HP D7171A - NetServer - LPr User manual

Working
in
Comfort
To keep up with new
recommendations for
working comfortably and
safely, you also may wish to
regularly consult HPs
Working in Comfort web
site at:
http://www.hp.com/ergo/
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Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice.
Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard
shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance,
or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by
copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the
prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Hewlett-Packard Company
1501 Page Mill Road, M/S 5UE
Palo Alto, California 94304-1213
USA
1997 Hewlett-Packard Company
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Contents
iii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About Repetitive Strain Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What is RSI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What causes RSI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What can I do to avoid RSI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What if I experience discomfort? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Preparing Your Work Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Your Workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Your Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Your Work Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Work Environment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Your Work Posture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Your HP Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Monitor Use Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Document Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Your HP Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mice and Other Input Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Headphones and Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Your HP Notebook Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Preparing Your Mobile Work Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using Your Mobile Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Comfort and Safety Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Overall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Information Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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iv
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Working in Comfort
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Working in Comfort
Introduction
2
Introduction
Thank you for selecting HP computing equipment.
To optimize your comfort and productivity, it is important that you set
up your work area correctly and use your HP equipment properly. With
that in mind, we have developed some set-up and use recommendations
for you to follow based on established ergonomic principles.
Improper and prolonged use of keyboards and input devices are among
those tasks that have been associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI)
to soft tissues in the hands and arms. If you experience discomfort or
pain while using any computing equipment, discontinue use
immediately and consult your physician as soon as possible. For more
information on RSI, you may wish to consult the About Repetitive
Strain Injury section.
Please study the recommendations offered here and consult the
Information Sources listed in this guide. Included there are references
to relevant parts of international standards, regulations and guidelines,
such as ISO 9241 and the European Community Display Screen
Equipment directive. You may also wish to consult your employer's
human resources department or other relevant departments for
guidance specific to your company. For a quick summary of the
recommendations, refer to the Comfort and Safety Checklist.
Note that the recommendations and quoted dimensions in this guide
are designed to accommodate a broad range of people. If you fall
outside this range you may need to adapt the recommendations
accordingly. For example, if you are very tall, your work surface may
need to be higher than indicated in this guide.
Thank you, again, for choosing HP computing equipment.
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Working in Comfort
Introduction
About Repetitive Strain Injury
Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly
recommend that you use HP computing equipment in accordance with
established ergonomic principles and recommendations. Scientific
literature suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to
soft tissuesespecially in the hands and armsand prolonged
improper use of keyboards or other equipment requiring repeated
motions of the hands and forearms. This literature also suggests that
there are many other risk factors that may increase the chance of such
injury, commonly called Repetitive Strain Injury.
What is RSI? Repetitive Strain Injury (RSIalso known as cumulative trauma
disorder or repetitive motion injury) is a type of injury where soft
tissues in the body, such as muscles, nerves, or tendons, become
irritated or inflamed. RSI has been a reported problem for those who
perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking,
sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work. RSI also has
been observed in those who frequently engage in activities such as
carpentry, knitting, housework, gardening, tennis, windsurfing and
lifting children.
What causes RSI? The specific causes of RSI have not been established. Nevertheless, the
incidence of RSI has been associated with a variety of risk factors,
including:
 Too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion.
 Performing an activity in an awkward or unnatural posture.
 Maintaining static posture for prolonged periods.
 Failing to take frequent short breaks.
 Other environmental and psychosocial factors.
In addition, there have been reports associating the occurrence of RSI
with the use of computer keyboards, mice, and other input devices.
Also, certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity
and diabetes, may predispose some people to this type of injury.
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Introduction
4
What can I do to avoid
RSI?
Some people who use computers may experience physical discomfort
during their use. This discomfort may be a symptom of a repetitive
strain injury. Properly setting up and using computing equipment can
help to minimize your chances of experiencing this discomfort. Well-
designed and properly adjusted equipment alone may not be sufficient
to eliminate all potential problems. Maintaining good posture and
positioning when working on computers also has a significant bearing on
your comfort.
What if I experience
discomfort?
If you are experiencing any discomfort, seek professional medical
advice immediately. Typically, the earlier a problem is diagnosed and
treated, the easier it is to resolve.
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5
Working in Comfort
Preparing Your Work Environment
Preparing Your Work Environment
When using HP computing equipment, it's important that your work
environment contribute to your comfort and productivity. To help you
achieve the proper environment, we have developed recommendations
for optimizing your workspace, seating, work surface and lighting
arrangements. You, or both you and your employer, can best determine
your specific needs.
Your Workspace
Sufficient workspace should be available to allow you to set up your
equipment in a convenient, comfortable arrangement.
 The work environment should be as quiet and free of distraction as
possible.
Window
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Working in Comfort
Preparing Your Work Environment
6
 For better eye comfort, you should avoid reflective coverings on the
ceiling, walls and floor as well as excessive contrast between the
screen and its surroundings.
