Incorrect use of power to office
equipment can case hazards. The following can be prevented by correct use of
power access:
- Electric shock
- Jolting or falling
- Burns
- Fire
Power accidents can be caused by
unsafe work practices, work environments and/or poor insulation.
You should not:
- Use double adaptors
- Use frayed leads
- Force plugs into
sockets
- Attempt to repair an
electrical malfunction
You should:
- Positioning equipment
close to power points
- Plug in cords when
the power is switched off
- Use a “Standards”
approved power board if several items of equipment are in use
- Start up and use
equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
- Switch machines off
in accordance with manual and manufacturer’s instructions
- Remove plugs from
power sockets by holding the plug (not the cord)
- Ensure that the
correct power sources voltage is used
- Install and position
equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
- Refer to
manufacturers’ manuals for correct power usage guidelines.
As well as power dangers,
lacerations and cuts from sharp objects and paper should also be prevented.
Safety procedures and work habits
It is usual foe new office machines
and equipment to be covered by supplier’s or manufacturer’s warranty for three
to 12 months. This means that inherent defects of the machine will be repaired
without charge. Remember that damage caused by misuse will have to be paid for
by the owner.
Organizations may take out
maintenance agreements to cover service calls, but replacement parts usually
incur an extra charge. The length of time a machine is out of service while waiting
for repair (called “down time”) is a serious consideration.
You can help keep expensive
equipment in good working order by observing correct procedures and work
habits. Some points to be bear in mind are:
You should not:
- Eat, drink or smoke
when working
- Use correction fluids
near equipment
- Use household
cleaners on machines-they usually contain ingredients that are too
abrasive
- Leave finger marks,
dirt or correction fluid on the glass top or white surface of the
photocopier
- Locate your computer adjacent
to electronic typewriter or facsimile machines-the magnetic radiation from
them will affect the computer’s operation
You should:
- Use a soft brush to
clean dust particles from keyboards
- Use correct cleaning
materials, for example solutions, sprays, wipes, wands, cleaning brushes
and lint-free cloths (check with the supplier for advice)
- Set up a cleaning
materials kit close to the equipment
- Establish a regular
routine (preferably weekly) for cleaning equipment in your care
- Investigate the
availability of computer cleaning kits from chemical suppliers
- Keep computers out of
direct sunlight and make sure that vent have at least 20 mm of space so
that the computer can “breathe”. Computers tend to overheat when there is
insufficient space for ventilation
- Use correct start up
and shut down procedures to avoid corrupting and losing valuable data
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