s&c cov.qxd 6/16/2000 1:36 PM Page 1 212495-001 www.compaq.
Contents Safety and Comfort Promoting a Safe and Comfortable Work Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Important Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Take Action for Safety and Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Key Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seated Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shoulders, Arms, Wrists, and Hands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety and Comfort a WARNING: There may be a risk of serious physical injuries from working at your computer workstation. Read and follow the recommendations in this section to minimize the risk of injury and to increase your comfort. Some studies have suggested that long periods of typing, improper workstation setup, incorrect work habits, stressful work conditions and relationships, or problems in your personal health may be linked to injuries.
Promoting a Safe and Comfortable Work Environment Posture, lighting, furniture, work organization, and other work conditions and habits may affect the way you feel and how well you work. By adjusting your work environment and personal practices, you may be able to minimize fatigue and discomfort, and reduce the risk of resulting strains that some scientists believe can lead to injury. Important Choices If you share a computer with others, readjust the work environment to your needs.
Key Principles To promote safety and comfort, follow these principles whenever you use your computer. Adjust Adjust your body position and your work equipment. There is no one “right” position. Find your comfort zone, as described in this Section, and when working at your computer, frequently adjust within this zone. Move Vary your tasks so that you can move around; avoid sitting in one posture all day. Perform tasks that require walking. Relax Build positive relationships at work and home.
Remember Remember to exercise regularly and maintain general fitness. Doing this will help your body withstand the rigors of sedentary work. Respect any medical conditions you may have or other health factors you may know of. Adjust your work habits accordingly. Finding Your Comfort Zone A Range of Positions Rather than working in a single posture, find your comfort zone. Your comfort zone is a range of positions that is generally appropriate and comfortable for your given work situation.
Different Tasks, Different Postures Your choice of posture within your comfort zone may vary with your task. For example, you may find a reclined posture most comfortable for computer tasks, and a more upright posture more comfortable for tasks requiring frequent reference to papers or books. Organizing Your Adjustments The order in which you make various adjustments to your body position and work area may vary depending on the adjustability of your furniture.
Feet, Knees, and Legs Make sure your feet can rest solidly and comfortably on the floor while sitting. Use an adjustable work surface and chair that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor, or use a footrest. If you use a footrest, be sure it is wide enough to accommodate different leg positions within your comfort zone. Providing enough leg room Be sure you have sufficient space under your work surface for your knees and legs.
Back Use your chair to fully support your body. Distribute your weight evenly and use the entire seat and backrest to support your body. If your chair has adjustable low back support, match the contours of the chair’s backrest to the natural curve of your lower spine. Getting comfortable Always make sure your lower back is well-supported. Make sure it feels comfortable in the position in which you are working. RIGHT! Distribute your weight evenly and use the entire seat and backrest to support your body.
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands aligned in a straight, neutral position, whether you are working at a desk or table, or sitting on a couch or bed. Avoid bending or angling your wrists while typing or using a pointing device. Don’t anchor your wrists When typing, do not anchor or rest your wrists on your work surface, your thighs, or a palm rest (sometimes called a wrist rest).
* HINT: Split Keyboards AVOID! Be sure not to rest your wrists on sharp edges. Shoulders and Elbows If you find it difficult to type with a straight, neutral wrist position, you may want to try a split keyboard. Be aware, however, that improper setup or posture while using a split keyboard can increase bending in your wrists. So if you try one, set it up properly to align your forearms, wrists, and hands.
Cleaning your monitor and eyeglasses Keep your display screen and your eyeglasses or contact lenses clean. If you use a glare-reduction filter, clean it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Having your eyes examined To be sure that your vision is adequately corrected, have your eyes examined regularly by a vision care specialist. Consider having glasses made that are specifically suited for working with a computer monitor.
Positioning the monitor Place the monitor directly in front of you. To determine a comfortable viewing distance, stretch your arm toward the monitor and notice the location of your knuckles. Place your monitor near that location. You should be able to clearly see the text on your monitor. Adjusting the monitor height Your monitor position should allow your head to be balanced comfortably over your shoulders. It should not cause your neck to bend forward uncomfortably or backward to any degree.
Adjusting monitor height for bifocal and trifocal users If you wear bifocals or trifocals, it’s especially important to properly adjust your monitor height. Avoid tilting your head back to view the screen through the lower portion of your glasses; this could lead to muscle fatigue in your neck and back. Instead, try lowering your monitor. You may want to consider using monofocal glasses that are specially made for computer use.
