HP Compaq Presario SR5115CF Safety & Comfort Guide
212495-001
www.compaq.com
Safety & Comfort Guide
Contents
Safety and Comfort
Promoting a Safe and Comfortable Work Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Important Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Take Action for Safety and Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Key Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Finding Your Comfort Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
A Range of Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Different Tasks, Different Postures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Organizing Your Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Feet, Knees, and Legs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Shoulders and Elbows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Arranging Your Work Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Keyboard and Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Arm Supports and a Palm Rest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Papers and Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Working in Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Using a Notebook Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Typing Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Pointing Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Using a Keyboard on a Sofa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Taking Breaks and Varying Your Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Monitoring Your Health Habits and Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Organizing Your Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
From the Ground Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
From the Top Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Contents i
Self-Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Seated Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Shoulders, Arms, Wrists, and Hands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Typing Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Keyboard and Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Notebook Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
General Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Electrical and Mechanical Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Product Safety Policy and General Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Installation Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
General Precautions for Compaq Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
Precautions for Portable Computer Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Precautions for Server and Network Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Precautions for Products with External Television Antenna Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
Antenna Grounding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36
Precautions for Products with Modems, Telecommunications, or Local Area
Network Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
Precautions for Products with Laser Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
For More Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-39
ii Contents
Safety and Comfort
a
WARNING:
workstation. Read and follow the recommendations in this section to minimize the risk of injury and to
increase your comfort.
Some studies hav e suggest ed that long p eriods of typi ng, imp roper works tation s etup,
incorrect work habits, stressful work conditions and relationships, or problems in
your personal health may be linked to injuries. These injuries could include carpal
tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
The warning signs of these disorders can occur in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders,
neck, or back, and can include:
◆ Numbness, burning, or tingling
◆ Soreness, aching, or tenderness
◆ Pain, throbbing, or swelling
◆ Tightness or stiffness
◆ Weakness or coldness
Symptoms may be felt durin g typin g, while usin g a mouse, or at other times when no
work with the hands is being performed, including during the night when these
symptoms might awaken you. If you experience these symptoms, or any other
persistent or recurring pain or discomfort that you think may be related to using a
computer, you should promptly consult a qualified physician and, if available, your
company’ s health an d safety dep artment. The earlier a problem is prop erly diagno sed
and treated, the less chance there is that it will progress to a disabling condition.
There may be a risk of
serious physical injuries
from working at your computer
The following pages desc ribe prop er works tation setu p, pos ture, and healt h and work
habits for computer users. In addition, this Guide contains product safety information
applicable to all Compaq products.
Safety and Comfort 1
Promoting a Safe and Comfortable Work Environment
Posture, lighting, furniture, work organization , and other work conditions and habits
may affect the way you feel and how well you work. By adjusting your work
environment and personal practices, you may be able to minimize fatigue and
discomfort, and reduce the risk of resulting strains that some scientists b e lieve can
lead to injury.
Important Choices
Take Action for Safety and Comfort
+
*
If you share a computer with others, readjust the work environment to your needs.
Each time you sit down to work, adjust into your comfort zo ne.
Whenever you use a computer, you make choices that can affect your comfort and
potentially your safety. This is true whether you use a full-size keyboard and monitor
on a desk, a notebook computer, or a wireless keyboard on your lap. In every case,
you choose your working posture and you r body’s position relat ive to your keyboard ,
pointing device, monitor, remote control, phon e, and any reference bo oks and papers.
You may also have some control over lighting and other factors.
Many factors in our work environment determine whether we work efficiently and in
a manner that promotes good health and safety.
By considering, acting on, and periodically reevaluating the recommendations in this
Section, it is possible to create a safer, more comfortable, healthful, and efficient
work environment.
Some scientists believe that working intensely, or for a long time in uncomfortable or unnatural
NOTE:
positions, may pose risks, such as those mentioned in the warning. The information included in this
Section is designed to help you work more safely by recommending ways to work more comfortably
and effectively.
HINT: SELF-CHECK:
habits using the section
After reviewing the information in this chapter, double-check your postures and
Self-Check
on page 24.
