Welcome to Physical Safety in ICT!

In the world of ICT, we often focus on things like software, data, and the internet. But it’s crucial to remember that computer systems are physical objects, and they can pose real dangers if we aren’t careful!

This chapter is all about Physical Safety (Syllabus 8.1). You will learn about the common dangers found around ICT equipment—like shocks, fires, and trips—and, more importantly, the simple, sensible strategies you can use to prevent them. Keeping your workspace safe protects you and the expensive equipment!

1. Electrical Hazards and Electrocution

Electricity is essential for ICT equipment, but it is also the most dangerous element if mishandled. Electrocution is a severe electric shock caused by contact with electrical current.

Causes of Electrocution

  • Spilling Drinks: The most common cause. Liquids, especially water, are conductors of electricity. If you spill a drink near a keyboard or computer unit, the liquid can travel into the circuitry, potentially shocking the user or causing a short circuit.
  • Touching Live Cables: This occurs when the insulating protective cover around a cable is damaged or frayed (often called exposed wires), allowing you to touch the conducting metal inside while it is plugged into a power source.
  • Faulty Equipment: Using equipment with damaged casings or internal faults.

Strategies for Preventing Electrocution

The solution is simple: keep electricity and liquids separated, and never touch damaged components.

  • Keep liquids away: Enforce a strict policy of no drinks near electrical equipment (especially on the desk).
  • Inspect and replace cables: Regularly check the condition of all power cords and data cables. If a cable is frayed, report it immediately and ensure it is replaced or professionally repaired. Never use exposed cables.
  • Isolate power: When performing maintenance or moving equipment, always switch off the device AND unplug it from the wall socket first.

Did you know? Even if a spill doesn't cause immediate electrocution, the corrosion (rusting) caused by the liquid can lead to faults and fires later on.

Quick Review: Electrical Safety

Key Takeaway: Keep desks dry and wires tidy! If a cable is damaged, do not touch it; switch off the power at the source immediately.

2. Fire Hazards: Overloading and Overheating

Computer equipment needs a steady supply of power and good ventilation to prevent components from catching fire.

Causes of Fire

  • Sockets Being Overloaded: This happens when you plug too many devices (especially devices that use a lot of power) into a single wall socket using multiple adapters or extension leads. The circuit draws more current than the wiring is designed to handle, leading to overheated wiring, which can melt and ignite.
  • Equipment Overheating: Computers and servers generate heat. If the cooling fans fail or if the air vents are blocked, the internal temperature rises dangerously high. This is common if devices are placed too close to walls or covered by clothing or paper.

Strategies for Preventing Fire

We must ensure circuits aren't strained and devices can "breathe".

  • Avoid Overloading Sockets: Use extension leads with a safety fuse (surge protectors), and never plug one extension lead into another (this is often called "daisy chaining"). Calculate the total power draw to stay within the socket's safe limit.
  • Ensure Ventilation: Always place computer units, monitors, and printers in locations where air can circulate freely. Do not block the cooling vents or fans.
  • Regular Maintenance: Clean dust from computer vents and fans periodically, as dust acts as an insulator, trapping heat inside the machine.

Don't worry if the electrical terms seem tricky! Just remember: If you plug too many things in, the wires get hot like a stretched elastic band about to snap!

3. Physical Hazards: Tripping and Falling Equipment

Physical hazards are risks related to the physical layout and placement of the equipment.

Causes of Physical Injury

A. Tripping Over Trailing Cables
  • Cause: Cables (power, network, printer) that are loose, running across the floor, or crossing walkways create a serious trip hazard.
  • Risk: A person trips and falls, sustaining injury, or the trip yanks the computer and monitor off the desk, causing severe equipment damage.
B. Heavy Equipment Falling
  • Cause: Placing large, heavy ICT equipment (like server units, large printers, or older CRT monitors) on unstable surfaces, wobbly desks, or high, precarious shelves.
  • Risk: If the equipment falls, it can cause severe injury to anyone nearby.

Strategies for Prevention (Keeping the ICT Room Tidy)

Preventing Trips (Cable Management)
  • Use Cable Management: Employ devices like cable ties (to bundle cables together), cable clips (to secure them along the edge of a desk), or cable trunking (protective plastic strips that cover cables run along the floor or wall).
  • Route Cables Safely: Ensure cables are routed behind desks, under floors, or along the edges of the room, keeping all access paths and walkways completely clear.
Preventing Falling Equipment
  • Use Stable Furniture: Always place heavy equipment on desks or trolleys that are robust, level, and designed to support the weight.
  • Store Low: Position the heaviest items (e.g., the main computer tower) on the floor or on low, secure shelving units to minimise the distance they could fall.

Memory Trick: Think TLC for safety: Tidy the cables, Liquids away, Check for damage.

Summary of Physical Safety Issues and Strategies

To prepare for exams, make sure you can name the cause of each danger and describe a specific prevention strategy.

Quick Review Box: Causes and Preventions

Hazard: Electrocution
Cause: Spilling drinks near equipment
Strategy: Maintain a strict 'No liquids on the desk' rule.


Hazard: Fire
Cause: Overloading wall sockets
Strategy: Use only approved, fused extension leads and avoid plugging too many high-power devices into one socket.


Hazard: Tripping
Cause: Trailing cables across the floor
Strategy: Secure cables using ties or trunking, running them along walls and under desks.


Hazard: Injury from falling equipment
Cause: Placing heavy equipment on unstable shelves
Strategy: Use sturdy, level surfaces and store the heaviest items as close to the floor as possible.