Health and Safety Implications of using a Laptop with a Broken Screen

[tech_guy]

We've got a member of staff being stubborn over the use of a laptop with a broken screen. They're refusing to hand it over for repair insisting they can carry on using it as it is. Apart from the obvious dangers, can anyone point me in the direction of any H&S resources on websites?

[Andrew_C]

I'd look at PUWER. It is statutory, therefore, can't be "contracted out of".

 

I wonder what is on the HDD they don't want you to see?

[featured_spectre]

If they signed out the laptop and it states you can take it for repair or inspection, take it on those grounds.

[webman]

Explain that the [extended] warranty is void if repairs are not carried out as soon as faults appear. If she is prepared to pay the repair costs herself, she is quite welcome to keep it. Otherwise it must be returned.

 

EDIT: loads of info at the HSE (http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/guidance.htm) Hopefully you'll find a sensible quote to bash the user over the head with

Edited June 29, 2010 by webman

[ICT_GUY]

Is there another reason for them to not hand it over? Like a large p0rn collection?

 

BTW LCD back light fix came up while searching for H&S. I did not find anything that said broken LCDs were dangerous, though I would just say that its policy to fix broken hardware where it was feasible to do so on the gounds that he might sue the department when his eyes start to play up.

[Ric_]

I don't think that there's any need for H&S nonsense here. The laptop belongs to the school and the school is asking for it to be returned for repair. Simple. If the user does not comply, discuss the matter with SLT.

[AngryTechnician]

The one time we had a user being a git over something like this, we disabled the machine account in Active Directory. It came in fairly sharpish after that.

 

Ric's approach is certainly better, but relies on SLT actually caring to get involved.

[buzzard]

Yep blacklist the MAC so it doesn't pick up a usable IP on the system, that or remotely change the passwords/disable the local accounts on it so he can't use it at home

[jamesreedersmith]

Id play the need to get a part number so i can get a replacement ordered.

[difinity]

If the screen is cracked, inform them of the mercury inside and all the nice things it could do to the nervous system.

[aerospacemango]

Why not just say that they "don't have a choice"?

 

The problem is that tutors/lecturers/teachers seem to think that once they've signed for it.....it's theirs!

 

Remind them that that is not the case, and that when the repairs take place, you'll be having a close look at their HD too!!!!

[localzuk]

I think it comes to 'time for tough love'. ie. tell them that it isn't up to them to decide whether it needs repairing or not, it is yours. Also remind them that the laptop doesn't belong to them!

[aerospacemango]

Alternatively, you could ask if they'd like to play.............

 

"IT Qualifications Poker"

 

If they ask what that is, tell them.....

 

You sit on opposite sides of the table, and your "hand" is the quals you have in line with the specific problem.

 

I'm guessing that you'll only have to put down 1 "card" from your hand before they realise they're not qualified to make the decision!

[enjay]

As others have said, I don't think this is a H&S issue but one of appropriate use of equipment. The laptop belongs to the school and not the teacher, and they simply don't have a choice in the matter. Like others, I wonder what non-school-related information is on there, so if you're feeling generous or think it the only way to get the laptop back, offer to lend them a monitor for the weekend so they can "back up" any personal files on there before you send it away, as the computer may get wiped during the repair. Alternatively, get SLT to prise it out of their hands and have a good look at just what they've been doing with the school's equipment. Personally, I would go with the latter.

[Hightower]

My Dads old company gave him a laptop with a dodgy screen. My Dad questioned this and told them it was dangerous (he was H&S manager too). Guess what the Company Directors response was, and I say this with 100% truth and seriousness.......

 

"Just earth yourself when you use it then"

 

Needles to say my Dad hit the roof!

[tech_guy]

Update: HT has now stepped in and the issue is being dealt with accordingly.

[enjay]

"Just earth yourself when you use it then"

 

Needles to say my Dad hit the roof!

 

If he jumped that high, it sounds like he hadn't earthed himself properly...

[ICT_GUY]

If the screen is cracked, inform them of the mercury inside and all the nice things it could do to the nervous system.

 

Or in other words lie

[Andrew_C]

My comment on PUWER stands. Tell them that you CANNOT allow them to continue to use ANY broken equipment. Rather, get SMT to tell them!

 

What does PUWER do?

In general terms, the Regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is:

 

suitable for the intended use;

 

safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and, in certain circumstances, inspected to ensure this remains the case;