2 Safety and Comfort
Key Principles
To promote safety and comfort, follow these principles whenever you use your
computer.
Adjust
Adjust your body position and your work equipment.
There is no one “right” position. Find your comfor t
zone, as described in this Section, and when working at
your computer, frequently adjust within this zone.
Move
Vary your tasks so that you can move around; avoid
sitting in one posture all day. Perform tasks that require
walking.
Relax
Build positive relationships at work and home. Relax
and strive to reduce sources of stress. Stay aware of
physical tension such as clenching your muscles and
shrugging your shoulders. Co ntinually release tension.
Take frequent short breaks.
Listen
Listen to your body. Pay attention to any tension,
discomfort, or pain you may feel, and take immediate
action to relieve it.
Safety and Comfort 3
Finding Your Comfort Zone
Remember
Remember to exercise regularly and maintain general
fitness. Doing this will help your body withstand the
rigors of sedentary work. Respect any medical
conditions you may have or other health factors you
may know of. Adjust your work habits accordingly.
A Range of Positions
Rather than working in a single posture, find your comfort zone. Your comfort zone
is a range of positions that is generally appropriate and comfortable for your given
work situation.
Vary Your Posture
Depending on your tasks , you may fi nd a range o f seated
and standing postures that are comfortable. Within your
comfort zone, change postures often throughout the day.
Move
Sitting still for long periods can cause discomfort and muscle fatigue. Changing
postures is good for many parts of your body, including your spine, joints, muscles,
and circulatory system.
Within your comfort zone, change postures often throughout the day. Take frequent
short breaks: stand up, carefully stretch, or walk around. Frequently switch to brief
tasks that require getting up, such as retrieving output from a printer, filing
paperwork, or consulting a colleague down the hall.
If your furniture offer s a wid e rang e of adjus tment s , you might fi nd it comf orta b le to
switch back and forth between sitting and standing positions.
4 Safety and Comfort
Different Tasks, Different Postures
Your choice of posture within your comfort zone may vary with your task. For
example, you may find a reclined posture most comfortable for computer tasks, and a
more upright posture more comfortable for tasks requiring frequent reference to
papers or books.
Organizing Your Adjustments
*
AVOID!
The order in which you make various adjustments to your body position and work
area may vary depending on the adjustability of you r furnitu re. For tips o n how to
order your adjustments see the section Arranging Your Work Area on page 10.
HINT: THAT AFTERNOON SLUMP:
when you may tend to get fatigued.
HINT: EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED:
adjust other parts as well.
Don't sit in one fixed posture all day.
◆
Avoid slouching forward.
◆
Be sure not to lean back too far.
◆
Pay particular attention to adjusting your posture in the afternoon
When you reposition any one part of your body, you may need to
Safety and Comfort 5
Feet, Knees, and Legs
Make sure your feet can rest solidly and comfortably on the floor while sitting. Use
an adjustable work surface and chair that allow your feet to rest firm ly on the floor , o r
use a footrest. If you use a footrest, be sure it is wide enough to accommodate
different leg positions within your comfort zone.
Providing enough leg room
Be sure you have sufficient space under your work surface for your knees and legs.
Avoid concentrated pressure points along the underside of your thigh near the knee
and the back side of your lower leg. Stretch your legs and vary your leg posture
throughout the day.
RIGHT!
Rest your feet firmly on the floor or a footrest.
WRONG!
Don’t dangle your feet and compress your thighs.
*
AVOID!
6 Safety and Comfort
HINT: WALK:
HINT: LEG COMFORT:
Avoid placing boxes or other items under your desk that limit your leg room. You should be able to pull
yourself all the way up to your desk without interference.
Get up from your desk frequently and take brief walks.
Vary your leg positions throughout the day.
Back
Use your chair to fully support your body. Distribute your weight evenly and use the
entire seat and backrest to support your body. If your chair has adjustable low back
support, match the contours of the chair’s backrest to the natural curve of your lower
spine.
