Your Input Device

Your keyboard, mouse or other input device should be placed at a height and within a reach that is comfortable for you.  A detachable keyboard permits flexible positioning for long-term use.

Comfort during inputting and other system navigation depends on arm position.  The following will aid your positioning.

Your upper arm should be nearly verical at your sides, with shoulders relaxed.

Your forearms should be nearly horizontal, elbows near 90^o-100^o.

Avoid resting your wrists or forearms on the desk or table edge.

A wrist rest will cushion your wrists between data entries.  People who rest their wrists during inputting may also find wrist rests comfortable.

Try to keep your hands in line with you forearms.

Adjust your keyboard angle so that your wrists are neutral(nearly straight).

The mouse should be located at keyboard height and at a distance which allows the elbow to remain at the side at an approximate angle of 90^o.  For most people, this positions the mouse alongside the keyboard on the dominant side.

Other input devices should be positioned within comfortable reach, allowing the user to maintain the recommended arm posture.

Your Computer

Your computer consists of a display screen, a keyboard, a central processing unit (CPU), and a mouse and/or other input device.  Using the following guidelines when arranging your display screen should provide additional comfort.

A distance of 20-26" between the eyes and the display screen is comfortable for most for most users.

It is essential that the top of the screen be located below eye level.  This will reduce fatigue in the neck.

It is best to have your keyboard and display screen in line and centered.  Viewing your screen off-center may cause neck and back stress.

For an adjustable screen, tilt the top of the display away from you 10^o-20^o.  Placing a flat object under the front of the screen can also give you the desired tilt.

Place your document holder near the screen at about the same height and angle.

Keep your screen free of fingerprints and dust.  Both reduce clarity.


Your Work Surface

The amount of legroom and the height of your work surface are important in making you comfortable.  Allow yourself a clear space underneath your work surface for leg movement.  Plugs, wires, and connectors should be away from your feet.

For computer use, your work suface should be somewhat lower than your desk.  A commonly preferred surface height for computer keyboard tasks in 25-26".  Conventional tables or desks for writing tasks are usually about 29" high.

Non-adjustable work surfaces for keyboards should fit the largest or most frquent user.  Footrests can be provided for smaller people in combination with properly adjusted chair height to make the workstation more comfortable for keyboard tasks.

Your Chair

Your chair provides the greatest degree of adjustability of all your workstation equipment.  Common chair adjustments include seat height, backrest angle, seat pan angle, backrest height and armrest height.  Adjust your chair to meet the following criteria:

Your feet should be flat on the floor (or on a slightly angled footrest)with your knees near 90^o.

Your seat should support your legs without excessive pressure on the back of your thighs. Your knees should be slightly lower than your hips.

Your back should be snug against the seat (or support cushion) to fit your spinal contour.  Your thigh-to-trunk angle should be about 90^o.

The distance from the front of your chair edge to the hollow of your knee should be 2-4 inches.

With your upper arm close to your side, your forearm should be parallel to the floor and your wrist in a neutral (near straight) position. THe elbow should be level with the home row (ASDFGHJKL) of the keyboard.


Your Computer Workstation and Your Office Envirnoment