4.3. The Environment Considerations in the Disposal of Computer Hardware and OH+S considerations in the use of computer equipment.

The IT production industry has a Large Carbon footprint, which can be reduced through the re-use and re-deployment of redundant IT equipment namely Computer Recycling.

Part of the problem computer recycling has is, after upgrading computer systems, most organizations store their old computers, which serve as backup equipment in case newer computers break down. These old computers often sit in storage well beyond their potential useful life. At some point, a decision must be made about disposal of this equipment. Continuing to store it is often not a viable option, it eventually takes up a considerable amount of space. The least desirable option is to throw old computers into the bin. Computer recycling comes to the fore in every scenario possible, not just the effect it has upon the environment, there is also the possibility of someone removing hard drives and recovering sensitive data.

This drives home the point that you should destroy the data on your hard disk - before getting rid of the computer or hard disk in it. Computer recycling, isn't always about the environment, but of company and national safety importance too.

From an environmental point of view it is far better to recycle your computer at an official recycling center than to dispose of it. It may even be illegal in some countries to dispose of electrical equipment by any other method other than by taking it to an approved computer recycling center or sending it back to the original manufacturer.

The fight for the planet is on. It is now fully proven, undeniably, evident that the earth is fighting for its life. During its short but deadly lifespan, human civilization has managed to place a devastating strain on the planet's resources and health.
It is now our duty to reverse this ill effect, even though it may be too late. There are thousands of ways people can contribute to the cause: from taking on older techniques such as recycling paper to utilizing newer technologies like fuel-efficient cars. I'd like to concentrate on one specific way through which people can help the planet- recycling computer equipment.

Reference : Article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Be-Green---Recycle-Your-Old-Computer-Hardware&id=2138360 , John Pettifer, 2009 EzineArticles.com

A healthy and safe work environment is the right of every worker and employers are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that these standards are met. Occupational Health and Safety or OH&S for short relates to the practices, procedures and tasks that organisations must enforce to comply with legislation and to ensure that they protect the health and welfare of their staff in the workplace.

Computer Ergonomics is concerned with potential and sometimes persistent injuries that can be caused by a person who uses a computer for a large part of their working day. On the scale of human history, the personal computer is a relatively new ‘tool’ that humans have had to get used to using. Computer ergonomics becomes important when you consider fingers moving around keyboards, eyeballs focusing on screens and hands wrapped around mice.

A good workstation setup may include:

Chair / seating
Desk
Monitor / laptop
Mouse
Document solutions
Keyboard

No matter how great your ergonomics workstation is, it's important to take frequent, brief rest breaks. Make sure to practice the following to help avoid strain and injury:

- Eye breaks every 15 minutes.
- Micro-breaks from the use of a particular set of muscles that's doing much of the work (e.g. the finger flexors if you're doing a lot of typing).
- Rest breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.
- Exercise breaks every 1-2 hours.

Reference : Article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Be-Green---Recycle-Your-Old-Computer-Hardware&id=2138360 , John Pettifer, 2009 EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved Worldwide. And http://www.ergonomics-ohs.com.au/