Know and understand safety issues including electrocution from spilling drinks near electrical equipment and touching live cables, fire from sockets being overloaded or equipment overheating, tripping over trailing cables, heavy equipment falling and

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

ICT 0417 – Safety and Security Notes

Safety and Security (ICT 0417 – Topic 8)

Learning Objective

Know and understand safety issues including electrocution from spilling drinks near electrical equipment and touching live cables, fire from sockets being overloaded or equipment overheating, tripping over trailing cables, heavy equipment falling and injuring people.

Key Safety Hazards

  • Electrocution

  • Fire

  • Trips, slips and falls

  • Impact injuries from falling equipment

1. Electrocution

Electrocution occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit. Common classroom causes:

  1. Spilling liquids on or near electrical devices.

  2. Touching exposed live conductors or damaged cables.

  3. Using equipment with missing or damaged insulation.

Preventive measures

  • Keep drinks and liquids away from all electrical equipment.

  • Immediately disconnect power and dry any wet area before using equipment again.

  • Inspect cables and plugs regularly; replace any with frayed insulation.

  • Never handle live cables with wet hands.

2. Fire Hazards

Fire can start when electrical components overheat or when circuits are overloaded.

  • Overloading sockets by plugging in too many devices.

  • Using equipment with blocked ventilation.

  • Faulty wiring or damaged plugs.

Preventive measures

  • Do not exceed the rated current of a socket (usually 13 A in the UK).

  • Use power strips with built‑in circuit breakers.

  • Ensure adequate airflow around computers, monitors, and printers.

  • Turn off and unplug equipment that is not in use.

  • Regularly check for signs of overheating (warm plugs, unusual smells).

3. Trips, Slips and Falls

Trailing cables on the floor create a tripping hazard.

  • Loose cables across walkways.

  • Improperly secured cable runs.

Preventive measures

  • Route cables along walls or under carpets where possible.

  • Use cable ties, clips, or cable covers to secure them.

  • Keep walkways clear; store unused cables in cabinets.

4. Heavy Equipment Injuries

Large devices such as monitors, printers, or projectors can fall if not properly secured.

  • Improper mounting on walls or desks.

  • Failure to use safety brackets.

Preventive measures

  • Secure heavy equipment with brackets or anti‑tip devices.

  • Never place heavy items on unstable surfaces.

  • Follow manufacturer instructions for installation.

Summary Table

HazardTypical CauseImmediate ActionLong‑term Prevention
ElectrocutionSpilled drink on equipment; touching live cableTurn off power at the mains, dry area, do not touch wet equipmentKeep liquids away, inspect cables, use dry hands only
FireOverloaded socket; overheating equipmentDisconnect power, use fire extinguisher if safe, evacuate if neededDo not overload sockets, ensure ventilation, regular maintenance
Trips/SlipsTrailing cables on floorClear the area, secure cablesUse cable management, keep walkways clear
Impact injuryHeavy equipment fallingDo not approach; secure equipment, report faultUse brackets, follow installation guidelines

Suggested diagram: Layout of a safe classroom showing cable management, placement of power strips, and secured heavy equipment.

Check Your Understanding

  1. What should you do first if a drink is spilled on a computer keyboard?

  2. Why is it dangerous to plug more devices into a single socket than its rating allows?

  3. List two methods for preventing trips caused by cables.

  4. Describe how to safely install a wall‑mounted projector.