HEALTH AND SAFETY
HSE Guidance on VDU Regulations By Levent Çaglar, Senior Ergonomist September 2002 The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations came into effect in 1993, and HSE's main guidance booklet L26 Display screen equipment work: guidance on regulations was published at the same time. Illustrated practical guidance followed, in the booklet HSG90 VDUs an easy guide to the Regulations, published in 1994. According to a study commissioned by the HSE in 1995, those people who were aware of these publications found them extremely useful. As a result of employers', employees' and the HSE's ten years experience with the DSE Regulations, HSE felt the need to update the guidance document. However, HSE states that there is currently no intention to amend the regulations to extend their scope or add to the duties of the employers. The consultation document on the updating of L26 was published earlier this year and the consultation period has ended on 10 August 2002. HSE summarise their reasons for updating these documents as follows:
These changes are being made by means of the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations, on, which a consultation document (CD175) was issued in November 2001.
Regulation 1 (citation and interpretation) The guidance HSE proposes on what is "display screen equipment" now states that screens used for work purposes to show TV or film pictures are covered by the Regulations. This change is necessary following a ruling by the European Court (reference ECJ case C-11/99). We believe that a correct response to this judgement brings a number of work activities involving TV or film pictures within the scope of the regulations; examples are work in broadcasting suites, film/video editing, and control rooms where CCTV pictures are viewed or manipulated. Some additions and deletions in the list of examples, to more accurately reflect the range of jobs in modern workplaces. (HSE are proposing for example to mention TV editing technicians and CCTV operatives as examples of users). Modification of the table on the application of user criteria to, particular jobs (page 10 of the first edition of L26) to make this less complex and bring it up to date with the examples used. Modification of the comments on display screen equipment mainly intended for operation by the public. However, the regulations still do not apply to workstations used by public or students/pupils. In other words, teachers using display screen equipment are covered but not the pupils using the same workstation and the display screen equipment. Use of portable DSE, such as laptops. There is additional information on this and there is a separate annex dealing with portable DSE. Even though the guidance warns against the use of laptops
for extended periods, it does not go far as to recommend if the
people are to use their laptops as their main computer they should
be provided with separate keyboard monitor and a docking station.
Application to mobile phones or other personal organisers. HSE now propose that any prolonged use of such equipment will be subject to the Regulations. Home workers and teleworkers. Additional guidance is now provided for home workers and teleworkers. This is very welcomed. Regulation 2 (Analysis of workstations) Mainly minor changes to this part of the guidance. Comments added or modified about re-assessments and importance of reporting ill health symptoms. Regulation 3 (Requirements for workstations) The guidance explains the reasons for amending regulation 3, to take account of a judgement in the European Court (Joined cases C-74 and 129/95). The judgement ruled that articles 4 and 5 of the Display Screen Equipment Directive (90/270/EEC) impose obligations in respect of all display screen workstations, not just those used by "workers" as defined in the Directive. Regulation 3 was therefore altered to remove references to use by "users" or "operators" (which are the defined terms in the Regulations equivalent to "workers" in the Directive). Paragraphs 50 and 55 also explain that the opportunity has been taken to simplify regulation 3 and the guidance by removing obsolete references to the transitional period (which expired at the end of 1996) for modification of older equipment. It proposes that wheelchair users can work from a chair,, which may not comply, with requirements set out in the Schedule to the Regulations. Similarly some individuals who suffer from certain back complaints may be able to use a chair with a fixed back or without a backrest. It is good to see that the needs of people with special needs are addressed in the guidance document. Regulation 4 (Breaks) Three paragraphs have been added giving advice about rest pause monitoring software. Regulation 5 (Eyes and eyesight) Additional paragraphs explain how Regulations 5(1) and 5(2) have been amended to improve clarity. The guidance explains the circumstances in, which employers have to provide tests for new and existing users. An amended paragraph clarifies advice on vision screening. Additional guidance is proposed on the practicalities of corrective spectacles for users whose eye test suggests they may need bifocal or varifocal prescriptions. Paragraph 83: Has been added to clarify the several ways employers can provide eye tests. Regulation 6 (Training) A new paragraph explains that Regulation 6(1) has been amended to improve clarity. Here only minor changes to the guidance have been necessary to explain the circumstances in, which employers have to provide training for new and existing users. Regulation 7 (Information) New paragraphs are added to explain ways of providing information, and remind employers to inform safety representatives as well as users and operators. Annex A (Guidance on Schedule) References to British and International Standards are brought up to date. However, some are incorrect or missing. Such as no mention of dimensional standards for chairs and tables. FIRA Ergonomist has commented that the ergonomics standard BS EN ISO 9241 Part 5, should be referred to in order to support some of the HSE's guidance. Information on screen sizes is added. Revised advice on flicker and mention of flat panel displays. Need to keep equipment clean is mentioned. Alternative keyboard designs are also mentioned and advice on anti-glare screens has been expanded. The section on software and task design has also been expanded.
