Chapter 2. Adjusting and using your monitor
This section will give you information on adjusting and using your monitor.
Comfort and accessibility
Good ergonomic practice is important to get the most from your personal computer and to
avoid discomfort. Arrange your workplace and the equipment you use to suit your individual
needs and the kind of work that you perform. In addition, use healthy work habits to maximize
your performance and comfort while using your computer.
Arranging your work area
Use a work surface of appropriate height and available working area to allow you to work in
comfort.
Organize your work area to match the way you use materials and equipment. Keep your work
area clean and clear for the materials that you typically use and place the items that you use
most frequently, such as the computer mouse or telephone, within the easiest reach.
Equipment layout and setup play a large role in your working posture. The following topics
describe how to optimize equipment setup to achieve and maintain good working posture.
Positioning your monitor
Position and adjust your computer monitor for comfortable viewing by considering the
following items:
•
Viewing distance
: Optimal viewing distances for monitors range from approximately
510 mm to 760 mm (20 in to 30 in) and can vary depending on ambient light and time of
day. You can achieve different viewing distances by repositioning your monitor or by
modifying your posture or chair position. Use a viewing distance that is most comfortable
for you.
•
Monitor height
: Position the monitor so your head and neck are in a comfortable and
neutral (vertical, or upright) position. If your monitor does not have height adjustments,
you might have to place books or other sturdy objects under the base of the monitor to
achieve the desired height. A general guideline is to position the monitor such that the top
of the screen is at or slightly below your eye-height when you are comfortably seated.
However, be sure to optimize your monitor height so the line of site between your eyes
and the center the monitor suits your preferences for visual distance and comfortable
viewing when your eye muscles are in a relaxed state.
•
Tilt
: Adjust the tilt of your monitor to optimize the appearance of the screen content and
to accommodate your preferred head and neck posture.
•
General location
: Position your monitor to avoid glare or reflections on the screen from
overhead lighting or nearby windows.
Chapter 2.
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