When working at a desk with computers there are certain health and safety to obey by to ensure you are keeping yourself healthy and relatively danger free.
· Your desk and monitor should be the right height and width for you to comfortably work. Monitors should be adjusted to the right height and tilted to suit your vision. They should also be clean, clear and flicker free allowing you to read easily.
· You should also have your screen positioned to minimise glare from direct lighting such as windows, overhead lights and lamps and the contrast and brightness of the screen should be set to a comfortable level.
· Your chair should be adjusted to the right height and tilted properly to support your back whilst working. You should also have a footrest below to allow your feet to rest, helping to maintain your posture.
· You should take regular breaks from the computer, stretching, moving, exercising etc. to break up working periods.
· When typing your keyboard should be set to the correct level for comfortable typing (using the small legs at the back of the keyboard.)
· Using wrist rests for key boards and the mouse should help to increase comfort whilst working at the desk as well.
· Keyboards and mice should also be kept clean to allow easier typing and reading keys.
· Object necessary should be kept close to reduce neck/ back movements.
· Desks should be kept clean to allow safe working space
· Temperatures should be kept at a steady comfortable temperature
· Noise should also be reduced to a low comfortable temperature.
Maintenance
Employers must maintain the workplace and any equipment required by the WHSW Regulations, including mechanical ventilation systems, in safe working order. Regular maintenance should be carried out and records should be maintained.
Cleaning
Workplaces should be kept clean, indoor surfaces should be capable of being cleaned, and waste material should not be allowed to accumulate outside suitable containers.
Space
Workers should be able to get to and from workstations and move about freely. The recommended minimum space is 11 cubic meters per person, including the space occupied by furniture, and the minimum area is 3.7 square metres per person.
Floors and stairs
Floors and traffic routes should not have holes and slopes or be uneven or slippery. Defects in floors should be guarded against. Floors likely to get wet should have a slip-resistant coating. Leaks and spills should be dealt with promptly. There should be no obstructions particularly at any place which is likely to cause slips, trips or falls. Handrails or guards should be provided on at least one side of staircases unless this obstructs access.
Windows
Transparent or translucent surfaces (e.g. windows) shall be made of safety material if necessary or protected against breakage and incorporate features to make them apparent. This refers to clear surfaces where there is a danger that someone might walk into them. If a window, skylight or ventilator can be opened, then it must be possible to do it in a safe manner. When open, the window should not create a hazard. Windows must be able to be cleaned safely.
Doors and gates
Doors and gates must be suitably constructed and fitted with necessary safety devices. These should be fitted to sliding doors to prevent them coming off tracks and to upward opening doors to prevent them falling back. Powered doors should be prevented from trapping people and if the power fails should be operable manually or open automatically. Doors which can be pushed open from either side should allow a clear view of the space close to both sides. (Regulation 18)
Toilets and washing
Toilets and wash stations should be in adequately ventilated and lit rooms and the toilets and rooms should be kept in a clean and orderly condition. There should be separate toilets and wash stations for men and women unless each is in a separate room which can be locked from the inside. Toilets need not be in the workplace or even in the building but must be available at all material times. Toilet paper in a dispenser and a coat hook must be provided. For women, suitable means should be provided for the disposal of sanitary dressings. Wash stations should be provided in the immediate vicinity of toilets. Clean hot and cold or warm water should be provided (preferably running water) together with soap and towels or other suitable means of cleaning and drying. Privacy must be protected in toilets and wash stations. The minimum number of facilities is specified (broadly - up to 5 people, 1 toilet and wash station; 6-25 people, 2 toilets and wash stations; 1 extra toilet and wash station for each subsequent 25 people). For men a mixture of toilets and urinals can be provided. On temporary sites toilets and wash stations should be provided as far as possible. On remote sites water in containers and chemical closets should be provided.
Water
Employers must provide wholesome drinking water and vessels from which to drink it. The water should normally be from the mains and if refillable containers are used the water should be changed daily. Drinking water taps should not be installed where contamination is likely. Drinking water or non-drinkable water should be clearly marked. Washing facilities should be provided for non-disposable cups.
Meals and restrooms
Facilities should be provided to eat meals at work where meals are regularly eaten, though your desk can count as a suitable facility. Eating facilities should enable hot drinks to be obtained or prepared.. Rest facilities must be provided for pregnant women and nursing mothers. These last two points are new and not found in previous legislation.
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