A Step by Step, For Setting Up The Computer Workstation

In order to be comfortable at your computer workstation the following steps should be used to ensure the workstation fits your needs. If you feel fatigue or start to experience muscle pain use this checklist to re-evaluate your workstation. Do not be afraid to adjust your workstation. Remember, prevention is the best cure for musculoskeletal injuries!

Adjusting Your Chair
 Raise or lower the chair until the edge of the seat pan is just below your knee cap when you are standing.(figure 12).
 Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your legs at a 90-110 degree angle(Figure13).
 Allow enough space for a closed fist between the edge of the seat pan and the back of your legs (Figure 13).


Adjust the backrest to support your lower back. You may need to move the backrest up or down as well as toward you (Figure 14)

Adjusting and Adjustable Working Surface

 Sit with your arms hanging straight at your side (Figure 15).
 Adjust the desk or keyboard tray to be level with your elbows (Figure 15).
 Raise your forearms to create a 90 degree angle at the elbow (Figure 16).

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Photocopier and Laser Printer Hazards

Photocopiers and Laser Printers are safe when used occasionally and serviced regularly. But if they are badly positioned, poorly maintenance and used frequently or for long runs, there are risks to health, ranging from irritated eyes, nose and throat to dermatitis, headaches, premature ageing and reproductive cancer hazards. Proper ventilation and maintenance are essential in eliminating hazards



The chemicals

Ozone and other chemicals can occur above the OEL (occupational exposure limit) when the copying room is small, ventilation is inadequate, and/or the photocopiers is used a lot.



Ozone

Ozone is a gas produced during the high voltage electrical discharge in photocopiers and laser printers. It is sweet smelling and highly toxic with a UK OES of 0.2 ppm (15 minute reference periods) if you can smell ozone the levels are too high. Ozone breaks down in air quite quickly though this can be slowed by high humidity, temperature and some effect of office furnishings. Health effects are eye, nose throat, and lung irritation, dermatitis, headache and nausea, premature ageing and potential reproductive dangers. Pruritus, a kind of itching occurs on the face, neck and areas of skin exposed to ozone. When mixed with nitrogen oxide in certain proportions it can have an effect on the central nervous system.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

VOCs also emitted during photocopying. These can contain traces of decane ( carcinogenic)1,1,1-trichloroethane (can cause skin irritation), iso-octane, toluene( causes fatique, drowsiness, throat and eye irritation, xylene ( can cause menstrual disorder and kidney failure) and benzene (carcinogenic and teratogenic)

Selenium and Cadmium Sulphide

Some copiers used drum impregnated with selenium or cadmium sulphide. The gas emitted from these materials especially when hot can cause throat irritation and sensitization (I,e adverse reaction to very tiny quantities of chemical) to exposed workers. Short term exposure to high levels of selenium by ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, skin rashes and rhinitis. The UK MEL for selenium compounds is 0.1 mg/m3 ( ACGIH is 0.2 mg/m3). This is more a risk to maintenance staff when cleaning or grinding the surface of the drum. Cadmium compounds have a MEL of 0.025 mg/m3 (over a 8 hour reference period) and ACGIH is 0.002 mg/m3.

Nitrogen oxide

Nitrogen oxide may be produced when there is a spark in electrostatic photocopiers. Symptoms are similar to those produced by carbon monoxide. The OEL is 25 ppm

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Bahaya Kesehatan Yang Bersumber dari Mesin Foto Copy dan Printer

Mesin foto copy, printer laser, dan facsímile adalah bagian penting dari perlengkapan kantor modern. Mesin-mesin ini kelihatannya cukup kurang berbahaya, tetapi ini adalah masalah yang terkait dengan penggunaannya dan perhatian yang harus diambil untuk melindungi kesehatan karyawan.

Proses foto copy
Lembaran kertas foto copy dioperasikan dengan merefleksikan lampu dari sumber lampu mesin foto copy tersebut, suatu gambar diproyeksikan pada suatu “photoreceptor” , yang mana suatu tabung atau pita diisi secara electrical. Permukaan tabung adalah photosensitive, dimana tabung tersebut akan kehilangan muatan electrostatic ketika terpapar lampu. Lampu yang direfleksikan menghasilkan suatu bentuk muatan pada tabung atau pita dan meninggalkan gambar tetap. Muatan electrostatic mengenai toner dan menghasilkan gambar pada kertas yang disebabkan adanya panas dan tekanan.
Copy berwarna menggunakan proses dasar electomagnetic yang sama. Bagaimanapun, mereka mempunyai 3 (tiga) system toner, yang berhubungan dengan warna dasar utama yaitu, hijau, merah dan biru.

