DSE workstation set-up The following presentation provides you with the basic principles to set up your workstation. It’s not comprehensive and if you feel any discomfort whilst working at your workstation contact your DSE co-ordinator

Posture Head Neck Shoulders Back Centred over Shoulders about an arms length from the screen with eyes looking straight ahead or just below horizontal Neck In neutral position without straining forward or backwards Shoulders Comfortably held down and back Back Upright while maintaining curve of lower back

Posture Elbows Wrists Fingers relaxed close to side of body at about 90° angle Wrists relaxed in a straight position without resting on a wrist pad or the edge of the work surface Fingers gently curved downwards

Incorrect sitting posture

Chair Backrest height adjustable Non slip surface Backrest tiltable 360° swivel Height adjustable Minimum of 5 castors mounted on wheels

Chair STAND in front of the chair. Adjust the height so that the seat is approximately at knee level.

Posture Knees Chair Feet slightly lower than the hips slanted slightly forward Feet Planted on the floor

Chair SIT so there is space between the front edge of the chair and the lower part of the legs just fits a clenched fist

Chair ADJUST so the back rest supports the curve in the lower back

Chair TIGHTEN the chair backrest so that it does not give way with body weight USE only chairs with adjustable arms that do not interfere with the work

Keyboard Wrong Right Wrong

Keyboard Researchers believe by keeping your wrists and hands in line with your forearms in a straight and neutral position, you reduce stress and strain on tendons and muscles. It is best to avoid the use of wrist pads while keyboarding.

Keyboard Wrong Right Wrong

Monitor The monitor should be placed directly in front of you at approximately arms length and angled slightly backwards. The top of the screen should be at eye level or just slightly lower. Natural light should be directed at 90° to the screen.

Mouse Wrong Right Wrong

Mouse Researchers believe by keeping your wrists and hands in line with your forearms in a straight and neutral position, you reduce stress and strain on tendons and muscles.

Mouse Wrong Right Wrong

Mouse Right Wrong The mouse should be held loosely and should fit naturally under the palm of the hand. Avoid the use of a wrist pad. The mouse should be positioned at the same height as the keyboard and directly adjacent, to avoid reaching. Avoid holding index finger elevated between clicks.

Work Surface Adequate leg room should be available under the work surface. Materials should not be stored under the work surface. The work surface should accommodate all required materials. Items used infrequently should be stored elsewhere.

Work Surface The height of the work surface should be adjusted to the level of the elbows with arms hanging by the side. If using an un-adjustable work surface on a temporary basis: adjust the chair height as the keyboard. If the feet do not rest on the floor or if excessive pressure is felt on the back of the legs, a footrest should be used

Work surface Rare Occasional usual Usual Zone: this area should contain only items that are used most frequently e.g. keyboard, mouse, note pad Occasional Zone: this area should contain items that are used periodically e.g. telephone, calculator, in out tray Rare Zone: this area should contain only items that are seldom used or for display only, e.g. pen/ pencil cup, desk plant, photos, clock.

Environment Lighting direct natural light 90° to monitor, with an adjustable window covering to control intensity and direction of light. To avoid glare on screen place monitor directly under fluorescent lighting. Accessory lighting should be directed at copy holder text Copyholder placed at same height as monitor on left or right Heating/air conditioning vents air flows should be directed away from you.

Help and advice In the first instance contact your School or Departmental DSE Co-ordinator or Line Manager. If a query cannot be resolved, contact the Health and Safety Department on 01273643144 or visit http://staffcentral.brighton.ac.uk/safety