HP Compaq Presario Manual

SAFETY &
COMFORT
GUIDE
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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 during typing, while
using 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 and safety department.The
earlier a problem is properly diagnosed and
treated, the less chance there is that it will
progress to a disabling condition.
The following pages describe proper
workstation setup, posture, and health and
work habits for computer users. In addition,
this Guide contains product safety informa-
tion applicable to all Compaq products.
Warning
There may be a risk of serious physical
injuries from working at your computer
workstation. Read and follow the recom-
mendations in this Safety & Comfort Guide to
minimize the risk of injury and to increase
your comfort.
Some studies have suggested that long
periods of typing, improper workstation
setup, 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.
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Notice
The information in this guide is subject to
change without notice.
COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FORTECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR
OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN; NOR FOR INCIDEN-
TAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING
FROMTHE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF
THIS MATERIAL.
This guide contains information protected by copyright. No
part of this guide may be photocopied or reproduced in any
form without prior written consent from
Compaq Computer Corporation.
1997 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Compaq, Deskpro,Armada, Contura, Presario
Registered U. S. Patent andTrademark Office.
Safety & Comfort Guide
First Edition (September 1997)
Part Number 297660-001
Compaq Computer Corporation
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Contents
Warning ..................................................................................................... i
Preface ...................................................................................................... iv
Symbols and Conventions in Documentation
Symbols on Equipment
Chapter 1
Promoting a Safe and Comfortable Work Environment ................... 1
Important Choices
Take Action for Safety and Comfort
Key Principles
Chapter 2
Finding Your Comfort Zone ................................................................. 5
A Range of Positions
Feet, Knees, and Legs
Back
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands
Shoulders and Elbows
Eyes
Chapter 3
Arranging Your Work Area ................................................................ 13
Monitor
Keyboard and Pointing Device
Arm Supports and a Palm Rest
Papers and Books
Phone
Chapter 4
Working in Comfort ................................................................................ 21
Using a Notebook Computer
Typing Style
Pointing Style
Using a Keyboard on a Sofa
Taking Breaks and Varying Your Tasks
Monitoring Your Health Habits and Exercise
Chapter 5
Ordering Your Adjustments .................................................................. 27
From the Ground Up
From the Top Down
Chapter 6
Self-Check ............................................................................................. 29
Chapter 7
Important Electrical and Mechanical Safety Information .................... 33
Introduction
Product Safety Policy and General Practice
Installation Requirements
General Precautions for Compaq Products
Precautions for Portable Computer Products
Precautions for Server and Network Products
Precautions for Products with External Television Antenna Connectors
Precautions for Products with Modems, Telecommunications,
or Local Area Network Options
Precautions for Products with Laser Devices
Appendix
For More Information ............................................................................ 43
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Symbols and Conventions in Documentation
The following words and symbols mark special messages throughout this guide.
PREFACE
.Text set off in this manner presents clarifying
information, specific instructions, commentary,
sidelights, or interesting points of information.
WARNING: Text set off in this manner
indicates that failure to follow directions
could result in bodily harm or loss of life.
CAUTION: Text set off in this manner
indicates that failure to follow directions
could result in damage to equipment or loss
of information.
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To avoid risk of injury from electric shock,
remove all power cords to completely
disconnect power from the system.
This symbol indicates that the equipment is supplied with
multiple sources of power.
This symbol indicates the presence of a hot surface or compo-
nent.Touching this surface could result in bodily injury.
An RJ-45 receptacle marked with this symbol contains a
Network Interface Connection (NIC).
This symbol indicates the presence of electric shock hazards.
Enclosures marked with these symbols should only be opened by
a Compaq authorized service provider.
ICON MEANING WARNING
This symbol, when used alone or in conjunction with any of the
following icons, indicates the need to consult the operating
instructions provided with the product.
To avoid risk of injury from a hot component,
allow the surface to cool before touching.
To avoid risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the
equipment, do not plug telephone or telecommuni-
cations connectors into this receptacle.
To avoid risk of injury from electric shock, do
not open this enclosure.
A potential risk exists if the operating
instructions are not followed.
Symbols on Equipment
The following table contains safety icons that may appear on Compaq equipment. Refer to this table for an explanation of the icons, and heed
the warnings that accompany them.
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Adjust into Your
Comfort Zone
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 zone.
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IMPORTANT
Some scientists believe that working intensely,
or for a long time in uncomfortable or unnatural
positions, may pose risks, such as those
mentioned in the Warning.