* AVOID!. Keyboard and Pointing Device ◆ Place a visor on your monitor. This device may be as simple as a piece of cardboard extending out over the monitor’s top front edge. ◆ Avoid tilting or swiveling your display in a way that leads to an uncomfortable head or upper back posture. HINT: Eliminating Glare Try positioning your monitor so that its side faces the windows. ◆ ◆ Avoid compromising your posture to compensate for glare or reflections.
RIGHT! Position your pointing device immediately to the right or left of your keyboard. WRONG! Don’t position your keyboard and pointing device at different levels and distances. Arm Supports and a Palm Rest You may find that supports for your forearms or hands allow you to be more relaxed and comfortable. Using arm supports Some chairs and desks provide padded areas for resting your arms.
* HINT: For Pauses Only AVOID! Armrests should not cause you to: Palm rests should only be used during pauses, when you are not typing or using your pointing device. ◆ ◆ ◆ Papers and Books Shrug or drop your shoulders. Put excessive pressure on your elbows. “Wing” your arms (extend elbows out to the sides). Select a work surface or surfaces that are large enough to hold the computer equipment and any additional items required for your work.
Phone Cradling your phone between your ear and shoulder may lead to neck, shoulder, and back discomfort. If you use your phone a lot, try using a headset or positioning your phone so you pick it up with your non-dominant hand. This frees your dominant hand for note-taking. When not in use, place the phone within easy reach. RIGHT! Use a headset to free your hands and help you avoid uncomfortable positions. WRONG! Don’t cradle your phone between your ear and shoulder.
Working in Comfort Using a Notebook Computer Maintaining a high level of comfort when using a notebook computer may be more challenging than when using a desktop computer. Therefore, you should be especially alert to your body’s signals, such as any feeling of discomfort. Also, be sure to adhere to the key principles presented earlier in this section.
* Typing Style HINT: Long Hours of Use You may find it more comfortable to use a full-size keyboard, monitor, and detached mouse or trackball with your notebook computer. This is especially important when working on your notebook computer for long hours. Observe your typing style and notice how you use your fingers and hands. Avoid keeping any unnecessary tension in your thumbs and fingers. Observe whether you have a heavy touch or a light touch while typing.
* HINT: “Hunt-and-Peck” Typing AVOID! Avoid banging on the keys. Don’t use more force than needed to press the keys. Pointing Style Non-touch-typing causes the neck to bend forward repeatedly. To minimize this repetitive movement, learn how to touch-type so you don’t need to look down at the keyboard as often. Use your whole arm and shoulder to move the mouse, not just your wrist. Don’t rest or anchor your wrist while using your pointing device; keep your wrist, arm, and shoulder free to move.
* HINT: Pointing Comfort When using a mouse or trackball, hold it loosely. Keep your hand relaxed, and click the buttons using a light touch. When you are not using your pointing device, don’t hold onto it; let it go. Switch Hands To give your hand a break, you may choose to control your mouse or trackball with the opposite hand for a while. AVOID! Using a Keyboard on a Sofa Avoid gripping or pinching your mouse tightly.
Taking Breaks and Varying Your Tasks As noted earlier in this section, your furniture placement, office equipment, and lighting are only a few of the factors that determine comfort. Your work habits are also very important. Remember the following: Take breaks When you work at your computer for long periods, take short breaks at least once per hour and preferably more often. You may find that frequent, short breaks will benefit you more than fewer, longer breaks.
Monitoring Your Health Habits and Exercise The comfort and safety of working at your computer can be affected by your general state of health. Studies have shown that a variety of health conditions may increase the risk of discomfort, muscle and joint disorders, or injuries.
Organizing Your Adjustments The order in which you follow the advice in this chapters depends on the adjustability of your work surface. If your work surface height adjusts, then systematically adjust yourself and your computer “from the ground up.” If you have a fixed desk or table, systematically adjust yourself and your computer “from the top down.” From the Ground Up From the Top Down * 1. Seat height: you should be able to plant your feet firmly on the floor. 2.
Self-Check To increase your comfort and reduce potential safety risks, use this checklist to help you evaluate your work posture and habits.