Getting comfortable
Always make sure your lower back is well-su pport ed. Make sure it feels comf ortab le
in the position in which you are working.
RIGHT!
Distribute your weight evenly and use the entire seat and
backrest to support your body.
WRONG!
Don’t slouch forward.
*
AVOID!
Safety and Comfort 7
HINT: ADJUST OFTEN:
comfortable positions, then adjust the chair frequently.
If you get a new adjustable chair, or if you share a chair with someone else, don’t assume the settings
are properly set for you.
If your chair is adjustable, experiment with the adjustments to find numerous
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands
Keep your forearms, wrist s, and ha nds alig ned in a straigh t, neutral posit ion, whether
you are working at a desk or table, or sitting on a couch or bed. Avoid bending or
angling your wrists while typing or using a pointing device.
Don’t anchor your wrists
When typing, do not anchor or rest your wrists on your work surface, your thighs, or
a palm rest (sometimes called a wrist rest). Resting your palms while ty ping may be
harmful because it can cause you to bend your wrists back and can apply pressure to
the undersides of your wrists. A palm rest is designed to provide support during
pauses, when you are not typing.
RIGHT!
Hold a straight, neutral wrist position while typing.
WRONG!
Don’t rest your palms on a work surface while typing.
RIGHT!
Hold a straight, neutral wrist position while typing.
WRONG!
Don’t angle your wrists; this may cause unnecessary
strain.
8 Safety and Comfort
*
HINT: Split Keyboards
If you find it difficult to type with a straight, neutral wrist position, you may want to try a split keyboard.
Be aware, however, that improper setup or posture while using a split keyboard can increase bending
in your wrists. So if you try one, set it up properly to align your forearms, wrists, and hands.
AVOID!
Shoulders and Elbows
*
Be sure not to rest your wrists on sharp edges.
Adjust your chair height or keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed and
your elbows hang comfort ably at your s ides . Adjust your k eyboard s lope so th at your
wrists are straight.
Checking elbow height
Position your elbows in a zone that is near the height of your keyboard’s home row
(the row that includes the letters G and H). This position allows you to relax your
shoulders. If you have long upper arms, you may find you need to position your
elbows a bit below the height of home row in order to provide enough space under
the work surface for your knees and legs.
RIGHT!
Turn your chair to the side to help determine if your
elbow height is near the height of your keyboard’s
home row.
HINT: RELAX
your shoulders.
: Remember to relax, particularly in areas where muscle tension often builds, such as
Eyes
Safety and Comfort 9
W orking at your computer for long periods can be a visually demanding task and may
cause your eyes to become irritated and fatigued. Therefore, you should give special
attention to vision care, including the following recommenda tions:
Resting your eyes
Give your eyes frequent breaks. Periodically look away from the monitor and focus
at a distant point. This may also be a good time to stretch, breathe deeply, and relax.
Cleaning your monitor and eyeglasses
Keep your display screen and your eyeglasses or contact lenses clean. If you use a
glare-reduction filter, clean it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Having your eyes examined
To be sure that your vision is adequately corrected, have your eyes examined
regularly by a vision care specialist. Consider having glasses made that are
specifically suited for working with a computer monitor. If you wear bifocals or
trifocals, you may find these special monofocal glasses more comfortable for
computer use. For more information, see Adjusting monitor height for bifocal and
trifocal users on page 12.
*
HINT: Eye Comfort
While looking at your monitor and also while resting your eyes, remember to blink. This helps keep
your eyes naturally protected and lubricated and helps prevent dryness, a common source of
discomfort.
HINT: Eye Break
Give your eyes frequent rests by focusing them on a distant point.
Arranging Your Work Are a
You may find a range of monitor heights that allows your head to be balanced
comfortably over your shoulders.
Monitor
You will reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue in your neck, shoulders, and upper
back by properly positioning your monitor and adjusting its angle.
10 Safety and Comfort
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