Annex B (Main hazards) A new paragraph has been added to refer to the HSC's (Health and Safety Commission) priority programme on musculoskeletal disorders and make the point that DSE workers should not ignore aches and pains. However, back pain is not mentioned as one of the key problem, even though in practice most people report back pain.
It also appears to advise L-shaped workstations and chairs without armrests. FIRA Ergonomics Unit feels that this is not a good solution. People need armrests to support the weight of arms,, which can weigh up to 5-6 kgs each. Not so tightly curved desks and shorter armrest chairs are the solutions.
Annex C (Portable DSE) This is a new annex, which draws on recent research results to give practical advice on minimising risks when working for prolonged periods with portable DSE. This is an excellent idea and it is very useful for the laptop users. Annex D (Pointing devices) Another new annex drawing on recent research results to give practical advice on working with a mouse, trackball or other non-keyboard input device. Finally we appear to be accepting the fact that it is not only the keyboard, but other input devices such as mice can cause upper limb disorders (commonly known as RSI). Annex F (Checklist) It is proposed to include the workstation assessment checklist from HSG90 here, when it has been revised. (The only reason this was not done in the first edition of L26 was that at the time of publication, no checklist was available). In the main this new document is a good document and will prove to be more useful than its predecessor. It addresses many of the issues FIRA Ergonomics Unit has been pointing out in the past. FIRA's Senior Ergonomist, Levent Çaglar has written to the HSE with his comments, which include the comments above (text in italics) in areas such as standards and back pain. It is expected that the new guidance document will be available late this year or early 2003. When the final document is available, there will be a final review of it in the FIRA's Quarterly Review. Display Screen Equipment (VDUs) Regulations; By Levent Çaglar , Senior Ergonomist at FIRA March 2002 It is almost ten years since the Health and Safety - Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations came into force. There are some organisations, which have just heard about these regulations. There are still considerable number of organisations who are either unaware of the existence of these regulations or choose to ignore them. Most organisations partly comply with these regulations by only undertaking very minimalistic risk assessments,, which in their view show that everything is acceptable. Small proportion of organisations fully complies and exceeds the requirements of these regulations and consequently reaps the benefits of more productive healthier and happier workforce. Recap on the Regulations The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 are part of a series of six,, which implement the European Health and Safety Directives. The other regulations in the series,, which also came into force on the same date, deal with the provision and use of work equipment, the workplace, manual handling and personal protective equipment. The Health and Safety - Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992,, which implement the European Directive (90/270/EEC) on the Display Screen Equipment, came into force on 1 January 1993. The intended broad aim of these regulations were to improve the health and safety of VDU work environment for workers whose jobs involve a significant use of VDU's - in offices, newspapers, control rooms, dealer rooms, factories The key importance of these regulations was that they required an ergonomic approach to VDU task and workstation design. Ergonomics is the science of adapting the environment to meet the needs of the individual and the task to be done. If this approach is combined with appropriate training and information for VDU users, compliance with these regulations should reduce the risks associated with VDU work. The action required for reducing risks will often be straightforward and should undoubtedly increase performance and productivity as well as improving workers' health and safety. Summary of regulations Regulation 1 defines the terms display screen equipment, user, operator, and workstation. Regulation 2 requires employers to analyse users' workstations for risks (this assessment should be reviewed when necessary) and to reduce risks identified in the assessments. Regulation 3 requires employers to ensure that users' and operators' workstations including seating (chairs) and workstations (desks) including all other equipment at the workstation meet the requirements as outlined in the schedule. Regulation 4 requires employers to design users' daily work routine in such a way that their workload at the display screen equipment is reduced by either changes of activity or periodic breaks. Regulation 5 requires employers to provide users, who request it, with a sight test as defined in the 1989 Opticians Act; and to provide those users whose vision need to be corrected for the VDU work with the appropriate spectacles. Regulation 6 requires employers to provide health and safety training for users. Regulation 7 requires employers to provide operators and users with information on all aspects of health and safety relating to their workstations, and on measures taken to comply with the regulations. The schedule to the regulations sets out minimum requirements for workstations and the equipment within them including the chair and the desk or the worksurface. Workstations must comply with the specified requirements to the extent that:
Why should employers comply with these regulations? Under these regulations managers will be held personally responsible for compliance. Non-compliance, if discovered, can result in personal fines and in extreme cases could result in imprisonment. If there has been a personal injury, the organisation has to pay compensation. The fear of being caught out by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) or local authority environmental inspectors or being sued by an employee should not be the driving force behind compliance with these regulations. If there are risks associated with VDU work, the elimination or reduction of these not only improves workers' health and safety but also improves efficiency and productivity and hence profitability. For instance if a VDU worker has difficulty in seeing the screen clearly, unless their vision is corrected they are likely to suffer from eye strain and headaches, consequently they will be working inefficiently and are likely to make errors and take time off work. None of which can be profitable for the organisation. The same thing is true for users' comfort.
Employers should not see these regulations as another set of obstacles but as a means of improving the productivity, efficiency and health of their workforce. Complying with these regulations does not have to cost a great deal of money The majority of solutions would not have to involve any expenditure as new equipment or furniture. In most cases the solution could be as simple as reorganisation of the workstation (based on an ergonomics approach) and training of the workforce so that they would know how to minimise the effects of any of the risks associated with VDU work. By knowing (and actually doing it) how to adjust their chairs, screens and keyboards correctly to suit their work surface, and how to organise their workplace they themselves will reduce or eliminate the possible risks. Training plays as great a role as having the appropriate equipment in the avoidance of repetitive strain injuries (RSI), musculoskeletal problems, stress and fatigue.
Any changes or modifications to the DSE Regulations There have been no changes or modifications either to the European Directive or the UK's DSE Regulations. The European Directive (90/270/EEC) on the Display Screen Equipment, in one of its clauses stated that the experiences of the member states of the European Union in implementing the directive and the national legislation would be discussed after 5 years (ie. in 1999) and if necessary some modifications to the directive would be made. There has been some discussions within the Directorate General in charge of this directive, but there are no changes to the directive, therefore the directive and the DSE regulations remain as they are. Any rumours hinting on new specific requirements for furniture are untrue. As outlined in the next section there has been new ergonomics and product standards developed for the VDU workstations and office desking and seating where there are now specific requirements. The ergonomics standard in the VDU field (BS EN ISO 9241 Part 5) points out the need for alternating between sitting and standing rather than sitting all the time. In other words, static sitting even on a most ergonomic chair for extended periods cannot be good for the health especially the backs of the people. Consequently, desks,, which can adjust from sitting to standing postures, are becoming popular. As far as the chairs are concerned armrest height adjustability, true seat depth adjustably, adjustable lumbar supports are now appearing in the furniture tenders.
