Definition:
The computer laboratory or simply computer lab is a special room set aside and prepared specifically for safe installation and use of computers.
Requirements of a Computer Laboratory.
i)Standard and Enough furniture.
ii)Good ventilation.
iii)Reliable & Enough source of power supply.
iv)Free from Dust and Moisture.
v)Enough floor space.
vi)Proper cabling of electric wires.
vii)Fire fighting equipment. Fitted with gaseous fire extinguisher.
viii)Good lighting equipment.
ix)Strong rooms & doors for the security of computers.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS & PRACTICES IN A COMPUTER LABORATORY.
The computer lab, just like any other lab, should be setup with safety precautions in mind. Safety precautions and practices can be divided into
1.Measures that are meant to protect the computer
2.Measures that are meant to protect the users
Measures that protect computers
1.Burglar proofing the room. Includes fitting grills on doors ,windows and the roof to defer forceful entry into a computer room, alarm installation and guards.
2.Installing fire prevention and control and control equipment e.g. smoke detectors, non-liquid based and non-powder based fire extinguishers.Recomended:Gaseous tfire extinguisher
3.The room should be well laid out. Enough space of movement
4.Providing stable power supply
5.Dust and dump control
6.Cables and power sockets should be well insulated
7.Users should not eat or drink in the computer lab
Measures that protect the user
- All cables should be insulated. To avoid danger of electric shock to the user
- Providing standard furniture. To avoid poor posture which may lead to strain injury and limb fatigue
- Cables should be laid away from user paths to avoid stripping on them
- Providing antiglare screens (light filters) and adjustable screens to avoid eye strain and fatigue caused by over bright CRT monitors. LCD do not strain the eye
- The room should be properly ventilated to avoid dizziness caused by lack of enough oxygen and to allow computers to cool
- Overcrowding in computer room is not allowed. This may cause suffocation