Technical information

ICT in the science department 1642 © CLEAPSS 2009
16.12 Safe use of ICT equipment
ICT equipment is very safe. All mains-operated equipment should be included in the
standard portable electrical appliance-testing procedures in a school; see section 6.4
(Inspecting and testing portable appliances). Electric shocks from ICT equipment are
very rare, but clearly a sensible, precautionary approach is required, wherever liquids
are used close to mains-operated equipment.
The Health and Safety Executive provides wide-ranging advice on the safe use of ICT
equipment, particularly for office environments where an individual may use a
computer for a very high proportion of the working day
1
. For example, extended,
intense, use of computers may lead to repetitive-strain injuries to the hands or to
problems with vision.
In most science departments, individual staff or pupils will not use computers for
significant periods without reasonable breaks. Therefore, adverse effects on health
due to using ICT equipment are extremely unlikely.
For a discussion of the safety issues of data-projector dazzle, see section 16.5.10
(Interactive whiteboards).
The main cause of injuries associated with ICT equipment in schools is the unsafe
lifting of heavy items such as CRT monitors, laser printers etc; see section 3.7 [Lifting
and transporting (Manual handling)]. Wherever possible, these items should be
moved on a trolley and not regularly taken up and down stairs unless a lift or hoist is
available.
16.13 Disposal of ICT equipment
Disposal of obsolete ICT equipment (computers, monitors, printers etc) should be
carried out according to the employer’s policy. Note that monitors, TV sets and similar
equipment are now regarded as hazardous waste. Under the Hazardous Waste
Regulations (as amended), a school must be registered as a waste producer if it (ie, the
school, not the science department) disposes of more than a specified amount of
hazardous waste per year. In 2009, the limit was raised to 500 kg in England, but
remains at 200 kg in Wales. The 200 kg limit might equate to 10 small TV sets, 5
small refrigerators or 500 fluorescent tubes.
Equipment should be rendered electrically safe by removing the mains plug before
disposal (make sure the waste mains plug does not have bare wires protruding from
it).
All personal data should be deleted from computer memory devices, or the devices
rendered inoperable.
Regulations, particularly the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Regulations, should be followed. For details, see the CLEAPSS leaflet PS77, The
WEEE Regulations. The local council may have an appropriate scheme in place to deal
with waste electronic equipment.
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For example, the Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations specify requirements for employers to protect the
health & safety of employees regularly using display-screen equipment. Guidance on the Regulations is available; see section
20.14.