The best way to protect yourself and your organisation is to develop a well-
thought-out emergency action plan to guide the employees in the event of an
emergency.

3. What is an emergency action plan?

Ans: Refer page No: 69 (Q1)( Questionnaire)

4. What should your emergency action plan include?

Ans: A well-crafted emergency action plan (EAP) guides employees during
emergencies. Here’s what to include:
 Identify workplace hazards and plan for likely threats.
 Evacuation: Define clear routes, exits, and assembly points. Assign wardens.
 Communication: Establish how emergencies are announced and who
communicates with responders.
 Procedures: Outline actions for different emergencies (e.g. fire extinguisher
use, first aid).
 Training: Train employees on the EAP and conduct regular drills.
 Maintain the plan: Regularly review, update, and distribute the EAP.

5. How do you develop an evacuation plan include?

Ans: Evacuation is the process of emptying a place in case of an emergency, disaster.
Every organisation must have an evacuation policy. All the Team Leaders are
responsible for informing about the policy to their employees about it. Proper
attention must be paid when the Team Leader is informing you about these details.
Negligence at this time may cost lives.
Organization must have a designated assembly point for emergencies. Ensure that
every employee/ worker must know where it is.
A buddy system for individuals with special needs or disabilities must be designated.
This system ensures that differently-abled are assisted and guided out of the premises
or the impacted area properly. If you are a buddy to someone, ensure that your buddy
is safe at the assembly point with you.

6. How do you establish evacuation routes and exits?

Ans:
 Leave the premises immediately and start moving towards the nearest
emergency exit.
  Guide your customers to the emergency exits.
 If possible, assist the person with disability to move towards the emergency
exit.
 You may carry your hand-held belongings to move towards the emergency
exit.
 You can determine possible evacuation routes from floor plan diagrams posted
in your facility.
 Employees should be aware of all emergency exits including fire escape routes,
of the office building and also the locations of fire extinguishers and alarms.

7. What are the various types of fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency?
Ans: Types of Fire Extinguisher:
 Water CO2
 Dry chemical powder
 Carbon dioxide
 Mechanical foam
 ABC dry powder
Select the suitable type of fire extinguisher
Water CO2 Dry Chemical Carbon Mechanical ABC Dry
powder Dioxide Foam Powder
Class A Suitable Not Suitable Not Suitable Suitable Suitable
Class B Not Suitable Suitable Suitable Suitable Suitable
Class C Not Suitable Suitable Suitable Not Suitable Suitable
Class D Not Suitable Suitable Not Suitable Not Suitable Suitable

8. What are the steps for operating a fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency.
Ans: Step1: Identify the safety pin of the fire extinguisher, present in its handle.
Step 2: Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle.
Step 3: Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever.
Step 4: Sweep it from side to side.

9. List the different class of fire.

Ans: Different Class of Fire:
 Class A Material: Material such as wood, cloth, and paper which won’t ignite
on their own but will continue to burn once exposed to a heat source.
 Class B Material: All liquid, grease, and gas materials that burn when exposed
to ignition sources.
 Class C Material: Electrical materials and equipment. These materials causes
fires very quickly and present a serious risk of arc flash.
 Class D Material: Any material that are volatile and able to quickly ignite, such
as magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
10. List out electrical rescue techniques.
Ans:
Approaching the accident
 Never rush into an accident situation.
  Call 108 as soon as possible.
 Approach the accident place cautiously.

Examining the scene

 Visually examine victims to determine if they are in contact with energized
conductors.
 Metal surfaces, objects near the victim itself may be energized.
 Do not touch the victim or conductive surfaces while they are energized.
 Switch off the electrical circuits if possible.

Hazards and solutions

 Be alert for hazards, such as heated surfaces and fire.
 In Case you cannot switch off the power source, take extreme care.
 Ensure that your hands and feet are dry.
 Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes.
 Use non-conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor.

High voltage rescue

 Special training is required for rescues if high voltage is present.
 Protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes must be worn.

11. What is the first aid for electrical emergencies?

Ans: A victim may require Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
 If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give first aid for injuries and treat
for shock.
 Ensure the victim gets medical care as soon as possible
 Physician attending the victim must have detailed information to properly
diagnose and care for the victim.