Computer Health and Safety checklist

This checklist should be used in conjunction with the Knowledgebase article Computer Health and safety and should be regarded as an aid to carrying out a health and safety audit.

Staffing & policies

Are there members of staff in your organization who:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Have a health and safety brief covering all areas, not just computers
				
Are aware of the health risks
				
Can assess the risks using procedures set out in the law
				
Can take steps to minimise the risks
				
Can train all users to recognise the risks
				
Can take users views seriously
				
Have an awareness of accessible computing – see also My Computer My Way! http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/myway/ 
				
Policies
				
Do you have a health and safety policy which includes computing equipment
				
Is the policy regularly reviewed and updated in view of changes to computing use and new applications

Musculo-skeletal problems

Are users aware of the general precautions to avoid musculo-skeletal problems including:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Taking regular breaks from working at the computer - a few minutes at least once an hour
				
Alternating work tasks
				
Regular stretching to relax
				
Using equipment such as footrests, wrist rests and document holders if necessary
				
Keeping mouse and keyboard at the same level
				
Telephone can be used with head upright and shoulders relaxed (not elevated) if the user carries out computer tasks at the same time.  Also consider use of headsets if appropriate.
				
Use a keyboard without the number pad if the user doesn’t require it so allowing the mouse to be positioned closer to the keyboard
				
Avoiding gripping the mouse too tightly
				
Familiarisation with keyboard shortcuts for applications used regularly (to avoid overusing the mouse) – see http://www.lasa.org.uk/knowledgebase/pages/softshortcuts.shtml 

Eyestrain 

Are users aware of the precautions that can be taken to avoid eyestrain which include:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Exercising the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances
				
Blinking regularly
				
Well focused lighting appropriate for computer tasks
				
Keeping the air moist - for example using plants, open pans of water or a humidifier
				
Adjusting the screen height / seating so that eyes are in line with the top of the monitor screen
				
Adjusting the brightness control on the monitor for comfort
				
Adjusting the contrast on the monitor to make the characters distinct from the background
				
Adjusting the refresh rate of the monitor to stop it flickering
				
Positioning monitors to avoid glare
				
Keeping monitor screen clean
				
Keeping the screen and document holder at the same distance from the eyes
				
Is the monitor of good size for adequate visibility
				
Servicing, repairing or replacing monitors that flicker or have inadequate clarity
				
Regular eye testing, at least once every 2 years and more frequently if necessary

Monitors

Can your monitors:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Swivel, tilt and elevate
				
Be situated directly in front of the user so that they are not twisted when looking at the monitor
				
Be positioned so the top line of the monitor is no higher than the user’s eyes or no lower than 20° below the horizon of the eyes or field of vision
				
Be at the same level and beside the document holder if used
				
Be between 18 to 24 inches away from the face

Keyboards

Do keyboards:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Allow for adjustment (with legs to adjust angle)
				
Allow forearms to be parallel to the floor without raising elbows
				
Allow wrists to be in line with forearms so wrists do not need to be flexed up or down
				
Include enough space to rest wrists or allow for a padded detachable wrist rest
				
Allow for positioning directly in front of the monitor and at the same height as the mouse, track ball or touch pad

Chairs

Chairs should:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Support the back having a vertically adjustable independent back rest that returns to its original position with tilt adjustment to support the lower back
				
Allow chair height to be adjusted from a sitting position
				
Be adjusted so the back crease of the knee is slightly higher than the pan of the chair
				
Be supported by a five prong caster base
				
Have removable and adjustable armrests
				
Have a contoured seat with breathable fabric and rounded edges and adjustable to allow the seat pan to tilt 

Tables or Desks

Tables / Desks should:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Provide sufficient leg room and preferably be height adjustable
				
Have enough room to support the computer equipment and space for documents
				
Be at least 900 mm deep
				
Have rounded corners and edges
				
Have the use of a footrest if required

Laptops

If you use laptops:
	Yes	No	Action required	
Prolonged use of laptops is avoided
				
If using a laptop as a main computer, a "docking station” which allows a mouse, keyboard and monitor to be attached is used.

Computer units and cabling

	Yes	No	Action required	
Are computer units positioned sensibly either on the floor under the desk or on the desktop
				
Is electrical equipment tested annually in accordance with portable appliance testing regulations
				
Are electrical and network cables routed safely (to avoid trip hazards etc)
				
If cables have to run across the floor, are they covered with a protective strip
				
Are electrical extension leads fitted with surge protectors where appropriate
				
Are servers and other noisy equipment with fans etc positioned appropriately

Lasa Information Systems Team, December 2005