Use of standards in compliance The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) guidance document on the Display Screen Equipment Regulations state that standards will provide specifications for new equipment, they may also be used as a yardstick for assessing the suitability of existing installations. The guidance notes go further by stating that workstations,, which comply with the appropriate standards cited in the guidance, would meet, and in most cases exceed the relevant requirements of the Display Screen Regulations. The standards mentioned in the HSE's guidance document refer to International (ISO), European (CEN Comite de European Normalisation) and British (BS) standards. Ultimately all of the national standards within the European Community will be harmonised under European Standards. European standards for the workstations and the related equipment have been steadily developed and have been replacing the national standards. Most of the standards concerning the furniture have harmonised under the European standards. Where there are no European standards available manufacturers will be expected to comply with the existing national and international standards. The main standard developed is BS EN ISO 9241,, which has 17 parts. These cover all aspects of visual display screen work including computer equipment, furniture, task, environment, layout, and software. Although this CEN/ISO standard is not directly linked to the directive, one of its main aims is to set minimum health, safety and comfort levels for users. For furniture manufacturers and specifiers, the two most relevant parts of the BS EN ISO 9241 (Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals) are Part 5; 1999 (Workstation layout and postural requirements) and Part 6; 2000 (Guidance on the work environment). Part 5 provides criteria for assessing the appropriateness of seating and worksurfaces. As this standard is not a product standard actual dimensional requirements and safety requirements can be found in product standards, which are summarised below. In order to ensure that desks and chairs are safe for the users they should comply with the following standards. Standards applicable to desking BS EN 527 Part1 Dimensions, BS 5459 Part 1 Strength and Stability or BS 4875 Part 5 Strength and Stability and BS 6396 Cable Management BS 3962 Part 1 Gloss Measurement Standards applicable to chairs BS EN 1335 Part 1 Dimensions BS 5459 Part 2 Strength and Stability for 24-hour use for people weighing up to 150kgs or BS EN 1335 Parts 2 & 3 Strength and stability for 8-hour use by people weighing up to 110kgs Minimum requirements for furniture There are a still a number of misunderstandings regarding the sizes and adjustability of desks and chairs to be used at VDU workstations. As a result of a clarification from the EC Directorate General and using the latest appropriate standards (BS EN ISO 9241-5, BS EN 1335-1 BS EN 527-1) these should have been eliminated. So, as far as the minimum requirements of the regulations are concerned, the minimum dimensional and general requirements for VDU desks and chairs can be summarised as follows: Minimum requirements for rectangular desks
The desk does not have to be a rectangular shape, it can be any shape provided that the surface area is adequate for the task and the equipment and it is not less than 0.96 square meters. Sufficient legroom underneath (specified in BS EN 527-1 and BS EN ISO 9241-5). If the desks/worksurfaces are to be used for tasks where people can alternate between sitting and standing, the minimum height adjustment range should be 660 to 1200mm (preferred range is 600 to 1300mm). The height adjustment range for standing only work surfaces should be at least between 900 and 1200mm. Minimum requirements for chairs: 'Independent height and tilt adjustment of backrest is not a requirement'. Primary requirement is that is that user should be able to achieve a comfortable position. Other requirements are:
However, it should be remembered that these are only minimum requirements and that there is no reason for the caring employers not to exceed these. Providing fully height adjustable desks and chairs with independent backrest height adjustment might be appropriate for specific uses provided that they meet the needs of the user and the task and further comply with the adjustability criteria. In fact BS EN ISO 9241 Part 5 promotes the philosophy of alternating between sitting and standing, which is much healthier and productive for the workers. Such worksurfaces should then adjust at least between 660 and 1200mm (600 to 1300mm preferred). When furniture is adjustable, furniture manufacturers and purchasers should be aware of and take into account the following requirement: Adjustment controls should not operate inadvertently / accidentally and Pose additional risks. Users should be able to operate controls without exerting excessive forces. FIRA's contribution to standardisation of the office FIRA's Senior Ergonomist, Levent Çaglar and other furniture experts attend various committees and take active roles as the principal UK experts in developing European and International standards. As a result, FIRA is well placed to advise manufacturers and users on the current and forthcoming standards affecting furniture and the office environment. FIRA is the UK centre of excellence for furniture industry providing research, consultancy and information. The Ergonomics Unit carries out risk assessments to help companies to comply with health and safety regulations. Identifying problems and offering ergonomic solutions not only ensure regulatory compliance but also increase efficiency, productivity and well-being of workforce. Ergonomics advice in furniture design, specification, selection and the planning of the office layouts is also available. For more information and assistance contact: Levent Çaglar, Senior Ergonomist on 01438 77 77 00. 