Laptop and Notebook
Computer Guidelines
The purpose of these guidelines is to establish safe
work practices for workers whilst using laptop and
notebook computers in the workplace as part of a workstation
set up, or in the field as a portable access tool.
Legal requirements.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that
the employer provide, as far as is practicable, a workplace that is healthy and
safe. This means that the employer needs to consider the safe design of
workplace equipment and implement suitable systems of work practice. The Manual
Handling Code of Practice is an approved code of practice issued under section
206 of Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 and gives direction on
preventative measures to reduce the risk of sprain, strain and Occupational
Overuse Syndrome (OOS).
The National Code of Practice for the
Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndrome provides guidelines on the
preventative strategies for OOS injury.
The employer has a duty to identify hazards of
equipment, assess and control any potential risks to prevent these types of
injuries. General Information Background laptop computers in
their present lightweight design are not as ergonomically friendly for people
required to work extended hours at a computer (more than 2
hours).
These computers are becoming more common as their
convenience is acknowledged. The very aspects of these laptop computers which make them useful in
a work efficiency capacity create hazards when they are used for prolonged
periods. This is due mainly to their lack of adjustability.
Problems:
There are special problems associated with the
use of laptop computers. The screens are hinged to the keyboard and this limits
the adjustability as well as the distance that the screen can be placed away
from the user.
When the screen is at a comfortable height and
distance, the keyboard isn't and vice versa. Hence comfortable work posture is
impossible to achieve and leads to injury with prolonged use.
Some physical symptoms of prolonged use
may be cramping, muscular fatigue leading to shoulder and neck strain and
possibly Occupational Overuse Syndrome.
Recommendations
Set up Screen too close ,The best way to avoid
discomfort here is to place the keyboard at a distance of approximately
450mm-750mm and enlarge the font if necessary. Maximum time The maximum time for
laptop computer and notebook use is 2 hours per day and this
time should be included in any assessment of the daily desktop use as well.
The fact that the mouse on a portable
computer is almost always located in the middle of the keypad may not allow the
user to relax the shoulder and keep the arm in a neutral position. Consider
purchasing a mouse separate from the computer. Wrist rest As in the case of a
desktop keyboard, you may use a wrist rest to intermittently support your hands
in between bursts of typing on the keyboard.
Avoid using your laptop computer on a high surface.
This will cause you to raise your shoulders and lead to shoulder and back pain.
Where possible have the computer placed so that the elbows can rest comfortably
by the side without the shoulders being raised. Have the keyboard and mouse
placed to enable comfortable reach.
Portable computer use
Portable computer use ideally should:- Have a detached
keyboard or the capacity for another keyboard to be attached. Have positive
image screens Be light and comfortable to be carried safely. Workstation use
portable computers do not provide the level of ergonomic safety in terms of
working posture, screen clarity or machine adjustability as office based
equipment. Therefore:- portable computers should not to be used for continuous
keyboard use either in the office or at any other location. Work strictly to the
2 hour limit per day on the laptop computer. It is essential that tasks
incorporating the use of portable computers are designed to include regular
pauses away from the equipment. Tasks for the office should not be commenced on
portable computers.
Where possible plug the portable computer into a
standard desk monitor with separate keyboard either by the using a docking
station or a sleeve inclusive of separate keyboard and mouse. When purchasing a
portable or notebook computer, have consideration as to the potential hazards
that are created by its use. This includes assessing the size, weight and type
of input device, screen quality, software and importantly peripheral hardware.
Peripheral hardware includes docking stations for use as an office workstation.
If this is considered at the time of purchase then problems later associated
with obtaining these items (such as
docking stations) for particular portable or notebooks is avoided. Ensure
that the users have training to enable them to use portable equipment safely.
This includes training in hardware and workstation furniture adapted to suit
laptop computers.