What are the hazards in a computer environment?

Answer 1

Here are some of the common hazards experience by computer technicians and computer users:

1. Sharp objects. If you are working inside a computer, there may be sharp edges from protruding hooks or the case having been opened many times. You have to be careful where you sit a computer, since if it starts to fall and you grab for it, you could cut yourself or drive parts into your hand.

2. Electric shock. This is why it is important to unplug the power cord and any modem or network cords before opening the PC. Ideally, it may be a good idea to unplug any external peripherals as well in case they malfunction and send high voltage to the PC. Even a dial-up modem that is plugged into a phone line can pose a risk. You might accidentally touch it during an incoming call. The voltage on phone lines spike when the phone rings, thus causing an electric shock risk. If you open up the power supply (while unplugged of course), you might need to short circuit the large capacitors to discharge them to prevent shock.

3. Injuries related to emotional outbursts. You may be tempted to punch or throw a PC, but that is a bad idea. Thrown PCs can hit innocent bystanders or ricochet. One man was jealous of his girlfriend's time on the computer. If you kick or punch a CRT monitor, there is the rare chance that you will break the picture tube and come into contact with over 15,000 volts. Or more likely, you break the tube from the brackets, possibly break its neck in the back, and perhaps even start a fire.

4. Fire. This is rarely a problem, but the risk is there. It is possible to use too many peripheral splitters inside the computer for instance and cause the wiring to burn. It is possible to use the wrong type of plugs for internal components in some situations. For instance, you might use the 4-pin plug in an 8-pin motherboard connector, and it might work. However, the wiring might get too hot. Or, you might have too many things plugged into a power strip. They are supposed to have circuit breakers and kick if you overload them, but there is no guarantee that they will.

Answer 2

The working environment which includes computers can hav several health and environmental hazards:

• Shocks from worn or frayed cords
• Tripping hazards form exposed cords
• Ergonomoc strain from poorly positioned monitors, keyboards and mice
• Ergonomic problems from poor chairs and desks
• Potential for equipment falling from shelves and "temporary" locations
• Electrical overloads at old wall or floor plugs
• Fires from hot equipment
• Toner discharges from printers or copiers
• Slips, trip and falls from slippery floors and mats

Answer 3

running cables

Answer 4

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