Physical Safety (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT)

Revision Note

Robert Hampton

Written by: Robert Hampton

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

Updated on

Physical Safety

What is physical safety?

  • Physical safety is creating a safe environment when using technology

  • It includes considering dangers that could lead to serious injury or loss of life

  • Identifying strategies to mitigate dangers

  • Safety risks include:

    • Electrocution from spilling drinks near electrical equipment

    • Fire hazard from overloading plug sockets

    • Equipment overheating

    • Trailing cables (trip hazard)

    • Heavy equipment falling and causing injury

Risk

Cause

Prevention

Electrocution

  • Spilling drinks near electrical equipment

  • Keep liquids away from electrical equipment

  • Touching live cables

  • Ensure that cables are properly insulated and protected

  • Use non-conductive materials where possible

  • Ensure that electrical equipment is turned off and unplugged before cleaning or maintenance

  • Use circuit breakers or fuses to prevent electrical overload

Fire hazards

  • Sockets being overloaded

  • Use surge protectors to prevent electrical overload

  • Ensure enough plug sockets in the room

  • Don’t plug too many devices into the same plug socket

  • Don’t leave devices plugged in and unattended

  • Equipment overheating

  • Ensure that equipment is properly ventilated and not obstructed

  • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources

  • Regularly check equipment for signs of wear or damage

  • Use fire extinguishers in case of emergencies

  • Turn off or unplug devices when away from the location

  • Do not cover any air vents on devices

Trip hazard

  • Cables not properly secured or organised

  • Use cable ties or clips to secure cables

  • Keep cables away from areas where people are walking

  • Secure cables where you can, like under desks to stop protruding into open areas

  • Use cable covers to protect cables and prevent tripping hazards

  • Regularly inspect cables for signs of wear or damage

  • Where possible use wireless devices to reduce cables

Personal safety

Improperly secured equipment

  • Ensure that equipment is properly secured and stable

  • Regularly check the stability of locations containing devices

Equipment not placed on stable surfaces

  • Keep equipment away from edges and other potential hazards

  • Regularly inspect equipment and locations containing devices for signs of wear or damage

Worked Example

Using computers can lead to several physical safety issues.

Describe four of these types of issues.

[4]

Answer

Electrocution, caused by touching bare wires / allowing food and drink to spill liquids onto computers [1]
Falling objects can cause injury [1]
Tripping over loose cables can cause injury [1]
The fire is caused by overloading power sockets / overheating computers [1]

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Robert Hampton

Author: Robert Hampton

Expertise: Computer Science Content Creator

Rob has over 16 years' experience teaching Computer Science and ICT at KS3 & GCSE levels. Rob has demonstrated strong leadership as Head of Department since 2012 and previously supported teacher development as a Specialist Leader of Education, empowering departments to excel in Computer Science. Beyond his tech expertise, Robert embraces the virtual world as an avid gamer, conquering digital battlefields when he's not coding.

James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.