Bahaya utama yang bersumber dari mesin foto copy:

1. Gas Ozon
Ozon adalah suatu bentuk dari oksigen (O2) yang tidak stabil, dimana bisa terbentuk selama

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LEAD POISONING

1. What is lead?

Lead is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Pb with atomic number 82. In Latin called Plumbum and in Indonesian called Timbal or Timah Hitam . An organic lead as a heavy metal that it any of a number of higher atomic weight elements, which has the properties of a metallic substance at room temperature. In other hand lead can in form as organic compound (tetra ethyl lead = TEL).
Lead has a dull luster and is a dense, ductile, very soft, highly malleable, bluish-white metal that has poor electrical conductivity. This true metal is highly resistant to corrosion. Because of this property, it is used to contain corrosive liquids. Lead is also posionous.
Lead is used as a major constituent of the lead-acid battery, a coloring in ceramic glazes, projectiles for firearms, a shielding from radiation. Molden lead is used as a coolant for reactors. Lead glass is composed of 12-28% lead. Lead is the traditional base metal of organ pipes, mixid with varying amounts of tin to control the tone of the pipe. Lead is used as electrodes in the process of electrolysis, in solder for electronics, in high voltage power cables as sheathing material to prevent water diffusion into insulation.
Lead was used as a pigment in lead paint for white as well as yellow and red colors, for plumbling, to make bullets for slings, as a component toys, in car body filler. It is a superconductor. Tetra ethyl lead (organic lead) was used extensively as an additive gasoline (patrol) of its ability to increase the fuel’s octave rating.

2. How lead poisoning occurred to human?

In general, lead can entire to human body by inhalation and ingestion. Outside of occupational hazards, the majority of lead poisoning occurs in children under age twelve. The main sources of poisoning are from ingestion of lead contaminated soil and from ingestion of lead dust or chips from deteriorating lead-based paints. This is particularly a problem in older houses where the sweet-tasting lead paint is likely to chip, but deteriorating lead-based paint can also powder and be inhaled. Small children also tend to teeth and suck on painted windowsills as they look outside. In most American states, landlords and those selling such houses are required to inform the potential residents of the danger.
Lead has also been found in drinking water. It can come from plumbing and fixtures that are either made of lead or have trace amounts of lead in them.
Lead can also be found in some imported cosmetics such as Kohl, from the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and some parts of Africa, and Surma from India.

3. What are symtomps and effects of lead poisoning?

The symptoms of lead poisoning include neurological problems, such as reduced intelligent quotient (IQ), nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, insomnia, excess lethargy or hyperactivity, headache and extreme cases, seizure and coma. There are also associated gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss. Other associated affects are anemia, kidney problems, and reproductive problems.
In humans, lead toxicity often causes the formation of a bluish line along the gums, which is known as the "Burton's line ". Blood film examination may reveal "basophilic stippling" of red blood cells, as well as the changes normally associated with iron deficiency anemia (microcytosis and hypochromia).
A direct link between early lead exposure and extreme learning disability has been confirmed by multiple researchers and child advocacy groups. The Disabilities Education Act (United States) defines a learning disability this way: [a] disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations. . . .Learning disabilities include such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

4. How to prevent lead posioning?

Preventing the lead poisoning occurred, which was suggested by US Communicable Diseases Control (CDC) include:


a. Housekeeping:

• Keep children away from peeling or chipping paint and accessible or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint, especially windows, window sills, and window wells.
• Wet mop and wet wipe hard surfaces, using trisodium phosphate detergent or automatic dishwasher soap and water.
• Do not vacuum hard surfaces because this activity is believed to scatter dust.
• Wash children's hands and faces before they eat.
• Wash toys and pacifiers frequently.

b. Nutrition:

• Make sure children eat regular nutritious meals, since more lead is absorbed on an empty stomach.
• Make sure children's diets contain plenty of iron and calcium:
• Examples of foods high in iron are liver, fortified cereal, cooked beans, spinach, and raisins.
• Examples of foods high in calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, and cooked greens.

c. Soil:

If soil around the home is likely to be lead-contaminated (such as around a home built before 1960 or near a major highway), plant grass or other ground cover. If lead-based paint is the source of soil contamination, most lead will be near painted surfaces such as exterior walls. In such cases, plant bushes next to the house to keep children away.

d. Water:

If the lead content of tap water in the home is higher than the drinking water standard, let the water run for several minutes (until the temperature changes) before using it. Use only fully-flushed water from the cold-water tap for drinking and cooking.

e. Food:

Do not store food in open cans, especially imported cans. Do not store or serve food in pottery that is meant for decorative use. Also, do not store food or beverages in lead crystal or china.

Thank you

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PENGELOLAAN STRESS

Manusia akan menjadi lebih stress bila dibebani banyak perubahan dalam waktu yang singkat. Jika ada yang khas pada masa sekarang, itu adalah arus perubahan yang berlebihan. Teknologi baru ( computer, e mail, internet ) menghemat waktu dan usaha kita, tetapi tidak seperti yang kita harapkan pekerjaaan kita menjadi lebih stress ( Terlalu banyak informasi, kurang komunikasi.
Tujuh puluh sampai sembilan puluh persen kunjungan ke klinik merupakan masalah kesehatan yang berhubungan dengan stress seperti sakit kepala, insomnia
( gangguan tidur ), kecemasan, depresi, sakit dada, hipertensi, gangguan saluran pencernaan dan kulit.
Stress kerja
Stress di tempat kerja merupakan interaksi antara pekerja dan kondisi di tempat kerja. NIOSH ( USA ) mendefinisikan “ stress sebagai respon fisik dan respon emosional yang terjadi ketika tuntutan pekerjaan tidak sesuai dengan kemampuan, sumber daya atau kebutuhan dari pekerja.”
Ada dua macam bentuk stress yaitu : Stress positif dan Stress negatif
Stress yang tidak dikelola dengan baik dalam jangka panjang akan menjadi stress yang di luar control dan menyebabkan kelelahan yang berat, depresi, burn out ( kelelahan setelah bekerja terlalu keras ), perasaan kosong, masalah kesehatan yang serius, sangat cemas dan lelah, kematian.

Bagaimana tubuh bereaksi terhadap stress
- Jantung dan pembuluh darah : denyut jantung akan meningkat dan tekanan darah juga meningkat. Resiko terhadap penyakit jantung dan stroke akan meningkat.
- Sistem pernafasan : tingkat penafasan akan meningkat.
- Sistem saluran pencernaan : Hati akan melepaskan gula dalam jumlah besar.
- Penglihatan : Pupil mata melebar untuk mendeteksi gerakan halus.
Dampak yang tidak diinginkan dari stress termasuk berkeringat, kekeringan mulut, sakit dada, mual, keinginan untuk kencing, dan banyak dampak yang lain tergantung dari individu.

Stress yang salah dikelola :

- Mengganggu konsentrasi, kurangnya perhatian dan ingatan.
- Mengganggu pengambilan keputusan dan pemecahan masalah.
- Merusakkan keyakinan diri dan memicu pemikiran negatif.
- Menghabiskan tenaga fisik dan mental.
- Mungkin menyebabkan kehilangan minat dan motivasi.
- Kesalahan, absenteeism, kelambatan,kualitas jelek, kecelakaan, kegagalan dan
kerugian.


Aspek Positif Stress

Walaupun kerja adalah penyebab stress yang terbesar dalam hidup, tetapi bila stress dikelola dengan baik akan menghasilkan :
– Motivasi, tantangan dan tujuan.
– Morak dan kesejahteraan financial.
– Kekuatan dan kemerdekaan.
– Rasa pencapaian prestasi, kepuasan dan berguna.
– Pengakuan dari rekan kerja, teman, keluarga dan masyarakat.
– Kesenangan, dorongan dan kegairahan.
– Wawasan baru, pendidikan dan ketrampilan.

