Ergonomics

Teacher: Jean Moriah

Jada Butcher Grade:10A1 Subject: EDPM

Contents
Caring for computers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1
Health and safety factors associated with computer use………………………………………………………………………………………….2
Ergonomics……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2,3
Effects of computer use in inadequate lighting and inappropriate furniture………………..……………………………………….4,5
Safety……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Source………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6

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Describe six ways of caring for computers and peripherals in the working environment
1. Clean peripheral devices as needed. Dirt, dust and debris can impact the performance of
peripheral devices.
• Power down the device and disconnect it from the computer prior to cleaning.
Neglecting to do so could cause damage to peripheral devices.
• Use a can of compressed air to blow off dust particles and other debris from the exterior
of the device.
2. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule as directed by the manufacturer. This
information can typically be found in the operating manual included with documentation that
came with the device at the time of purchase
3. Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended best practices for use. These recommendations
will vary by product and manufacturer. However, some of the more common examples include
the following practices.
• Power down or turn off the device when not in use. It is almost always recommended to
turn off peripheral devices when not being used. When left on, devices, such as printers
and hard drives, will wear out much more quickly.
• Protect peripheral devices from moisture and extreme heat.
4. Never wash computer peripherals by submerging them in water. Even in cases where liquids
have been spilled on a peripheral device, it's best to let the device dry out and clean the device
with a damp paper towel or a cotton swab soaked very lightly in rubbing alcohol.
5. Use only the type and quality of media recommended by the device manufacturer. Peripheral
devices are designed to work with specific types of media. Attempting to use media other than
that recommended by the manufacturer can seriously damage the device and often will void
any warranties.
6. Use the recommended device settings. Follow the operating instructions specific to the task the
device is being used for. For example, when printing photos from a multi-function printer,
confirm that you are using the correct settings and media as recommended by the
manufacturer. Likewise, remember to change the settings back before printing regular
documents

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Health and safety factors associated with computer use
To help keep your back free of strain:
• Stand up and walk around every hour or so, so that you’re not sat in the same position all day.
• Slowly lean your torso over to one side of the chair and then the other to stretch your sides and spine.
• Stand up and put your hands together, elbows out, then slowly twist to the left and then to the right.

To keep your arms and wrists ache-free:

• Reach your arms out in front of you and draw big circles with your wrists, first in one
direction and then the other.
• Stretch your arms out to the side as far as you can and then above your head as high as
you can to stretch your arms, wrists and back.
• Interlock your fingers and then push them out in front of you, with palms facing out

To prevent stiff legs, ankles and feet:

• Rotate your ankles round in circles under the desk, first one way and then the other.
• Stand up and march on the spot for 30 seconds to improve the blood flow in your legs.
• Stand on your tiptoes and stretch upwards, as tall as you can, to release some of the
tension in your ankles, legs, back, arms and neck.

To reduce the risks of visual problems (CVS):

• Reposition the screen to avoid glare from lights or windows.

• Keep the screen clean and use a desk lamp to make it easier to see.
• Ensure the screen colours are easy to look at, and that the characters are sharp and
legible.
• Look away from the screen into the distance for a few moments to relax your eyes; focus
on something 30 meters away for 30 seconds every 30 minutes.

Define Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a science that determines the best working conditions for humans who work with
machines. Using these principals, manufactures can incorporate features for comfort, efficacy and safety
into computer furniture and equipment. For example:

• The curvature of a computer mouse may be designed to fit the average shape of the cup of a
human hand
• Desktop lamps can be designed to be flexible, with a bright and focused light that aids readingof
printed computer documents.

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 • Computer keyboards are sometimes designed to arch in the middle. This is said to allow the huan
hand and arms to adopt a ore natural, slightly angled, position when keying

List and explain 3 effects of extended computer use

1. Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

2. Computer vision Syndrome (CVS)
3. Lower Back Pain

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and
tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.

It's also known as work-related upper limb disorder, or non-specific upper limb pain.

The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, such as the:

• forearms and elbows

• wrists and hands

• neck and shoulders

Computer vision syndrome (CVS)

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer or other
display device for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time and the eye's muscles being unable to
recover from the constant tension required to maintain focus on a close object. Some symptoms of CVS
include headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision,
vertigo/dizziness.

Lower back pain

Lower back pain can be caused by bad posture or poorly designed or incorrectly assembled furniture or
equipment and poor physical activities when using a computer. Sitting in any position for more than 20
minutes can contribute to back pain by reducing the flexibility of your tendons and ligaments over time.
To prevent back pain at work, shift your position often and take brief breaks every 20 minutes.

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List and explain 3 effects of using a computer in a area with inadequate lighting

1. It affects eye health

2. It negatively affects the bottom line
3. Accidents

It affects eye health

While an employee’s eyesight might not be permanently damaged, if lighting is poor in your workplace it
could force them to strain their eyes to do their work. According to Canada’s Centre for Occupational
Health and Safety, poor lighting can not only strain the ocular system but also cause tension and
stiffness in the neck and shoulder areas when employees use awkward physical postures to see.

It negatively affects the bottom line

Poor lighting slows down productivity because employees aren’t able to work fast when they can’t see
well. While it might not cause any immediate impacts, if you don’t address a lighting problem quickly,
the sustained effect on your productivity can lead to a drop in revenue that upper management will
notice.

Accidents

This is very dangerous effect of Poor Lighting at Workplace among all. In poor light it becomes difficult
to estimate shape, size or depth of space or objects. It thus becomes a place where accidents of any
type can occur. Due to this, many a times it is said “Poor lighting is safety and health hazard”.

List and explain 3 effects of using inappropriate furniture and maintaining bad posture when using an
electronic device.

1. Prolonged seated immobility

2. Reduced circulation
3. Repetitive movements

Prolonged seated immobility

Prolonged seated immobility was defined in accordance with the maximum number of hours seated in a
24-hour period and the maximum time spent seated on any occasion. When sitting, adjust your chair so
your thighs are parallel to the floor. There should be enough space at the front of your chair to slip two
finger-widths underneath this avoids pressure from the edge of your seat.

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Your feet should be well supported and your desk should have enough space beneath to stretch your
legs

Reduced circulation

When blood flow to a specific part of your body is reduced, you may experience the symptoms of poor
circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arm. Your feet
should be well supported and your desk should have enough space beneath to stretch your legs. Check
if your feet are resting comfortably on the ground or whether they're dangling and in need of support.

Repetitive movements

Movement disorders are clinical syndromes with either an excess of movement or a paucity of voluntary
and involuntary movements, unrelated to weakness or spasticity. Make sure your seat or the area you
are is comfortable so you wont be tossing and moving around in discomfort.

Safety

List and explain 3 effects of overloading electric soccer, Position of work

1. Plugging too many electrical appliances into one socket can lead to overheating
2. Different appliances use different amounts of power
3. Fire

Plugging too many electrical appliances into one socket can lead to overheating : Be vigilant, checked
regularly for signs of dangerous or loose wiring such as hot plugs and sockets indicate something is
wrong. A clear sign that something is wrong is having fuses that blow often, or circuit breakers that
continually trip for no apparent reason.

Different appliances use different amounts of power: Many larger, high powered appliances, such as
washing machines and driers, because of the high power consumption, should ideally have a single
socket to themselves. A television for example may use a 3amp plug, whereas a vacuum cleaner might
take 5amp plug for example.

Fire: Extension leads and plug adaptors are common in the home and are a great help.They do however
have a limit to the number of amps they can take, so take care not to overload them as doing so
increases the risk of fire.

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Source

EDPM for CSEC

Wikipedia