Working With Visual Display Units

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Working With Visual Display Units!

• By Danni Povey and Tara Steele!

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Posture!

• Posture is very important whilst using a
  computer. You should always sit on an adjustable
  chair which gives good support to your back and
  allows you to place your feet firmly on the
  floor. There should also be sufficient leg room
  under the desk.

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Correct posture!

• The screen should be adjustable for
  brightness/contrast and height.
• The screen should be 40-80cm away from the eyes.
• You should sit with a straight back.
• The chair should have good back support
• When typing your arms should be parallel to the
  floor.
• The chair should be adjustable.
• Your feet should be firmly on he floor.

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Examples of bad posture while sitting in an
office chair!

• Slumping forward while sitting in an office chair
• Not making use of the office chairs back support
• Sliding forward on the seat of the office chair

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Health and Safety Regulations!

• The government introduced regulations on visual
  display units in 1992. The responsibility was
  placed on the employer to provide safe working
  conditions for all employees using computer
  equipment and visual display screens. Regulations
  were used with Inspections, adjustments, breaks,
  training, eye tests and lighting.

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Inspections

• The employer has the responsibility to assess
  every work station to make sure that all of the
  equipment and the surrounding area is safe. Any
  problems that have been identified must be put
  right by the employer.

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Adjustments

• All screens should be adjustable. They should
  have brightness and contrast controls to help the
  user to find a comfortable level for their eyes
  to reduce any strain. They should also have a
  height adjustment to make sure there is a correct
  position for good vision.

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Breaks

• Work should be planned so that the user of the
  computer can take breaks from using their screen.
  You should have short frequent breaks rather than
  long, less frequent breaks and the operator
  should have the decision of when they want a
  break for using their computer.

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Training

• All employees must be trained to use the all
  equipment correctly at their work station and to
  know how to avoid any health problems, e.g
  through the use of non-reflective VDU screens or
  adjustable chairs.

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Eye Tests!

• Employers are required to pay for eye and
  eyesight tests on a regular basis for all
  employees that use screens as a part of their
  job. In some cases employers may have to pay for
  the supply of glasses if they are needed.

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Lighting!

• Lighting must now be the appropriate EU
  (European Union) standard in offices and rooms
  where VDUs are been used.

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Scenario!

• An example of using Visual Display Units at
  school in ICT. We have lighting on each row and
  calm colours on the wall. We also have adjustable
  screens and blinds to block out any unwanted and
  unnecessary light.

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Important things you need to know.

• RSI - Repetitive strain injury
• The six health and safety regulations established
  by the government in 1997 were Inspections,
  Adjustments, Breaks, Training, Eye Tests,
  Lighting
• Posture is important because it could later
  effect your back.