4 March 2002 DOES THE USE OF LAPTOPS VIOLATE THE DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS? Display Screen Equipment Regulations have been in force since 1 January 1993. Since then, employers should have been undertaking risk assessments of computer (Display Screen Equipment) workstations. The equipment in use at these workstations should comply with the minimum requirements as set out in the Schedule to the regulations. Employers should have been complying with the obligations set out in the regulations, such as provision of eye tests and training. In April 2003, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published amended guidance on these regulations, entitled 'Work with display screen equipment: Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002' . One of the key changes has been that portable display screen equipment (DSE) such as laptop computers is now subject to the DSE Regulations. The reason for this is that portable DSE was being used for long periods and as replacements for desktop computers. A large number of laptops were no longer being used only as ïportable' equipment. Users were facing specific musculoskeletal disorders associated with the prolonged use of laptop computers. Laptop computers were introduced into the workplace for reasons of portability. They were initially designed to be taken 'on the job' where they were used for small data entering tasks, requiring only short periods of computer input. Use of laptop computers has been increasing rapidly since the 1990s. This increase has been happening both in the number of laptop computers being used and in the number of hours individual people have been using laptop computers. The increase in the popularity of laptops has been due mainly to two key factors. The first factor is technological improvements in the performance of laptops and communication technologies that have made it possible for people to be able to work away from traditional office environments. This has been accompanied by a reduction in prices. The second factor is the changes in working practices, such as hot desking, linked to the increased cost of office space. It is easily noticeable from advertising in the media that there is a trend being set to replace desktop computers with laptop computers, initially in offices and then in the home environment. According to IDC,, which is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology industry, unit shipments of laptops have doubled from about 3.6 million in the first quarter of 1998 to about 7.2 million in the first quarter of 2002. In the first quarter of 2003 worldwide shipments of laptops reached 8.57 million. This trend is not slowing down. The year on year gain in laptop sales is now nearly 1 million units whilst the sale of desktop computers (in office environments) is declining steadily by about 12% annually. Laptop computers may not be suitable for prolonged use because of the smaller size of screen and keyboard, and the lack of separate keyboard and screen position adjustment. The independent adjustment of screen and keyboard is important to allow users to position the tactile and visual interaction components in a way,, which encourages a good posture. A large industry has developed around research to supply adjustable furniture for the office situation. Desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards to allow independent adjustment of their heights and distances. However, it appears that computer manufacturers may have taken a retrograde step with laptop designs. Unlike desktop computers, laptop screens are usually fixed to the keyboard with a hinge. This allows for the angle of viewing to be adjusted but does not allow independent adjustment of screen and keyboard distance and height. Given these physical constraints, it was assumed that the user would be required to compromise their typing posture either by increased neck flexion, in order to see a lower screen, and/or by increased shoulder and elbow flexion, in order to reach a higher keyboard. Unless checked, the current habitual prolonged use of laptop computers is likely to cause postural problems and consequently result in significant increases both in the number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and in their severity. The Health and Safety Executive in their revised guidance document to the Display Screen Equipment Regulations (April 2003) have recognised the problem of laptops being used as permanent computing equipment. On page 52 this document states: 'Portable (DSE), such as laptop and notebook computers, is subject to the DSE Regulations if it is in prolonged use. Increasing numbers of people are using portable DSE as part of their work. While research suggests that some aspects of using portable DSE are no worse than using full-sized equipment, that is not true of every aspect. The design of portable DSE can include features (such as smaller keyboards or a lack of keyboard separation), which may make it more difficult to achieve a comfortable working posture. Portable DSE is also used in a wider range of environments, some of, which may be poorly suited to DSE work. As with full-sized DSE, portables in prolonged use (and the workstations and working environments where they are used) are required to comply with the Schedule [to the Regulations].