Generic COMPUTER LAB Risk Assessment 

Title of Activity: Working in a computer lab.
Location(s) of Work: Appleton Tower
Brief Description of Work:   Working in a computer lab.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: Identify all the hazards; evaluate the risks (low / medium / high); describe all existing control measures and identify any further measures required. Specific hazards should be assessed on a separate risk assessment form and cross-referenced with this document. Specific assessments are available for hazardous substances, biological agents, display screen equipment, manual handling operations and fieldwork. 
See http://www.safety.ed.ac.uk/safenet/index.shtml for details.

HAZARD(s) RISK L / M / H CONTROL MEASURES (i.e.alternative work methods/mechanical aids/engneering controls, etc.)
Slipping/tripping

 L
  1. Working areas should be kept clear of obstructions.
  2. Any spillages should be cleaned up immediately.
  3. Any hazards such as torn carpets, trailing cables, defects to floors coverings, faulty lighting etc. should be reported immediately to the Admin Office / Local Safety Adviser or another senior member of staff. 
  4. Chairs or desks must not be used for reaching heights, steps should be used instead.
Electrical equipment
(electrocution)


 L
  1. All portable electrical equipment must be PA tested at correct intervals and labelled with the date of test.
  2. Electrical cables, plugs should be regularly visually inspected by the user for damage. 
  3. Any defective equipment should be reported immediately to the Admin Office / Local Safety Adviser or another member of senior staff, then suitably labelled and taken out of use until the repair has been effected.
  4. Any computer hardware faults should be reported to members of computing staff.
  5. Electrical equipment must always be operated in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
Fire
 L
  1. The storage of empty cardboard boxes should be kept to an absolute minimum.
  2. Computer lab users must be acquainted with the Fire Routine Procedure for the area.
  3. Fire Stewards must be appointed to cover computer labs areas.
Lifting of heavy loads (back injuries)
 L
  1. A risk assessment must be completed for lifting heavy and bulky loads that present a risk of injury.
  2. Training in lifting techniques must be provided for anyone who undertakes lifting of heavy loads.
Lone and out of hours working 

 L
  1.  Whenever possible lone and out of hours working should be avoided.
  2.  If working alone is unavoidable, a lone working risk assessment should be carried out.

* Continue on separate sheet, if necessary

Persons at Risk: Identify all those who may be at risk.

Academic staff X
 Technical staff X
 P'Grad students X
 U'Grad students X
Maintenance staff
Office staff X
 Cleaning staff
Emergency personnel
Contractors
Visitors
Others
   

Additional Information: Identify any additional relevant information to the activity, including supervision, training requirements, special emergency procedures, requirement for health surveillance, etc.


Computer lab users must familiarise themselves with part 2 of the University Health and Safety Policy at: http://www.safety.ed.ac.uk/policy/part2/part2.shtm

Staff/students should be familiar with the Safety Regulations for working in computer labs. These can be found in the safety manuals for each building at: http://www.inf.ed.ac.uk/admin/policy/safety.html

Assessment carried out by:


Name:  David Wyse                            

 Date: 02/03/2009  
 Review Date: 02/03/2010

Revised: March 2009


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