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Using Multimedia Safely in the Library

 The multimedia resources available in the library are wonderful tools but they also carry some risks and hazards.  Today we want to talk about what dangers may be posed by using multimedia and how we can work together to eliminate or mitigate these risks.

Take a look at this picture.  How many hazards or potential risks do you see?

Do you have some ideas?

Here are some risks we can identify in this picture:

  • the glass of water near the equipment.  This could get knocked and spill on the equipment, which could damage the computer, but it could also pose danger of electrocution for the person using the equipment.
  • the twisted cords all over the work desk.  These could get damaged, causing risk of electrical harm, they could get overheated from being twisted up, or they could cause someone to get tangled and pull on the equipment, risking damage to the equipment or injury to the person.
  • the monitors perched on top of book stacks.  This is not a sturdy position for this expensive and heavy item.  The monitors could fall, risking damage to them or injury to the work station user.
  • if we wanted to dig really deep, we could also notice that the keyboard is not ergonomic and having the computer on a flat desk such as this poses possible bodily stress injury, especially if it is used for extended periods of time (which is probably why the monitors have been plonked on the books!).

So what can we do to eliminate or mitigate these risks?

  • Keep drinks away from the computer equipment, or restrict them to closed vessels such as drink bottles or secure keep cups.
  • Keep all cords tidy and behind the equipment, out of the path of human use.  Try not to have cords lying curled and tangled, which can lead to overheating. 
  • Try to use ergonomic workstations and equipment, especially when these are used for long periods.  An ergonomic workstation will have the ability to lower the keyboard and raise the monitor, and will have holes or spaces for cords in the back.

You can keep these things in mind in your own work place or home multimedia use.  But how does this relate to multimedia in the library?

  • Firstly, pay attention to safety when you use the computers in the library.  If you see anything that might post a threat - frayed cords, a monitor on a book, etc - at a library computer workstation, please approach a library assistant and let them know.
  • Think about the risk of spills if you are eating or drinking while working and try not to have open drinks near the equipment.
  • Take regular micro breaks if you are working at a computer for a long time, being sure to stretch your whole body including neck, shoulders, wrists etc.  Take note of your posture and try not to slouch over the keyboard or hunch at the screen.  If you need help making the screen vision impairment friendly, such as larger fonts etc, please see a library assistant and they'll be happy to assist.
  • If you are using a laptop from home in the library, pay attention to your cord if you are plugging it in, and make sure it is not blocking a thoroughfare or posing a trip risk to yourself or other users.  Be sure to plug it in BEFORE turning on the power point, and to turn the power point off and grip firmly at the plug to remove it, rather than pulling on the cord.

By working together and keeping safety at the forefront of our minds, we can enjoy all the wonderful benefits of using multimedia while keeping the equipment and ourselves safe from harm!


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