î Potential problems with the use of Laptop ComputersThe rapid spread of laptop computers ran ahead of the scientific research into the health and safety aspects of their use. However, Leon Straker at Curtin University in Australia cites a recent study, which found that 60% of laptop users reported musculoskeletal discomfort. Features of laptop computers differ from those of desktop computers in key human machine interaction respects , which create the potential problems. These are: the screen, the input device, the connection of screen to keyboard and finally the environments in, which they are used. Screen Laptop screens are flat screens, which until very recently had poorer clarity and a restricted lateral angle of viewing. The results of these are common complaints of difficulty in viewing laptop screens. This can lead to visual discomfort and, as the visual and musculoskeletal systems are closely linked, it can also lead to musculoskeletal discomfort. Keyboard and Input Devices Most laptops currently available use a reduced size keyboard on a thick flat base, , which raises it relatively high above the worksurface yet with no slope or difference in height between keys in each row. This often requires users to raise their wrists and hands to reach keys in the back row as shown in the following picture. This put strains on wrist, hand and shoulder muscles. Laptops use a track pad or mini joystick as pointing devices. Pointing devices in laptops require more accurate but smaller and finer control movements than those in desktop computers. These in turn can put greater strain on hand muscles for movement control, and forearm muscles for stabilising hands. Fixed connection of screen to keyboard Most current laptops have the screen attached to the main body of the keyboard of the computer. This presents a severe restriction to the user in choosing a comfortable position for the keyboard (laterally) and the screen (laterally and height wise). Both the visual system and hand movements have their own comfortable ïreach' zones,, which vary from one user to another. With desktop computers, where the keyboard and other input devices are separate from the screen, it is possible for the user to place these three components in comfortable reach zones. However, as the laptop screens are permanently attached to keyboards and input devices, users who prefer longer eye to monitor distance have to key with extended arms or compromise the visual distance in order to achieve a more comfortable arm posture. The height of the screen is also fixed in relation to the worksurface. The low screen can cause a neck strain even though it results in less visual strain. This may create some musculoskeletal problems for some people. However the key problem is that users have no choice in selecting a screen height, which is comfortable for them.
It is generally agreed that, as can be seen from the picture above, people using laptops adopt a hunched posture where their neck is bent (flexed), head is lowered and protrudes forward, shoulders roll in and chest appears sunken. Consequently the spine loses its normal S-shape and is arched forward. Such postures are considered to give rise to musculoskeletal discomfort and disorders. It must be noted that screens positioned above eye level can cause greater problems such as neck and shoulder pain or disorder. Environment Often if the laptops are truly used as portable equipment, they will be used away from more controlled environments such as offices. In such environments the users may have to use the laptops on worksurfaces that are too high or too low, with too little lighting or with reflections and glare present. All such factors may force the user to adopt non-conventional postures to minimise the effects of these factors. For example in order to avoid glare the user may rotate the laptop,, which in turn can force the user to adopt a twisted back posture in order to use the keyboard. Additional problems with laptops are that they have to be transported/carried by the users. Even though an average laptop weighs about 4kg, by the time the user has to carry power adapters and other accessories, the weight soon builds up. If they are carried in inappropriate bags, they can create other musculoskeletal problems such as back pain. There is another unexpected risk associated with the laptop computers. HSE states that there is a risk of theft, possibly involving assault. Hence employers have to inform their employees how to minimise such risks. In conclusion, the design and use of laptop computers can result in increased visual and musculoskeletal disorders compared with desktop computers. The main problems are likely to be visual discomfort and neck and upper limb complaints, all due to possible poorer clarity of display, restricted viewing angles, lack of tilt of keyboard, and lack of independent adjustment of position and height of keyboard and screen. All these problems are likely to be exacerbated when laptop computers are used away from controlled office environments. What can be done to minimise the effects of risk associated with the use of laptop computers The best solution is not to use laptops as replacements for desktop computers. If laptops are to be used in the office environment (either as a replacement for desktop computers or when hotelling/hot desking) they need to be used with a separate high clarity height adjustable screen, a keyboard and an independent pointing device (such as an external mouse) at a docking station. Such an arrangement would probably be the best ergonomic way of avoiding many of the risks associated with the prolonged use of laptop computers. This solution is also advocated in the latest HSE guidance document. Failing this option, there are other possibilities such as raising the laptop on a special stand or on raiser blocks to provide a more convenient height for the screen (instead of another independent screen) and using a separate keyboard and pointing device. Fortunately there are also laptop stands, , which allow the user to place the laptop on the stand and use a separate keyboard and pointing device. Such stands are height adjustable and they facilitate a good screen position for the users, as shown below.
