This risk assessment evaluates the hazards associated with using computer workstations at all sites. It identifies potential risks such as work-related disorders from prolonged use and stress, effects from chemicals, and electrical hazards. Control measures are outlined to reduce risks, such as ensuring workstations meet display screen equipment regulations, providing training, taking regular breaks, using approved chemicals safely, and periodic electrical safety testing. The assessment will be reviewed annually.

1. 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 Regulations
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
Electricity at Work Regulations
Management 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

2. 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 NO
Is there need for special accommodation NO
Is there need for test/examination NO
Is 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