Chapter 3 - PC Care and Safety Procedures for Users

How to Take Care of your PC

1. Computer need a good working temperature to work properly. They need to be placed in a cool and dry place. You can maintain good temperature with an electric fan or air conditioning.                   

2. All the cables connectors must be tied together to keep them away for walkways to avoid accidents.

3. Refrain from eating in front of a computer. Food bits attract insects like ants and cockroaches that can penetrate the hardware and cause computer malfunction. Spilled drinks, on the other hand, might cause short circuits.

4. Always use an AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) regulates the electricity. Too much electric voltage might cause the unit to short. Also, turn off computers during lightning as these can cause electrical surges to the computer.

5. Do not bump or drop the computer peripherals or components as many damage may cause them to malfunction

6. Avoid clutter around your computer. Use soft cloth in cleaning your computer to avoid scratches.

7. Always scan for computer viruses. Internet connection and external storage devices often carry virus that could damage files and cause software malfunction.

User’s Health Risks and Prevention

                PC’s are said to be “user-friendly,” but this doesn’t mean using them does not have health risks. Computers emit enough radiation to harm us. Rather, the damage to health may include :

      Eye-strain

      Wrist injury

      Pains in the head, shoulder, back and neck

….. due to prolonged use of computers.

Good Working Habits

ü  Tap on the keys and mouse buttons gently.

ü  Avoid long, uninterrupted periods typing.

ü  Avoid staring at the monitor for long periods.

Proper Workstation Design

ü  Position in a well-ventilated, comfortable room.

ü  Us an adjustable workstation and ergonomic computer chair.

ü  Place the monitor 16 to 24 inches away, at eye level or slightly at a lower angle. Tilt the monitor or adjust the light source. Adjust the brightness and contrast setting.

ü  Use extendable retracted legs of the keyboard.

ü  Place mouse where it is easily accessible by your dominant hand.

ü  Use a document holder to minimize vertical head movements.

Proper Posture

ü  Sit up straight and put the feet flat on the floor. Use a footrest if needed.

ü  Position you lower arm parallel with the floor and level to your keyboard, with elbows at your side.

ü  Keep wrists straight.

ü  Do not lean onto the monitor, but sit close enough to the keyboard and the mouse to stay relaxed.