Appendix H. Workplace Environment
Workplace Preparation
v
Positioning the Monitor:
Choose a suitable place to position the monitor where
it is not near fluorescent desk lighting or any equipment that produces magnetic
fields that could cause interference. Ensure that the furniture or equipment can
support the weight of the monitor. Allow at least 2 inches (50mm) ventilation
space around the monitor and the logic unit/chassis assembly.
v
Height:
The monitor should be positioned so that the top of the screen is
slightly below your eye level when you sit at your workstation.
v
Orientation:
Choose a position that gives the least reflection from lights and
windows, usually at a right angle to any windows. The monitor should be
positioned directly in front of you so that you do not have to twist your body.
Working Practices
v
Rest
: Take regular breaks. Vary your posture, and stand up and stretch
occasionally as prolonged use of computer workstations can be tiring.
v
Back:
You should sit back in the chair and use the backrest.
v
Hands
: Use a light touch on the keyboard, keeping your hands and fingers
relaxed. Allow a space in front of the keyboard to rest your wrists when not
typing. Consider using a wristpad.
v
Eyesight:
Working with monitors, in common with any prolonged close work,
can be visually demanding. Look away from the screen periodically and have
your eyesight checked regularly.
v
Screen settings:
Set the screen brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
You may have to adjust this as the lighting changes during the day. Many
application programs let you select color combinations which can help you to
view in comfort.
Glare and lighting
:
v
Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights,
windows, and other light sources. Even reflected light from shiny surfaces can
cause annoying reflections on your monitor screen. Place the monitor at right
angles to windows and other light sources, when possible.
v
Reduce overhead lighting, if necessary, by turning off lights or using lower
wattage bulbs. If you install the monitor near a window, use curtains or blinds
to block the sunlight.
v
You might have to adjust the Brightness and Contrast controls on the monitor as
the room lighting changes throughout the day. Where it is impossible to avoid
reflections or to adjust the lighting, an antiglare filter placed over the screen
might be helpful. However, these filters might affect the clarity of the image on
the screen; try them only after you have exhausted other methods of reducing
glare.
v
Dust buildup compounds problems associated with glare. Remember to clean
your monitor screen periodically using a soft cloth moistened with a
nonabrasive liquid glass cleaner.
Air circulation
:
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2001
53