Pengelolaan stress yang baik
Beberapa strategi mengatasi stress secara mudah :
- Jangan hanya bergantung pada diri sendiri.
- Ciptakan tujuan yang terukur dan bisa tercapai.
- Jangan menuntut kesempurnaan.
- Bedakan antara stress yang nyata dan tidak nyata.
- Tahu apa yang bisa diharapkan dari anda
- Jangan menipu diri-sendiri
- Jangan biarkan satu kegagalan menghancurkan anda
- Belajar mengelola waktu
Jangan mencoba melakukan semuanya dalam satu waktu.
Buat daftar yang akan dikerjakan harian
Pusatkan pada satu pekerjaan dan selesaikan.
Jangan tunda sesuatu yang bisa dilakukan sekarang.
Jangan menumpuk kertas : baca,kerjakan, simpan atau buang.
Belajar untuk mendelegasikan pekerjaan.
- Belajar untuk berkata " Tidak "( asertif ).
Jangan berkomitmen berlebihan.
Buat rapat singkat dan langsung ke masalah
Patuhi tenggat dan perjanjian waktu, tetapi Jangan membuat pengaturan berlebihan.

Other individual coping strategies:
- Latihan pernafasan : Tutup mulut dan bernafas dengan hidung dan kemudian hembuskan melalui mulut. Dengan perlahan tarik nafas sebanyak mungkin, kemudian hembuskan perlahan-lahan dalam 1 – 2 menit, kerutkan bibir seperti mau meniup sehingga anda bisa mengontrol seberapa cepat menghembuskan nafas dan jaga jalan nafas terbuka selama mungkin. Ini membentuk siklus. Ulang 3-4 kali tiap sesi, dan ulang sesi tersebut sesering mungkin. Sesi Penafasan dalam dapat dilakukan menggantikan istirahat minun kopi.
- Buka pikiran anda : memberikan istirahat mental dan merupakan dasar dari meditasi. Untuk mengurangi gangguan, cari tempat yang sepi untuk 10-15 menit. Duduk pada kursi yang nyaman dan lepaskan sepatu. Tutup mata anda dan bernafaslah dengan pelan dan dalam. Pusatkan mental anda pada kata, pikiran atau gambar yang menenangkan. Kendorkan dan teruskan bernafas dalam. Lenturkan setelah selesai. Pikiran anda kemungkinan lebih terpusat dan segar.
- Berpikiran positif : meningkatkan penghargaan terhadap diri sendiri. Siapkan menghadapi tantangan dengan berbicara dengan diri sendiri ( Saya pikir saya bisa !Saya tahu saya bisa ).
- Latihan aerobik : akan mengendorkan anda dengan lepasnya hormone endorphin, merupakan zat seperti morfin yang meningkatkan suasana hati kita. Latihan meningkatkan tenaga tubuh dan daya tahan tubuh dan mengurangi kecemasan dan depresi.
- Teknik lain : musik, tertawa.

Strategi mengatasi stress tingkat lanjut memerlukan training : meditasi, Yoga, Tai chi dan lain-lain.

Bantuan dari tenaga medis mungkin diperlukan ketika gejala negatif stress menetap dan tidak membaik dengan berbagai cara mengatasi stress yang diuraikan di atas. Dan jangan lupa bahwa banyak gejala stress dapat juga gejala dari penyakit yang nyata.

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How To Manage STRESS

People experience more stress whenever they are subjected to a lot of changes in a short span of time. If anything characterizes our lives these days, it is an excess of change.
New technologies ( computer, e mail, internet ), save our time and efforts, but not much as we expect, and the result our work becomes more stressfull ( Too much information, not enough communication ).
Seventy-five to ninety percent of visits to physicians' clinics are for stress-related health problems such as backache, headache, insomnia, anxiety, depression, chest pain, hypertension, and gastrointestinal and skin disorders.



Job stress ?

Job stress results from the interaction of the worker and the conditions of work. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines stress as “the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.” There are two forms of stress
– Positive stress
– Negative stress
Long-term, poorly managed negative stress can get out of control and cause fatigue, exhaustion, depression, burn out or feeling emotionally emptied, serious health problems, nervous breakdown and death.

How the Body Reacts to Stress
- Heart and circulatory system –The heart beats faster and blood pressure
increases. The risk of heart attack

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