GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT

PROGRAMME AREA All Sites REF NO. RA 1

OPERATION BEING ASSESSED COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS

PURPOSE/METHOD OF WORK (3)

To use a VDU workstation for a variety of tasks, including word processing, accounting, record keeping, graphic design and general data input.

Use of the computer may be via a keyboard, a mouse or both.

1. Switch on power to workstation.

2. Run software appropriate to the task.

3. Use keyboard or mouse to input information and commands

4. Store data to floppy disk.

5. Produce hardcopy of data documents.

6. Shut down software package on completion of the task.

7. Switch off power to workstation.

SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS (4) LEVEL OF SKILL/TRAINING REQUIRED (5)

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations Provision and Use of Work Equipment RegulationsHealth and Safety at Work etc. ActWorkplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) RegulationsElectricity at Work RegulationsManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

Knowledge of operation of computer hardware and peripherals.

Knowledge and understanding of the appropriate software.

Knowledge of the outcome of any specific Display Screen Equipment assessments as required by the Regulations.

CHEMICALS/MATERIALS INVOLVED (6)

HSC NO. ASSESSMENT DATE

SPECIFIC WORK EQUIPMENT PROVIDED (7)

Screen Cleaner Computer with Monitor and Keyboard

Optionally a mouse and a printer

Other peripheral equipment

MAIN HAZARDS IDENTIFIED (8) WHO WILL BE AFFECTED (9) CONTROL MEASURES TO REDUCE THE RISK (10)

Work Related Disorders

Stress/Fatigue/Eyestrain etc.

Effects from use of chemicals

Electrical Hazard

VDU User

VDU User

VDU User

VDU User

Ensure workstation assessed in accordance with the Display Screen Equipment Regulations and complies with the Code of Practice on Visual Display Units.Ensure users are aware of basic requirements of Display Screen Equipment Regulations and have competence to adjust workstations to comply with the above.

Operators to follow varied work regime and take breaks away from the workstation and after every hour of continuous use.

Ensure only approved substances and Safety Control Systems are used and assessments undertaken where required.Ensure user awareness regarding potential hazards from toner and instructions for safe use as outlined in health and safety control sheet.Toners replaced by trained personnel (Network Services).

Ensure all electrical equipment tested in accordance with the PUWER Regulations.Equipment must not be powered permanently with four gang leads. All computers and peripherals should have individual socket outlets.Ensure that any member of staff or student without the relevant competencies does not interfere with, or attempt to make repairs to electrical equipment etc.

MANUAL HANDLING RISK (11) PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED (12)

Has a manual handling risk been identified NO

Is the risk considered to be LOW

Is a further detailed assessment required NO

If the answer to the above question is YES a separate manual handling assessment will be required to fulfil the requirements of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Is training and instruction required NOIs there need for special accommodation NOIs there need for test/examination NOIs all P. P. E. compatible N/A

FREQUENCY OF MONITORING (13) ASSESSMENT REVIEW PERIOD

N/A 3 Months

6 Months 1 Year > 1 Year < 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years > 4 Years

X X

Signed: Samantha Hampton Facilities Manager

Date: 1st April 2010