The information
included in this Guide is designed to help you
work more safely by recommending ways to
work more comfortably and effectively.
TIP
Self-check
After reviewing the information in this chapter,
double-check your postures and habits using
Chapter 6, "Self-Check."
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
believe can lead to injury.
Important Choices
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
your body’s position relative to your
keyboard,pointing device,monitor, remote
control, phone, and any reference books
and papers.You may also have some control
over lighting and other factors.
Take Action for Safety
and Comfort
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 recommenda-
tions in this Guide, it is possible to create a
safer, more comfortable,healthful, and
efficient work environment.
PROMOTING ASAFE AND COMFORTABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT
1
1
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1
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 comfort zone, as described in this
Guide, 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.
PROMOTING ASAFE AND COMFORTABLEW ORK ENVIRONMENT
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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. Continually 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.
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.
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Vary Your
Posture
Depending on your
tasks, you may find a
range of seated and
standing postures that
are comfortable.
Within your comfort
zone, change postures
often throughout the
day.
Standing
Upright
Reclined
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2
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.
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 offers a wide range of
adjustments, you might find it comfortable
to switch back and forth between sitting and
standing positions.
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.
Ordering Your Adjustments
The order in which you make various
adjustments to your body position and work
area may vary depending on the adjustability
of your furniture. For tips on how to order
your adjustments, see Chapter 5, “Ordering
Your Adjustments.”
TIPS
That afternoon slump
Pay particular attention to adjusting your
posture in the afternoon when you may
tend to get fatigued.
Everything is connected
When you reposition any one part of your
body, you may need to adjust other parts
as well.
AVOID!
Don't sit in one fixed posture all day.
Avoid slouching forward.
Be sure not to lean back too far.
Standing
Upright
Reclined
FINDINGY OUR COMFORT ZONE
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2
TIPS
Walk
Get up from your desk frequently and take
brief walks.
Leg comfort
Vary your leg positions throughout the day.
AVOID!
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.
WRONG!
Don't dangle your feet
and compress your
thighs.
RIGHT
Rest your feet firmly on
the floor or a footrest.
Feet, Knees, and Legs
Make sure your feet can rest solidly and
comfortably on the floor while sitting. Use
an adjustable worksurface and chair that
allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor, or
use a footrest. If you use a footrest, be sure it
is wide enough to accomodate 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.
FINDINGYOUR COMFORT ZONE
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RIGHT
Distribute your weight
evenly and use the
entire seat and
backrest to support
your body.
WRONG!
Don't slouch forward.
TIP
Adjust often
If your chair is adjustable, experiment with
the adjustments to find numerous comfort-
able positions, then adjust the chair
frequently.
AVOID!
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.
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-
supported. Make sure it feels comfortable in
the position in which you are working.
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2
Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands
aligned in a straight, neutral position,
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'tAnchorYourWrists
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 typing 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.
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands
WRONG!
Don’t rest your palms on
a work surface while
typing.
RIGHT
Hold a straight, neutral
wrist position while
typing.
2
FINDINGYOUR COMFORT ZONE
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TIP
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!
Be sure not to rest your wrists on sharp
edges.
RIGHT
Hold a straight, neutral
wrist position while
typing.
WRONG!
Don’t angle your wrists;
this may cause
unnecessary strain.
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2
RIGHT
Turn your chair to the side
to help determine if your
elbow height is near the
height of your keyboard’s
home row.
TIP
Relax
Remember to relax, particularly in areas
where muscle tension often builds, such as
your shoulders.
Shoulders and Elbows
Adjust your chair height or keyboard height
so that your shoulders are relaxed and your
elbows hang comfortably at your sides.
Adjust your keyboard slope so that 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.
FINDING YOUR COMFORT ZONE
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TIPS
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.
Eye break
Give your eyes frequent rests by focusing
them on a distant point.
Eyes
Working 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 recommendations:
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 Glasses
Keep your display screen and your glasses 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”in Chapter 3.
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BLUR SECTION PHOTO - HOME OFFICE, WOMAN
MODEL, OVERHEAD SHOT, BOOKS, REFERENCE
PAPERS AND PHONE PLACEDWITHIN EASY
REACH, CHAIR WITH ARMRESTS
Positioning
Your
Monitor
You may find a
range of monitor
heights that allows
your head to be
balanced
comfortably over
your shoulders.
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