Physical Safety

Section 1: Importance of Physical Safety

• Understand the significance of physical safety, which relates to the safeguarding of hardware, software and data in the computing environment.
• Acknowledge that failure to maintain physical safety may result in data loss, hardware damage, or personal injury.

Section 2: Safety Measures for Hardware

• Make sure to keep electronic devices away from liquids, as moisture can cause damage to internal components.
• Avoid placing computer equipment near heat sources, as excessive heat can damage hardware components.
• Regular maintenance is required to maximise the lifespan of computer hardware, including cleaning to remove dust and other particles.
• Use Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for crucial systems to shield them from power surges and provide short-term power in case of power outages.

Section 3: Safety Measures for Software and Data

• Protect data and software by backing up regularly and storing copies on a secure offsite location.
• Install a firewall and virus protection software to guard against malicious software and unauthorised access.
• Select reliable software providers and routinely update applications to minimise vulnerabilities.
• Utilise password protection and encryption for sensitive data to prevent unauthorised access.

Section 4: Physical Safety in the Working Environment

• Computers and electronic devices should be positioned to minimise physical discomfort, considering ergonomics to avoid repetitive strain injuries and other health issues.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area to avoid tripping hazards and other potential accidents.
• Fire safety measures should be in place, ensuring all computer and electronic equipment is correctly installed and positioned to minimise fire hazards.
• Be aware of the disposal of electronic waste, which can be harmful to the environment if not managed properly. It’s important to recycle and responsibly dispose of old or broken equipment.