Typing Style Keyboard and Pointing Device Monitor Safety and Comfort ◆ Are you training yourself to lighten up when you find you are pounding on the keys? ◆ If you are not a touch typist, have you been taking typing lessons? ◆ Are you training your fingers to relax when they become tense? ◆ Do you use your whole arm to reach for keys not located near the home row? ◆ Is your keyboard positioned directly in front of you? ◆ Are your keyboard height and slope adjusted so that your wrists are stra
Notebook Computing General Prevention * ◆ Do you change postures frequently? ◆ Do you avoid resting your wrists on your thighs while typing? ◆ To avoid neck fatigue when using the computer on a sofa or bed, do you avoid reclining too far? ◆ Where possible, have you tried using a full-size keyboard and detached pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, with your notebook computer? ◆ Similarly, have you tried using a full-size monitor? ◆ Do you take breaks and walk around briefly, at least
Electrical and Mechanical Safety Information Introduction Compaq products are designed to operate safely when installed and used according to general safety practices. The guidelines included in this section explain the potential risks associated with computer operation and provide important safety practices designed to minimize these risks. By carefully following the information contained in this section, you can protect yourself from hazards and create a safer computer work environment.
Installation Requirements + Compaq products operate safely when used according to their marked electrical ratings and product usage instructions.
◆ ◆ There are noticeable signs of overheating. The product does not operate normally when you follow the operating instructions. Servicing Except as explained elsewhere in the Compaq documentation, do not service any Compaq product yourself. Opening or removing covers that are marked may expose you to electric shock. Service needed on components inside these compartments should be done by a Compaq authorized service provider.
Power sources The product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the product’s electrical ratings label. If you have questions about the type of power source to use, contact your Compaq authorized service provider or local power company. For a product that operates from battery power or other power sources, refer to the operating instructions included with the product.
Protective attachment plug In some countries, the product cord set may be equipped with a wall plug having overload protection. This is a safety feature. If the plug needs to be replaced, be sure the Compaq authorized service provider uses a replacement plug specified by the manufacturer as having the same overload protection as the original plug.
Hot surfaces Allow the equipment’s internal components and hot-pluggable drives to cool before touching them. Object entry Never push a foreign object through an opening in the product. Precautions for Portable Computer Products In addition to the general precautions described earlier in this section, be sure to observe the following precautions when operating a portable computer product. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire, bodily injury, and damage to the equipment.
Accessories and options Installation of accessories and options in safety interlocked areas should performed only by individuals who are qualified in servicing computer equipment and trained to deal with products capable of producing hazardous energy levels. Products with casters Products provided with casters should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product to overturn.
Precautions for Products with External Television Antenna Connectors ◆ Extend only one component at a time. The rack may become unstable if more than one component is extended. ◆ Use caution when pressing the component rail release latches and sliding a component into the rack. The slide rails could pinch your fingers. ◆ Do not overload the AC supply branch circuit that provides power to the rack. The total rack load should not exceed 80% of the branch circuit rating.
In addition to the general precautions described earlier in this section, be sure to observe the following precautions when operating telecommunications and network equipment. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire, bodily injury, and damage to the equipment. Safety and Comfort ◆ Do not connect or use a modem or telephone (other than a cordless type) during a lightning storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
Antenna Grounding This reminder is provided to call the CATV (cable television) system installer’s attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC (National Electrical Code), which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical. Antenna Grounding 36 No.
Precautions for Products with Modems, Telecommunications, or Local Area Network Options Precautions for Products with Laser Devices In addition to the general precautions described earlier in this section, be sure to observe the following precautions when operating telecommunications and network equipment. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire, bodily injury, and damage to the equipment.
Compliance with CDRH Regulations The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented regulations for laser products on August 2, 1976. These regulations apply to laser products manufactured from August 1, 1976. Compliance is mandatory for products marketed in the United States. Compliance with International Regulations All Compaq systems equipped with a laser device comply with appropriate safety standards including IEC 825 and IEC 950.
For More Information If you want more information about arrangement of work space and equipment or safety standards, consult the following references: “American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations,” ANSI/HFS Standard No. 100-1988. Human Factors Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1369, Santa Monica, CA 90406. Working Safely with Your Computer. Washington, D.C.: National Safety Council, 1991. Or write to: American National Standards Institute 11 West 42nd St.
International Standards Organization (ISO) Central Secretariat International Organization for Standardization 1, rue de Varembé Case postale 56 CH-1211 Genève 20, Switzerland TEL: +41 22 749 01 11 FAX: +41 22 733 34 30 http://www.iso.ch http://www.iso.ch/infoe/stbodies.html EMAIL: central@iso.ch National Safety Council Library 1121 Spring Lake Dr. Itasca, IL 60143-3201 TEL: (630) 775-2199 FAX: (630) 285-0242 http://www.nsc.org EMAIL: bob-nsc@dupagels.lib.il.
