Computer Laptops

Laptops are becoming increasingly popular in use. Whilst their portability is a great asset, some precautions need to be taken for those using them for extended periods (more than 1 hour per day). A) Where there is one primary site for use of the laptop:

se an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. !nsure ade"uate seating arrangements are used. An ergonomic chair #ith a footrest if re"uired.

$) Where there are multiple sites used:

se an external mouse. !nsure ade"uate seating arrangements are used. At least a suitably ad%usted ergonomic chair, #ith a footrest if re"uired. &egularly stretch neck and arms.

'f staff experience any discomfort, particularly neck pain then the monitor should be raised to eye height.

The University of Western Australia IT Policy Committee adopted 12-Dec- 1

Laptop Ergonomics Policy

(his policy #as formally adopted by the '( )olicy *ommittee at its meeting held on 1+,-ec,.1. Preamble: (here has recently been a significant increase in the o#nership and use of laptop computers among ni/ersity staff, consistent #ith the need for a high degree of mobility among staff (and students). 'ndeed, this trend is being encouraged by the deployment of 01A) and the pilot *ampus Wireless LA1 (see http:22###.snap.u#a.edu.au2). (he trend is already #ell,established at many other uni/ersities, and is unlikely to subside. While their portability may mean that they are rarely used for prolonged periods in one position, it should be recognised that laptops ha/e a numbers of shortcomings from an ergonomic point of /ie#. 'n particular: (a) (a) laptops are sometimes used in unsuitable positions (eg on one3s lap4), #hich may entail poor posture by the user5 (b) (b) the keyboard is often cramped, at an unsuitable angle, and incapable of being ad%usted5 (c) (c) the monitor is usually attached to the keyboard, so generally at a height that may cause neck strain (or if raised, place the keyboard at a /ery unsuitable height)5 (d) (d) the mouse is often a#k#ard to use and at an unsuitable position2height. 6urthermore, the amount of attention gi/en to the #orkplace #here laptops are used (often because it /aries so much) may be much less than gi/en to the stable en/ironment #here desktop computers are used. As a conse"uence of all these factors, the danger of in%ury can be much increased #ith laptops compared #ith desktops. (he ni/ersity3s 0afety 7 8ealth 9ffice is concerned at this increased risk to #hich staff may be exposing themsel/es. (here ha/e been se/eral documented cases already #here serious (and permanent) in%uries ha/e been caused through use of laptop computers in inappropriate #ays. (he 9ffice has asked the '( )olicy *ommittee to use its influence to bring these matters to the attention of staff as forcefully as it can.

Guidelines for Laptop Computer Users

Today, many computer users have turned to convenient portable laptops as either an adjunct to their work stations, or as an alternative to a desk top computer. Just as desktop computers have specific guidelines and recommendations for safe and healthy use, so do laptops. The following is a list of things to consider and try to promote and ensure comfort when using them. !aptop Typin" #uidelines

Set up the laptop keyboard, much like you would your regular keyboard. Elbows should be level with or slightly higher than the keyboard (elbows at appro imately !" degrees, wrists level, upper arms hanging as vertically as possible# Try using a chair that does not have arm rests so that you will have room to move your arms. $f you have the option to plug in your regular keyboard and monitor to your lap top, do so. $f not, avoid resting on the wrist rest areas %&$'E typing. Try using whole hand and arm movements to navigate around the keys. $f you are unfamiliar with your laptop keyboard, try watching your hands at first to learn where all the keys are placed. Some of them may have been rearranged. (s the touch on lap tops are often lighter, and the key bed is shallow, be especially careful not to pound on the keys. $f your laptop has a glide point that is difficult to move, try plugging in an e ternal mouse, and ) or try using key commands instead. %hen looking down at the screen, be careful not to bend your neck and head forward to see. Try tucking in your chin to look down, keeping your head and neck more or less balanced over the spine.

*uidelines for using laptops +on the go+ ,. %hen traveling, make sure to set your self up as

ergonomically as possible. $f you are in a hotel, conference room, or any other facility, don-t settle for resting your laptop on a desk, table, counter, or surface that is high or far from reach. .our options include/ o 0sing a pillow, pad or even folded towels, to raise your chair high enough so that your elbows are level or slightly higher than the keyboard (elbows at appro imately !" degrees#. o (sking if the hotel has a docking station for laptops. $f not, ask if there are computer workstations for desktops (many hotels are computer user friendly# and plug into their keyboard and monitor. 1. $f you can-t find a surface low enough, or a chair high enough, then your lap is always an option. o Sit so that your knees and hips are level. This will allow the laptop to rest comfortably on your lap. o (gain, be careful with your neck. 'ook down at the screen by tucking your chin in as opposed to bending your entire neck down, as this can cause strain and fatigue to the neck and shoulder area. o Try using a chair that does not have armrests to give you room to move your arms. 2. $f you elect to place your computer on the food tray, and it is too high to achieve comfort, try raising your seat height by folding one or two blankets under you. $f that doesn-t work, you may be best off using your lap. 3. 'aptops are often heavy which means you should avoid carrying them with a handle. Try carrying them on your shoulder and use a bag with a padded shoulder strap. 4. 5ace yourself. Take fre6uent breaks. Stand up and stretch. $f you feel any strains or pains, stop what you are doing and e periment with different positions. The same rules of healthy computer use applies to laptops as well as desktops.