Computers are generally connected to 240v mains electricity and must be
treated with care. The computer should be properly earthed and the plugs should
have the correct fuses.
Rooms should be fitted with a residual current device (RCD)
to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Trailing electrical leads should be avoided to reduce the risk of
tripping or them being damaged and kick-boards under desks reduce the risk of feet
tangling with trailing wires.
Leads
should preferably be in trunking or be safely tied out of the way.
There should be enough power sockets to avoid them being
overloaded.
Mains plugs and leads must be checked for safety once a year.
If the computer is moved or opened, the power cable must disconnected.
Fire risks:
In case of a fire, the fire extinguishers should be
powder-based
or CO2 (carbon dioxide) devices.
Water-based fire extinguishers
should not be used on electrical appliances.
Food and Drink:
It is best to avoid eating and drinking near to computer equipment. Food
crumbs can prevent a computer mouse or keyboard from working properly. Any spilt
liquids are a possible fire risk near electrical equipment and can easily ruin
items such as floppy disks.
Heat and Light:
Computers generate a considerable amount of waste heat and the room
should therefore be adequately ventilated or even air-conditioned.
The lighting should be subdued to reduce glare from computer monitors.
Direct sunlight should be avoided using suitable blinds etc. Computer
monitors should ideally be placed at right-angles to any bright light
sources.
