Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 – Safety and Security
Topic 8: Safety and Security
Learning Objective
Students will know and understand the main safety issues that can arise in an ICT environment, including:
Electrocution from spilling drinks near electrical equipment or touching live cables.
Fire caused by overloaded sockets or overheating equipment.
Tripping hazards created by trailing cables.
Injuries from heavy equipment falling or being dropped.
1. Electrocution Risks
Electrocution occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit. In an ICT setting this can happen in two common ways:
Spilling liquids near electrical equipment: Conductive liquids can bridge the gap between live parts and metal chassis, creating a path for current.
Touching live cables or exposed conductors: Damaged or improperly insulated cables may have live conductors exposed.
Preventive measures:
Keep drinks and other liquids away from desks and equipment.
Use cable covers and ensure all cables are intact and properly insulated.
Never handle cables with wet hands.
Switch off and unplug equipment before cleaning.
2. Fire Hazards
Fire can start when electrical components overheat or when sockets are overloaded.
Overloaded sockets: Plugging too many devices into a single socket can exceed its rated current, causing overheating.
Overheating equipment: Continuous heavy use, blocked ventilation, or dust accumulation can raise temperatures to dangerous levels.
Preventive measures:
Use power strips with built‑in circuit breakers.
Do not exceed the rated amperage of a socket (check the label).
Ensure adequate ventilation around computers, printers, and servers.
Regularly clean dust from vents and fans.
Have a working fire extinguisher (Class C for electrical fires) nearby.
3. Tripping Over Trailing Cables
Loose cables across walkways create a slipping or tripping hazard, especially in busy classrooms or labs.
Preventive measures:
Route cables along walls or under desks.
Use cable ties, clips, or cable trays to secure them.
Mark high‑traffic areas with warning signs if temporary cables are unavoidable.
4. Injuries from Heavy Equipment
ICT environments may contain heavy items such as desktop towers, monitors, printers, or server racks.
Improper lifting can cause back injuries.
Unsecured equipment can fall if bumped or if the supporting surface fails.
Preventive measures:
Use proper lifting techniques: bend knees, keep back straight, and use both hands.
Employ trolleys or carts for moving heavy items.
Secure equipment to desks or racks with brackets or straps.
Ensure stable, level surfaces before placing heavy devices.
Summary Table of Hazards and Controls
Hazard
Potential Cause
Possible Consequence
Control Measures
Electrocution
Spilled liquids, exposed live cables
Severe injury or death
Keep liquids away, inspect cables, switch off before cleaning
Fire
Overloaded sockets, overheating equipment
Property damage, injury
Use circuit‑protected strips, avoid over‑loading, maintain ventilation
Tripping
Trailing cables across walkways
Sprains, fractures
Secure cables, route them safely, use cable management
Heavy equipment injury
Improper lifting, unsecured devices
Back injury, crushing injuries
Use correct lifting technique, trolleys, secure mounts
Suggested diagram: Layout of a safe ICT workstation showing cable management, clear walkways, and placement of fire safety equipment.
Review Questions
Explain why liquids near electrical equipment increase the risk of electrocution.
What are three signs that a power socket may be overloaded?
Describe two methods for securing trailing cables to prevent tripping.
List the steps you would take before moving a heavy desktop computer.