wic.book Page i Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort To keep up with new recommendations for working comfortably and safely, you also may wish to regularly consult HPs Working in Comfort web site at: http://www.hp.
wic.book Page ii Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Notice The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
wic.book Page iii Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 About Repetitive Strain Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What is RSI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What causes RSI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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wic.book Page 2 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Introduction Introduction Thank you for selecting HP computing equipment. To optimize your comfort and productivity, it is important that you set up your work area correctly and use your HP equipment properly. With that in mind, we have developed some set-up and use recommendations for you to follow based on established ergonomic principles.
wic.book Page 3 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Introduction About Repetitive Strain Injury Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly recommend that you use HP computing equipment in accordance with established ergonomic principles and recommendations.
wic.book Page 4 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Introduction What can I do to avoid Some people who use computers may experience physical discomfort during their use. This discomfort may be a symptom of a repetitive RSI? strain injury. Properly setting up and using computing equipment can help to minimize your chances of experiencing this discomfort. Welldesigned and properly adjusted equipment alone may not be sufficient to eliminate all potential problems.
wic.book Page 5 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Preparing Your Work Environment Preparing Your Work Environment When using HP computing equipment, it's important that your work environment contribute to your comfort and productivity. To help you achieve the proper environment, we have developed recommendations for optimizing your workspace, seating, work surface and lighting arrangements. You, or both you and your employer, can best determine your specific needs.
wic.book Page 6 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Preparing Your Work Environment For better eye comfort, you should avoid reflective coverings on the ceiling, walls and floor as well as excessive contrast between the screen and its surroundings. As with any indoor environment, your workspace should be well ventilated. If possible, adjust the temperature to whatever is comfortable for you. If you can't adjust the temperature, wear appropriate clothing.
wic.book Page 7 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Preparing Your Work Environment A height- and tilt-adjustment feature. It should be easy to adjust your chair height from 40 cm to 52 cm (15.5 inches to 20.5 inches) as measured from the top of the seat pan to the floor. If you are much taller or shorter than average, you may need a chair that can be adjusted beyond this range.
wic.book Page 8 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Preparing Your Work Environment Lighting Proper lighting can help you avoid eye discomfort. Lighting in your area should allow easy reading of documents and keyboard legends. If more light is needed for a particular task, use individual task lighting rather than increasing the general lighting. Incoming light should be shielded or diffused to prevent glare and reflection.
wic.book Page 9 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Preparing Your Work Environment Recommended lighting levels are between 300 and 500 lux (30 to 50 foot-candles). Values over 1000 lux (100 foot-candles) are considered to be too bright. For work on the screen, 300 lux (30 foot-candles) is enough for most work. When documents are to be read, 500 lux (50 foot candles) is recommended.
wic.book Page 10 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Your Work Posture Your Work Posture Sitting in one position for long periods can be uncomfortable. To minimize the potential for physical discomfort or injury, it's important that you maintain proper posture. Back - While sitting at your work surface, make sure your back is supported by the chair's backrest in an erect position or angled slightly backwards.
wic.book Page 11 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Your Work Posture Head - Your head should be upright or tilted slightly forward. Avoid working with your head or trunk twisted. Overall - Change your position frequently and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
wic.book Page 12 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment Make sure that all the elements of your HP computer systemmonitor, document holder, keyboard, mice and other input devices, and headphones and speakersare optimally arranged and adjusted to meet your personal requirements. The recommendations that follow will help you achieve this.
wic.book Page 13 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment on the screen. The recommendations that follow can help you achieve a comfortable arrangement. The top of your monitor screen should be at or slightly below eye level. Most HP monitors come with a tilt-and-swivel feature that makes it easy to adjust the screen position. If your monitor doesn't have this feature, consider acquiring an accessory that provides this capability.
wic.book Page 14 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment When possible, use a program that has a simple user interface, such as easily identifiable icons and pull-down menus. Also, screen information should be displayed in a structured and well-organized way. Monitor Use Specifica- When viewing your monitor, your head should not be tilted more than 15 degrees forward.
