| Incorrect setup of computer furniture can cause | | | | - be close to the keyboard. |
| strain and injury. This article outlines specific and | | | | - allow you, (if possible), to use both left and right |
| general methods for correct arrangement of a PC | | | | hands while handling the pointer/mouse. |
| workstation. Computer furniture - what you have at | | | | Your computer chair should : |
| your computer workstation -can if correctly selected | | | | - support your back, and have a vertically adjustable |
| and set up, help you avoid painful musculoskeletal | | | | independent back rest that returns to its original |
| disorders (MSD), and stay healthier and fitter at your | | | | position, plus tilt adjustment to support your lower |
| PC. | | | | back. |
| It's not hard to do especially when you consider that | | | | - allow you to adjust its height while seated. - be |
| a bad computer furniture arrangement will, even in | | | | adjusted so the back crease of the knee is slightly |
| the short term: | | | | higher than the pan of the chair (use a suitable |
| - create and maintain a distorted or unhealthy | | | | footrest, if required). |
| posture while using the computer- give you | | | | - be supported by a five prong caster base. |
| inadequate lower back support, creating aches and | | | | - have removable and adjustable armrests, if possible. |
| pains later. - force you into staying in one position | | | | - have a contoured seat with breathable fabric and |
| too long - another recipe for strain andmuscular | | | | rounded edges to distribute the weight, and be |
| tension. | | | | adjustable to allow the seat pan to tilt forward or |
| - make you stretch bend and twist unecessarily. | | | | backThe table/desk should : |
| So what features should your screen, desk, | | | | - provide ample leg room and be height adjustable |
| keyboard, mouse and chair have to keep you feeling | | | | (preferably). |
| good?Your monitor should: | | | | - have enough room to support the computer |
| - swivel, tilt and elevate- fit an extra adjustable stand | | | | equipment plus space for documents. |
| to adjust the height if need be. Or replace it. | | | | - be at least 36 inches (90 cm) deep. |
| - be positioned so the top line of the monitor is not | | | | - have rounded blunt and undamaged corners and |
| higher than your eyes or not lower than 20° below | | | | edgesThis covers the basics of good computer |
| the horizon of your eyes or field of vision- be at the | | | | furniture setup, but you can improve your protection |
| same level and near the document holder (if you use | | | | by taking further standard precautions: |
| one). | | | | - Ensure each user maintains their own set up. |
| - be between 20 to 25 inches (50-56 cm) away from | | | | - Taking regular breaks from working at your |
| your faceYour keyboard should : | | | | computer for a few minutes, at least once an hour. |
| - be detachable and adjustable (with legs to adjust | | | | - Alternating work tasks by mixing computer tasks |
| the angle). | | | | with non computer tasks to avoid strain. |
| - allow your forearms to be parallel to the floor | | | | - Learning and carrying out keyboard shortcuts to |
| without having to raise your elbows. | | | | reduce mouse usage. |
| - allow your wrists to be in line with your forearms | | | | - Carrying out regular gentle stretching to relax your |
| so your wrists don’t have to be flexed up or | | | | body. - Using health support equipment such as |
| down. | | | | footrests, wrist/palm rests, and document holders if |
| - include enough space to rest your wrists or should | | | | required- Adopting a NEUTRAL BODY POSTURE, |
| include a padded detachable wrist rest (or you can | | | | with hands, wrists, and forearms inline, straight, and |
| use a separate gel wrist rest which should be at least | | | | almost parallel to the floor, body facing forward, |
| 2 inches (50 mm) deep. | | | | shoulders relaxed,elbows close to body and bent |
| - be placed directly in front of the monitor and at the | | | | approximately at right angles. |
| same height as the mouse, track ball, touch pad, or | | | | If you organise and maintain a good PC furniture set |
| any other pointing device. | | | | up, you'll be well on track for fit and healthy |
| The mouse or pointer device should : | | | | computing through 2006 and beyond! |