LESSON 4: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OHS) STANDARDS IN ICT
Introduction
Occupational Health and Safety or OHS is concerned with health, safety, and welfare issues in the
workplace. Policies and procedures are important in discussing OHS because it aims to make the
workplace safer and better for workers and stakeholders.
It is concerned with many factors such as removal of hazards and reducing accidents in the workplace.
As a future computer technician, it is your responsibility to know these standard protocols especially since
you will be assembling and repairing expensive and sensitive equipment that need care and proper handling.
Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a set of policies and procedures that is followed in a workplace
to prevent accidents, illnesses, and injuries.
It involves knowing the risks that can be encountered in a workplace and figuring out how it can be
prevented.
Following OHS policies and procedures is important when dealing with electronics since it would protect
not only the personnel dealing with the components, but also the unit itself.
Three steps may be done to facilitate OHS procedures in a CSS workspace:
1. Hazard identification
2. Risk assessment
3. Risk control
In addition to that, here are some additional OHS Procedures that must be observed in computer servicing:
Avoid overtightening screws.
Wear an anti-static device to prevent electrostatic discharge.
Use shoes with non-conduction rubber soles to reduce risks of being shocked.
Hazard Identification
Hazards are anything that can hurt a person. Example of hazards that can be encountered when conducting
computer systems servicing are:
Tangled electrical cords
Unsecured or unevenly stacked boxes
Noise
Hazard identification involves observing the workplace’s surroundings to recognize potential risks.
What are common hazards that can be encountered in the electronic industry?
1. PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Physical hazards can be further classified as an occupational or an environmental hazard.
A common type of physical hazard are cables tangled across the floor. It can cause someone to trip and fall.
These can be addressed by making sure that the workspace is in a clean and proper condition.
2. MECHANICAL HAZARDS
Mechanical hazards can either be a result from manual use of tools or powered equipment.
An example of this is getting entangled with tools and equipment used in the workplace that may lead to
injuries.
3. CHEMICAL HAZARDS
This is caused by exposure to chemicals in the workplace. Chemical hazards should be prevented as it can
cause long-term harmful health issues.
In electronics, different chemicals will be used such as cleaning chemicals, dust removers, cleaning solvents,
oil, and others that is why it is important to be careful.
4. ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARDS
An electrical hazard is a dangerous condition that can be caused by direct electrical contact from an active
equipment or electrical conductor.
Risk Assessment
Assessing the risk is evaluating how a hazard would harm a person. While hazards are what can harm the
person, risk is the possibility of the hazard harming someone. Two questions can be asked to assess a risk:
1. How likely will the hazard harm me or someone else?
2. How damaging will the risk be?
Risk Control
Once the hazard has been identified and its risks have been evaluated, it is time to address these issues:
Ask your supervisor for instruction and training before using or repairing equipment.
Do not carry or move heavy objects by yourself.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
One can use gaffers’ tape to manage and organize cables that need to run across the floor for a long period of
time. Gaffer’s tape is a strong adhesive that can stick to the floor to minimize disarray of computer cables.
Besides this, cable ties, cable wraps, and cable raceways can be used for long term cable routing.
MECHANICAL HAZARDS
In general, mechanical hazards can be prevented by ensuring that all equipment is well maintained. In
addition to that, a person must be well trained or supervised before using an unfamiliar equipment. Use
equipment in the way the manufacturer had initially intended.
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
To prevent chemical hazards, make sure to properly check labels of chemicals that will be used. Be on the
lookout for flammable substances. Make sure to follow safety procedures indicated on product labels or
packaging.
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARDS
To minimize risks, make sure to check for faulty wiring before use. Do not disconnect power cords by
tugging on the wire. Instead, hold the plug end when disconnecting.