wic.book Page 15 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment Your HP Keyboard Keyboard Slope Thigh Clearance ≥ 6cm Keyboard Height 64-76cm The proper positioning and use of your HP keyboard is important when using HP computing equipment. Be sure to observe the following recommendations to optimize your comfort and safety: We recommend you place your keyboard in front of the screen or document holder, whichever is viewed the most.
wic.book Page 16 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment An adjustable keyboard tray may be useful if you cannot adjust your chair or work surface to the proper height for typing. It should adjust in height from 64 to 76 cm (25 to 30 inches) above the floor and tilt forward and backward to help you find the most comfortable position.
wic.book Page 17 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment Mice and Other Input Devices Various aspects of using mice and other input devices may increase your risk of discomfort or injury. Observing the following recommendations may reduce that risk. As with the keyboard, try to keep your hand, wrist and forearm in a neutral position while using your mouse or other input device.
wic.book Page 18 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment If you are using a scrolling mouse, be sure to keep your fingers and hand in a relaxed, neutral position when activating the scroll wheel. Also, this type of mouse features software that can minimize the number of mouse movements or button clicks.
wic.book Page 19 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment Your HP Notebook Computer You can use your HP notebook computer virtually anywhere, anytime. The following recommendations should help you work more comfortably. Note that if you are using your portable computer as your primary computer, or using it for extended periods, you should use it with a fullsize keyboard, monitor and mouse.
wic.book Page 20 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment Preparing Your Mobile Work Environment Window Use a chair that provides good support for your lower back. If an adjustable chair is not available, you can use a pillow or rolled-up towel to provide lower back support. Try to keep your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet flat on the floor. In a mobile environment, you can do this by using a phone book or briefcase to support your feet.
wic.book Page 21 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment Position your notebook computer display to minimize glare and reflection. For example, on an airplane, lower the window shade, or in a hotel room, draw the curtains. You also should maintain a comfortable viewing distanceapproximately 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches). Adjust the angle of your display to help keep your head angled slightly downward in a comfortable position.
wic.book Page 22 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Comfort and Safety Checklist Comfort and Safety Checklist These recommendations are drawn from the latest available international ergonomic standards and recommendations, including ISO 9241 and ANSI/HFS 100-1988. Document Holder Keyboard Slope Thigh Clearance ≥6cm Keyboard Height 64-76cm General Work Surface Height - Adjust either your seat height, work surface or both, to position the work surface at approximately elbow height.
wic.book Page 23 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Comfort and Safety Checklist Head - Do not tilt your head forward by more than 15 degrees, and try not to turn your head toward the side. Back - While sitting at your work surface, make sure your back is supported by the chair's backrest in an erect position or angled slightly backwards. Arms - Make sure your arms and elbows are relaxed and loose, with your upper arm perpendicular to the floor or slightly forward.
wic.book Page 24 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Comfort and Safety Checklist Changing tasks frequently will help prevent muscle stiffness. Examples: alternating between keyboarding, reading, writing, filing, and moving around in your work environment, helps you maintain a relaxed posture. Occasionally stretch the muscles in your hands, arms, shoulders, neck and back. You should stretch at least as often as you take brief task breaksat least once every hour.
wic.book Page 25 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Information Sources Information Sources 1. Bailey, R.W.: Human Performance Engineering: Designing High Quality Professional User Interfaces for Computer Products, Applications and Systems, 3rd edition, 1996. 2. Bayerisches Staatsministerium fuer Arbeit: Arbeiten mit dem Bildschirm - aber richtig!, Max Schick GmbH, Muenchen, (Germany) 1992. 3 Brown, Stephanie: The Hand Book, Ergonome Incorporated, New York, New York, 1992-3. 4.
wic.book Page 26 Friday, December 5, 1997 11:24 AM Working in Comfort Information Sources 13.Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health: Work with Visual Display Units (VDUs), ORDINANCE AFS 1992:14, Stockholm, Sweden, 1992. 14.U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Ergonomics: the Study of Work, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C., 1991. 15.U.S.
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