Library

A list of some of the common hazards found within the library department in hospitals.

header-Library

Ergonomic Hazards

Risk of:

  • Pain in neck, back or arms.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders such as carpel tunnel syndrome.

Possible causes:

  • Use of computers.
  • Over reaching or stretching to obtain books.

Electricity

Risk of:

  • Burns.
  • Electric shock.
  • Death.
  • Fire.

Possible causes:

  • Overloaded sockets.
  • Faulty electrics or insulation.
  • Taped cables.

Fire

Risk of:

  • Burns.
  • Smoke inhalation.
  • Death.

Possible causes:

  • Faulty equipment e.g. overheating.
  • Overloaded sockets.
  • Blocked fire exits.

 

Indoor Air Quality

Risk of:

  • Allergies.
  • Skin infections.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Breathing problems.

Possible causes:

  • Exposure to dusts, moulds or airborne toxic substances.
  • Poor maintenance of ventilation system.

 

Manual Handling

Risk of:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders.

Possible causes:

  • Lifting too heavy items.
  • Over reaching or stretching.
  • Lack of mechanical aids.

Noise

Risk of:

  • Annoyance.
  • Distraction.
  • Stress.

Possible causes:

  • Noisy equipment such as photocopiers, ventilation system.
  • People talking.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Risk of:

  • Minor injuries such as cuts to major injuries such as broken bones, concussion and even death.

Possible causes:

  • Trailing cables.
  • Worn or torn flooring.

Working at Height

Risk of:

  • Fall resulting in physical injury.

Possible causes:

  • Lack of or inappropriate access equipment.
  • Climbing up shelving to reach books.

Further Information

For further information on related controls click here.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of hazards and risks.