What can I do to avoid RSI?, Your Chair

3 Working in Comfort

What can I do to avoid RSI?

Some people who use computers may experience physical discomfort during their use. This discomfort may be a symptom of a repetitive strain injury. Properly setting up and using computing equipment can help to minimize your chances of experiencing this discomfort. Well-designed and properly adjusted equipment alone may not be sufficient to eliminate all potential problems. Maintaining good posture and positioning when working on computers also has a significant bearing on your comfort.

What if I experience discomfort?

Preparing Your Work Environment

Your Chair

If you are experiencing any discomfort, seek professional medical advice immediately. Typically, the earlier a problem is diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to resolve.

When using HP computing equipment, it is important that your work environment contribute to your comfort and productivity.

It's very important that your chair provides a comfortable sitting position and offers the following features:

•A stable base, such as five legs with casters. Make sure the casters are designed for the type of floor you have in your workspace, whether it is bare or carpeted.

•A height- and tilt-adjustment feature. It should be easy to adjust your chair height from 40 cm to 52 cm (15.5 inches to 20.5 inches) as measured from the top of the seat pan to the floor. If you are much taller or shorter than average, you may need a chair that can be adjusted beyond this range. Adjust your chair so that the work surface or keyboard tray is at elbow height and your feet are flat on the floor with your knees slightly bent below your hips. Ideally, the seat pan should be able to tilt both forward (minimum of 5 degrees) and backward (minimum of 10 degrees). If the chair has an adjustable seat pan, inclining the seat slightly forward will transfer some of the pressure from the spine to the thighs and feet. This will relieve pressure on your back.

•A curved seat edge. The front of the seat should be curved and finished in a “waterfall” edge.

•An adjustable back support in both height and forward and backward tilt. It is important that the backrest correctly supports the lower part, or lumbar curve, of the back.

•A freely rotating swivel so you can move easily from side-to-side.

•Fully adjustable and padded armrests. The chair arms should not interfere with adjusting the chair or moving it close to your work surface.