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
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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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