ICS OHS Hazard Identification Project
Review of Department of Computing
Review Team:
Gina Dunford (OHS Committee Physics Rep)
Manolya Kavakli
John Porte
Date: 8 November 2006.
Locations inspected: E6A 266.
Introduction
The inspection was to identify uncontrolled hazards in the Virtual Reality Laboratory, to assess their risk level and to eliminate them, or to introduce controls that will reduce the risk to acceptable levels.
Methodology
The division’s recommended methodology, the HAZPAC worksheet, was applied. The following hazards were considered: electrical, chemical, laser, radiation, manual handling hazards and emergency evacuation procedures.
Summary of Findings
The Virtual Reality Lab at MacquarieUniversity (Department of Computing) provides resources for projects and experiments in sensory immersion. To achieve a high level of immersion, images are projected onto a curved front projection screen, filling 160 degrees of the viewers peripheral vision, and project onto the canvas in active stereo (frame sequential stereo) to simulate depth in the 3D virtual environment. Projects utilise equipment in the field of motion capture, such as the motion capture suit, data gloves and the face and head tracking camera, for movement analysis, behavioural biometrics, and the animation of graphical avatars.
The laboratory is used by researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students. The laboratory is opened to the public on the university's Open Day.
The Virtual Reality Lab is usually operated with the room in darkness and this is the main hazard to be considered in this laboratory. Only 9 people are allowed into the room at any one time. Participants are warned that they will be mildly disorientated, feel slightly off balance, and may experience vertigo or motion sickness, as a result of conflicting senses. The nearest first aid kit is in the nearby lunchroom. The issue of motion capture has been passed the university's ethics committee.
Review Date
Actions on p2 to be reviewed on __7/2007._____.
This report prepared by Gina Dunford on 8/6/07.
Ref / The Hazard / Consequences of Event Happening / Priority Number / Risk Control Plan (short term & long term solution; who; by when) / Assessment of Risks with Controls / New Priority No.How Severe / How Likely / How Severe / How Likely
1 / Electrical hazard-not all the equipment has been electrically tagged. / !!! / - / 3 / Contact Bonnie Lippman in METS to organise electrical tagging- J.Porte by 8/7/07. / !! / -- / 5
2 / Emergency hazard - there is no exit sign on the door (room used in darkness). / !!! / - / 3 / Contact OFM to install a emergency exit sign (green with blacked out background) - J.Porte by 8/7/07. / !! / -- / 5
3 / Trip/fall hazard - some cables are on the edge of the floorspace. / !! / - / 4 / Arrange cables so that they are well clear of floorspace - J.Porte by 8/7/07. / ! / -- / 6
4 / Trip/fall hazard - tall person may hit their head on overhead projectors? / !! / - / 4 / Measure the height of the projectors and if they are too low for a tall person, move them or place head protection under them. / ! / -- / 6
5 / No risk assessment / Risk assessment to be prepared for when lab is used by the public - M. Kavakl by 8/7/07.