Feedback From Website Answered
From Our Feedback Form Computers can damage eyesight?
I often see in professional statements the claim that there is no evidence that computers can damage eyesight. I strongly disagree. Why? Please read the following: About ten years ago I took a job working with computers. The lighting conditions were appalling-glare, reflections. I started to get bad head aches. One day, quite suddenly, numerous objects appeared in my vision (floaters). I had never experienced this before an so at the time tried to no avail to rub these objects off my eyes, impossible of course. Over ten years since, I have continued to suffer from eye and head pains. The floaters are still there and I lost the ability to see clearly close up. I had excellent eyesight before I worked with computers. I was a qualified carpenter and fitter; I needed no glasses, could see fine detail and it was extremely rare for me to suffer with head aches: I now live with head aches! You might well argue that it was the bad lighting conditions that caused my problem. Well, yes,they certainly were a major factor. However I don't think that the elimination of bad lighting will remove the problem of CVS. The root of the problem lies mainly in the inherent design features of VDU screens. One is essentially looking close up, often for long hours, at an unnatural, bright flashing light source (i.e. "Vertical Refresh Rate"). The machine I worked with had only had a 50 HZ refresh rate. Manufacturers have since increased this by as much as double. But I have heard that the brain can perceive very high flashing frequencies. Do you know what the upper limit of perception is? Manufactures have tried all kinds of thinks to improve their VDU's but the same bad inherent design features remain: A bright, flashing unnatural light source. What is needed is a screen design with the following features: 1. A passive screen display (i.e. one that does not emit light but rather relies on ambient reflected light - as does hard copy) 2. A high contrast (black/white) just like printing on paper. 3. A much, much higher resolution, the eye needs fine lines to lock on to for focussing. 4. A very high refresh rate which cannot be perceived. 5. A low reflective surface material to minimise glare and reflections. These would be absolute minimum factors that would have to be dealt with before VDU could be even considered possibly suitable for human use. As yet I know of no such device. I would maintain that computer companies took existing TV type screen technology (rather than first designing suitable screen technology) just to save money. The end result of this folly and greed is that millions of people now suffer with computer vision syndromes. The number of ever increasing web sites and ever more stringent regulations bear witness to this. Until the underlying design faults of VDU's are properly and honestly addressed all the advice from health "experts" will not solve the problems.
From Our Feedback Form P.A.T. TESTING
Hello, I am a portable appliance tester at a University college. I have been asked by my manager to compile a report regarding the legal requirements concerning P.A.T. testing in the following areas, 1.Students who bring in equipment to use in connection with their college work. 2.Students who bring in equipment for personal use on campus i.e.in the halls of residence. 3.Staff who bring in equipment for use connected with college work. 4.Staff who bring in equipment for personal use on campus. 5.Organisations who rent/lease offices/rooms on campus and bring in their own equipment to use. I hope you will be able to help with these enquiries, hoping to hear from you soon, thanks.
Neal's Reply
All work equipment used in the work area should be tested for safe operation from time to time as recommended by Electricity at Work Regulations, Puwer, Best Code of Practice or as recommended by the Manufacturer of the equipment. Robin Electronics at Watford provide information regarding what is currently considered best practice. Lightly used equipment in the school or educational scenario should be visually checked every 4 months and a formal PAT test every three years approximately. The problem is that proscriptive information can never take the place of sensible workplace evaluation. Your students and co-users should be aware that it is the law to provide and maintain safe systems of work. In the case of your equipment the school needs to be assured of the fitness for purpose and safety of the work equipment, your can therefore carry out your own risk assessment and enforce your own safe system of works within a three year maximum period for testing. However please seek out the actual time limit for light duty kit and be careful not to confuse proper heavy duty electrical appliances like drills with business machines when you assess the likelihood of risk.
From Our Feedback Form LIFTING EQUIPMENT
We are in the fabricators to the Lift Industry. My question is. Can you give me a clear understanding of the HSC & PUWER regulations on the safe guarding of lifting equipment? I understand that there is a regulation that covers this but cannont find a full understanding of it ie. what size guage mesh shoud be used and standard colourings etc. I would be grateful for any information you have that can give us a clearer understanding of this regulation.
Neal's Reply
There are many codes of practice on guarding of machinery. You own lift industry association LEEIA publishes codes of best practice. I would of thought that your design engineer has a copy of the Provision and Use Of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 which shows some examples of machine guarding. The simple answer regarding guarding machinery is if you can get your hand into a moving piece of machinery whilst it is in normal function mode it should be guarded with a secure cage or enclosure. I would suggest a visit to the The Stationary Office at High Holborn to purchase the approved documents regarding proper guarding or contact LEEIA.
From Our Feedback Form STATISTICS
I am trying to obtain statistics relating to loneworking fatalities and injuries within the agricultural and horticultural industry. at present I have been unable to find such statistics and would be grateful if you could advise on the best possible web sites or publications to obtain them
Neal's Reply
The HSE site and The Office For National Statistics Site. All on linked from the www.open.gov.uk. The stats you require are on the HSE site as a PDF for downloading.
From Our Feedback Form JOCKEY HATS
I wondered if you could answer a question for me regarding horse riding safety helmets. This week I have just bought a new jockey skullcap. It is a Champion Advantage junior and it conforms to the BS EN 1384 safety standard. However I have recently been told by a riding school that hats must also conform to the 'ps'?? or 'PAS'?? standard(not sure what this is. I am now concerned that my hat is not up to the latest standard. Should I return this hat to the shop and request one which also has this other standard? Thanks.
Neal's Reply
If your Jockey cap is stamped with a BS number it will conform to a standard use pattern for Jockeys. If you need your head protection to fulfil a different use I.E. for riding through forests or show-jumping a different standard may apply. The manufacturer will always send you a copy of the specified use of the helmet. They also have to provide this information by law. Ring the manufacturer and ask if the equipment is safe to use in the sport activity you bought the equipment for, rather than a vague criticism from a well meaning person.
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