Illumination
The ideal work site environment for computer use is different from that of the conventional office. Too often computers have been incorporated into offices where the illumination level was designed for work with hard copy. This has resulted in high contrast, glare, and reflections that may produce eye and vision problems.
The level and type of illumination should vary with the task being performed. It is very important to eliminate reflections and control glare and contrast.
Glare can be a major source of irritation to operators of computer monitors. At its worst, glare may totally obscure the image on a screen, requiring a greater visual effort on your part to see it. Monitor screens are particularly susceptible to two types of glare that may result from a variety of conditions.
- Position the monitor screen in relation to other light sources so as to avoid a direct line-of-sight. Do not place the monitor back to or directly facing windows. Ideally, you should orient the screen so that it is perpendicular to the line of windows and rows of lighting fixtures.
- Cover windows with drapes or blinds to limit the penetration of direct sunlight.
- Consider attaching a glare screen and/or screen hood, if your situation warrants it.
- Paint nearby walls in a dark or pastel colour with a matte finish (less than 50% reflective), or add wall coverings on the wall directly behind the monitor screen as you face it.
Eye Health and Safety for Computer Monitor Users
Scientific literature offers no evidence to indicate that regular use of computer monitors threatens eye health or results in permanent vision damage. However, because of the increased demands on the visual system as a result of monitor use, computer users frequently report visual symptoms. Common complaints include: eyestrain, eye irritation, red eyes, burning, excess tearing, blurred vision at close and far distances, and difficulty focusing. An eye examination can uncover these conditions. If you work at a computer monitor and experience visual discomfort, you should seek evaluation for these problems.
Give special consideration to the computer monitor. The level of background illumination, the height and angle of the monitor, and the quality of screen resolution influence glares. Generally, it is better to work at a monitor in a dimly lit room. Position the monitor to decrease glare from the screen and aim to have the top of the monitor at eye level. Then adjust brightness and contrast controls to optimise comfort. Some computer monitor users report that light tints in glasses have improved their comfort.
Furnishings and Design Existing
Desks, credenzas, tables and standard or posture chairs may be satisfactory if you only use the computer occasionally (less than 20 percent of your time). However, if you work at a computer more than 50 percent of the time, or if several operators use the same equipment, specially designed, height adjustable workstations, desks, tables, and chairs are recommended. The adjustment controls on this furniture should be convenient and designed to encourage use. What is important is that each individual maintains the proper posture. You should be able to adjust your workstation so that you can maintain these relative positions during work.
Seating
Most back injuries are the result of long periods of misuse of the body. One of the very common ways in which we misuse our backs, is by the way we sit. So our chairs are an important part of VDU equipment. To meet the regulations set, the chair should be adjustable for height and angle of the backrest to give back support and stability.
The chair should be easy to adjust, the chair should be adjusted to support the person sitting on it, and ideally the chair should be adjusted so that the person’s feet can rest flat on the floor comfortable, with your arms level with the keyboard.
Health And
Safety Leaflet For Computer Users
Irfan Khokhar