IAGC LAND GEOPHYSICAL SAFETY MANUAL Edition 9 ... - CGISS

take small quantities at frequent intervals. Occupied enclosed spaces should be wellventilated.10) In tropical areas, exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day should beavoided. When it is necessary to work in excessive sunlight, appropriate clothingoffering protection to both head and body should be worn. Use a sunblock orsunscreen cream or oil to protect parts of the body exposed to sun or drying winds.11) Sexually transmitted diseases should be considered a major and potentially fatalhealth problem. Safe sex is considered a significant preventive measure, butabstinence is the most significant prevention.2.2.2 ErgonomicComputer use and Repetitive strain injury (RSI)Some Computer users can suffer health problems as a result of their work but this cangenerally be avoided by good workplace and job design, and by training users. Healthrisks can include:• Upper limb disorders (often inaccurately called repetitive strain injury, or "RSI"),typically displayed as: Aches and pains in the hands, wrist, arm, neck orshoulder. In severe cases if no action is taken, these disorders can becomepersistent or even disabling.• Stress: from pace of work and deadlines, or through frustration or anxiety when acomputer system does not work well or the user does not feel competent tooperate it.• Eyestrain: Long spells of Computer work can lead to tired eyes, discomfort orheadaches (and can make users more aware of eye defects such as short sight).However there is no evidence that Computer work can cause disease orpermanent damage to eyes.Employers and Computer users can take various practical steps including:• Set up equipment and workstations for the most comfortable working position,making full use of adjustable chairs, etc;• Make sure there is enough work space to take whatever documents and otherequipment are needed, in convenient positions;• Arrange the screen, desk and lighting to avoid glare or bright reflections on thescreen;• Users should avoid sitting in the same position for long periods. It is best tochange posture as often as practicable, and take frequent breaks (either as restbreaks, or changes to a different kind of work.2.3 Bloodborne PathogensHIV and all strains of hepatitis are classified as bloodborne pathogens. There may betimes when due to an accident or injury you may be asked to render first aid to theinjured. Precautions should be taken to prevent coming into contact with any blood orbody fluids.Page 17 of 136