Teachers and students are not specifically mentioned under any health and safety regulations or E.U. legislation with regard to information and communications technology (ICT). However the regulations should be generally interpreted to include teachers who use computers in their work. Thus there are certain issues that those in education should be aware of to minimise risk and to promote the safe use of ICT.

The introduction of Interactive Whiteboards and ceiling mounted projectors in schools has resulted in the need for guidance on their use and maintenance.

The following documents have been produced by Newham’s Health & Safety Department for your guidance:

Health and safety guidance for the maintenance of interactive whiteboard computer projectors (SP110)

Computer Projectors (IB130)

Working at Heights - HSE initiative (SP073)

Risk Assessment of the risk of injury to employees or others working from a height of 2 metres or more.

As a result of an EC Directive, UK regulations came into force directly to the use of display screen equipment, the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to:

"an employee who habitually uses display equipment as a significant part of their normal work". (This does not include LCD screens TVs.)

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require all electrical systems and equipment to be maintained in a safe condition.

Although much of the legislation is more pertinent to administrative staff, teachers have the overall responsibility to make sure that ICT equipment is used correctly and safely. Where pupils are allowed to connect or unplug electrical equipment, this should only be after proper instruction and always under the supervision of a teacher. Where equipment is positioned is very important. Workstation design should enable users to reach all necessary equipment without stretching and should be clear of obstruction.

- Safety testing - all equipment should be tested by the employer annually, in this case the school, under the Portable Appliance Testing regulations.

- Care of cables, plugs - damaged plugs should be replaced ensuring that the correctly rated fuse is placed in the plug. Frayed, worn or damaged cables should be replaced, including cables where the coloured cores of a cable show at the appliance or plug end of the cable

- Competent personnel only should replace Cables and plugs. If in doubt, contact Essex AVA who have the Borough contract for the repair and maintenance of I.C.T. equipment to arrange the repair.

- Trailing leads - where possible extension cables should not be used to power I.C.T. equipment because of the dangers these impose. I.C.T. equipment should always be sited in close proximity to the power supply. Where trailing leads are required, re-route and secure them or use a cable cover that alleviates the dangers of tripping and wear on the cable.

- Hanging computer cables - where possible, ensure that mouse and keyboard connecting cables do not hang over the front edge of the computer workstation. Where workstations are accessible from the rear, such as in the case of computer trolleys, ensure that the trailing loops of cable are tidied in such a way as to allow easy access to equipment for maintenance but to prevent equipment being dragged accidentally from the workstation by pupils/students passing by.

Ensure that the necessary CO2 fire extinguishers are positioned near to any IT equipment.

- Room lighting - room lighting should always be from above. In computer rooms, the lighting must conform to the relevant electrical standards.

- Work surfaces - should be non-reflective and clean.

- Positioning and glare - computers in classrooms should be positioned at right angles to windows to prevent glare on screens and to prevent pupils/students from facing bright light sources coming from behind the monitor screen. In computer rooms, blinds should be used to reduce glare on computer screens from windows and lights.

- Ventilation - almost all I.C.T. equipment gives off heat and the build up during the day can become quite oppressive for users, nor is this build up of heat good for the equipment. Ensure adequate ventilation in the classroom situation. In computer rooms, where there is a concentration of equipment in one area, if insufficient ventilation is provided, air conditioning may be a requirement. To reduce heat, turn off equipment when not in use.

- Sounds from software - can be distracting in the classroom and is particularly so in areas of concentrations of I.C.T. equipment such as computer rooms. Ensure that earphones are used wherever possible. It may be necessary to provide a splitter device to allow a group of pupils/students to work with sound simultaneously.

- Sounds from equipment - almost all equipment gives off background noise, even when not in use if the power is switched on. Wherever possible, switch off equipment when not in use.

- Printing - dot matrix printers make a great deal of noise when printing. Consider keeping long print jobs until break time, lunchtime or until the end of the day.

- Headphones and speakers - need to be adjusted so that the volume is not too loud. A child's ears are more sensitive than an adult's. Advisable to ensure that volume controls are always turned down before use by pupils. In-ear headphones are not recommended for hygiene reasons.

- Adequate access - ensure adequate access to the workstation, that gangways remain clear when the computer is in use and that emergency exits are always clear.

- Positioning - give thought to the positioning of the workstation. Where possible position not too near a radiator where users will be uncomfortable nor in a corner where users will be squashed or unable to access the keyboard or see the screen clearly. Try not to position the workstation too near a doorway where constant traffic will be heavy.

- Wheelchair access - ensure there is adequate access and that a variable-height workstation is available if required. In computer rooms, if benching is in rows, ensure sufficient access widths between benching is provided.

- Desk space - there should be sufficient deskspace at the workstation to allow for peripherals, books, papers and other materials. There may also need to be space for A3 concept keyboards in certain circumstances.

- Breaks - users should take frequent short breaks from intense computer work- e.g. ten minutes every hour to allow eyes to readjust to greater distances

- Desk height - ensure that the working desk height is appropriate to the height/size of the user. Workstations are manufactured in various heights, ensure that particular users are considered when ordering.

- Positioning - users should be comfortably positioned with easy access to all equipment and should be able to adjust position in relation to the equipment as appropriate. In particular:

- Seating - the height of the chair to the workstation should be adjustable bearing in mind that users should be aiming for a particular posture when operating computer equipment: the lower arms should be roughly horizontal when working with knees fitting comfortably under the desk with thighs roughly horizontal.

- Keyboard - users should have the option to have the keyboard flat or tilted.

- Screens - angle and height should be adjustable to suit. The top of the screen should be at eye level. Users should be able to control the brightness and contrast. Adjusting screen colours may also enhance user comfort.

- Peripherals - should not be put in hard-to-reach positions, especially if users need access to drives, switches etc.

- Wrist-rests - may be provided to alleviate Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

- Glare-guards - to cut down reflected light from other light sources such as windows, lamps etc.

- Humidifiers or air conditioning - to improve dry, hot atmospheres.

- Footstools, foot rests - to adjust leg positioning to ensure thighs are roughly horizontal when sitting at a workstation.