1. ICT Functional Skills Some basic Health & Safety

3. Are you sitting comfortably? Arms horizontal, eyes same level as top of screen Make sure you’ve enough space on your desk Avoid reflections on the screen Make sure you’ve got space for your legs Avoid pressure on backs of legs and knees

4. Keying in Place the keyboard so you’ve got room to rest your wrists Try and keep your wrists straight Mouse in easy reach Support your forearm on the desk

5. Reading the screen Screen brightness should suit the room lighting. Make sure the screen surface is clean. Make sure Windows settings suit your needs Individual characters on the screen should be sharply focused and should not flicker or move. If they do, the VDU may need servicing or adjustment.

6. Take a break Don’t sit in the same position for too long – move about! Take regular breaks – frequent short ones are better than fewer long ones

7. Nil by mouth While your having a break – have a drink! – Don’t drink near a computer You could get an electric shock You could destroy the computer – Don’t eat near a computer No-one wants to use a computer that’s covered in food! How clean were the fingers of the last person that used your computer?!

8. Have a nice trip! Where there’s computers there’s usually wires – Look out! Make sure your personal effects don’t make the room unsafe – Tuck bags and things out of the gangway

9. At a glance... Sit comfortably Rest your wrists and mouse arm Adjust screen lighting and avoid reflections Take regular, frequent breaks No drinking or eating Look out for tripping hazards

10. Sit with straight back Top of monitor at eye level Wrists straight, and resting if possible Feet flat on floor or footrest Keep your elbows in and at an angle of 90⁰ to 120 ⁰ to your wrists Back rest – if you have one – should support lower back Front of seat shouldn’t press into backs of your knees Space! Your chair should spin round and have adjustable height and backrest

11. WHEN AM I GOING TO GET A NEW COMPUTER?