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As people come in different heights and perform
different tasks, the computer desk should provide adjustability in order to minimize
stressful posture and reaching. The workstation should be adjustable to accommodate
individual workers for all applications. The dimensions of the computer desk should be
such that:
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An ideal computer desk
should have two levels with each level adjustable for height. One level is for the monitor
and one for the keyboard and mouse. The level for the monitor should be at least 20"
wide (24" preferred) to provide adequate work space for the monitor, document holder,
and other equipment needed for all tasks performed at that workstation.
Most people do not have a computer desk and use their computers on a
regular work desk. As work desks are not adjustable it then becomes important that an
adjustable chair and keyboard tray be available.
- Adequate clearance under the desk should
be provided for the computer user’s legs and feet. According to PEOSH VDT guidelines,
one way to ensure the clearance requirement is to image an object shaped like a
"clearance envelopes", and to provide that amount of space.
Clearance Envelopes
Minimum clearance envelopes under the desk
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The height of the top surface of the keyboard
tray from the floor should be adjustable to a range of 23"- 28". The keyboard
tray should also allow the user to adjust the angle of the surface so that the user’s
wrists and elbows can be in neutral or slightly downward position during
keying
Bending the wrists upward
during keying should be
avoided.
The wrists should be
straight or at a slightly downward position when keying.
-
The computer desk should be height adjustable
so that the topmost line of the computer monitor is eye level for the user. The height of
the monitor surface should permit the location of center view of the screen to be between
5 to 30 degrees below the horizontal plane through the eyes. Appropriate display height
can be accomplished by adjusting the display surface or installing a monitor stand that is
height adjustable. If the monitor is too low, the monitor height can be raised by stacking
monitor risers/books or installing a computer support arm. If the monitor is too high,
take the monitor off the computer processing unit, or lower the desk, or raise the chair
and obtain a foot rest.
The preferred viewing distance for the monitor ranges between 18 and
24 inches.
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