As discussed earlier, the prolonged use of laptops outside controlled office environments would place the user at a higher risk than when they are used in offices. Therefore, users such as executives, professionals, academics and sales people who are likely to use their laptops at other people's workplaces and in hotel rooms do need a portable height adjustable laptop holder with a slim keyboard. Such stands should be as light as possible, fit in the laptop computer case and provide a document holder between keyboard and screen. Finally, if you must buy a portable computer, the following list includes important factors:
If applications require significant input via a pointing device, choose one with an external mouse, roller ball or touch pad, rather than a 'nipple' trackball or isometric joystick The FIRA Ergonomics Unit carries out risk assessments to help companies comply with health and safety regulations. Identifying problems and offering ergonomics solutions not only ensures regulatory compliance but also increases efficiency and productivity. Ergonomics advice in furniture specification and selection and the planning of office layouts is also available. In 2000 the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence award was introduced to give specifiers confidence that products marketed as ïergonomic' meet genuine criteria. To gain the award, products must be appropriately designed in terms of safety, comfort and well-being. They must also comply with health and safety regulations and meet or exceed the minimum European, British and FIRA standards on ergonomics. In addition, the manufacturer must have a quality management system and an environmental policy. For further information on the services of the Ergonomics Unit or the Ergonomics Excellence Award, please contact FIRA's Senior Ergonomist, Levent Çaglar on +44 (0) 1438 77 77 00. Levent Çaglar
For over half a century, FIRA has driven the need for higher standards through testing, research and innovation for the furniture and allied industries. New and better materials, improved processes and appropriate standards have been developed to enhance the quality of furniture and assist manufacturers and retailers to become more competitive. Information on our members' products can be found on this site in the 'search' section. A non-government funded organisation, FIRA is supported by all sections of the industry through the furniture industry research association, ensuring ongoing research programmes, which bring benefits to all. With unrivalled support from across the whole industry, FIRA also has the influence and capability to help shape legislation and regulations. FIRA is recognised internationally as being at the leading edge, with world-class technology and unparalleled industry knowledge. The FIRA Ergonomics Unit carries out risk assessments to help companies comply with health and safety regulations. Identifying problems and offering ergonomics solutions not only ensures regulatory compliance but also increases efficiency and productivity. Ergonomics advice in furniture specification and selection and the planning of office layouts is also available. Last year the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence award was introduced to give specifiers confidence that products marketed as 'ergonomic' meet genuine criteria. To gain the award, products must be appropriately designed in terms of safety, comfort and well-being. They must also comply with health and safety regulations and meet or exceed the minimum European, British and FIRA standards on ergonomics. In addition, the manufacturer must have a quality management system and an environmental policy. |
Levent Çaglar
biography
HSE
Guidance on VDU Regulations
FIRA
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