 As with any indoor environment, your workspace should be well
ventilated. If possible, adjust the temperature to whatever is com-
fortable for you. If you can't adjust the temperature, wear appropri-
ate clothing. Try to avoid working close to air-conditioning or heater
vents.
 To prevent muscle stiffness, you must have enough space to move
around and vary your position. Try not to remain in one position for
extended periods of time.
Your Chair
It's very important that your chair provides a comfortable sitting
position and offers the following features:
A stable base, such as five legs with casters. Make sure the
casters are designed for the type of floor you have in your work-
space, whether it is bare or carpeted.
Seat Back Tilt
Seat Back
Height
Seat Pan Tilt
5°-10°
Seat Pan Height
40-52 cm
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Working in Comfort
Preparing Your Work Environment
A height- and tilt-adjustment feature. It should be easy to
adjust your chair height from 40 cm to 52 cm (15.5 inches to 20.5
inches) as measured from the top of the seat pan to the floor. If you
are much taller or shorter than average, you may need a chair that
can be adjusted beyond this range. Adjust your chair so that the
work surface or keyboard tray is at elbow height and your feet are
flat on the floor with your knees slightly bent below your hips. Ide-
ally, the seat pan should be able to tilt both forward (minimum of 5
degrees) and backward (minimum of 10 degrees). If the chair has an
adjustable seat pan, inclining the seat slightly forward will transfer
some of the pressure from the spine to the thighs and feet. This will
relieve pressure on your back.
A curved seat edge. The front of the seat should be curved and
finished in a waterfall edge.
An adjustable back support in both height and forward and back-
ward tilt. It is important that the backrest correctly supports the
lower part, or lumbar curve, of the back.
A freely rotating swivel so you can move easily from side-to-side.
Fully adjustable and padded armrests. The chair arms should
not interfere with adjusting the chair or moving it close to your work
surface.
Your Work Surface
Ideally, you should be able to adjust the height of your work surface.
A simple way to ensure your work surface is at the correct height is to
first adjust the height of the seat-pan of your chair. With your chair
properly adjusted and your feet firmly on the floor, adjust the work
surface height until your forearms are parallel to the floor when you
have your fingers on the keyboard or other input device.
If possible, choose a work surface with cable management capabilities.
This will keep your cables and wires orderly, off the floor and out of your
way.
It's also best to choose a non-reflective work surface to minimize eye
discomfort from reflections and glare.
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Working in Comfort
Preparing Your Work Environment
8
Lighting
Proper lighting can help you avoid eye discomfort. Lighting in your area
should allow easy reading of documents and keyboard legends. If more
light is needed for a particular task, use individual task lighting rather
than increasing the general lighting.
Incoming light should be shielded or diffused to prevent glare and
reflection. In cases where strong sunlight is a problem, curtains,
adjustable shades, anti-glare filters or monitor hoods are possible
solutions.
Work Environment Specifications
 For better eye comfort in your work environment, you should avoid
reflective surface coverings. The ceiling, walls, and floors should
have a medium level of reflectance (approximately 75 percent, 40
percent, and 30 percent, respectively). Try to avoid excessive con-
trast between the screen and its surroundings.
 The work environment should be as quiet and free of distraction as
possible, with background noise below 55 dBA.
 Where possible, relative air humidity should be in the range of 40 to
60 percent.
 The recommendation for room temperature is 19 to 23 degrees C
(66 to 73 degrees F). The workplace should be well ventilated, as
with any indoor environment.
 Recommended work surface space is 160 cm wide by 80 to 90 cm
deep (63 inches by 32 to 36 inches deep), or a corner unit of 91 to
107 cm deep (36 to 42 inches). The recommended vertical adjust-
ment range is 66 to 77 cm (26 to 30 inches). If the height is fixed, it
should be between 72 and 75 cm (28.5 to 29.5 inches).
 There should be at least 6 cm (2 inches) between your thighs and
the work surface. If the surface has a kneehole, it should be at least
58 cm (23 inches) wide, 65 cm (25.5 inches) high, and 60 cm (24
inches) deep.
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Working in Comfort
Preparing Your Work Environment
 Recommended lighting levels are between 300 and 500 lux (30 to 50
foot-candles). Values over 1000 lux (100 foot-candles) are consid-
ered to be too bright. For work on the screen, 300 lux (30 foot-can-
dles) is enough for most work. When documents are to be read, 500
lux (50 foot candles) is recommended.
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Working in Comfort
Your Work Posture
10
Your Work Posture
Sitting in one position for long periods can be uncomfortable. To
minimize the potential for physical discomfort or injury, it's important
that you maintain proper posture.
 Back - While sitting at your work surface, make sure your back is
supported by the chair's backrest in an erect position or angled
slightly backwards.
 Arms - Your arms should be relaxed and loose, elbows close to your
sides, with forearms and hands approximately parallel to the floor.
 Wrists - Your wrists should be as straight as possible while using the
keyboard, mouse or trackball. They should not be bent sideways, or
more than 10 degrees up or down.
 Legs - Your thighs should be horizontal or angled slightly downward.
Your lower legs should be near a right angle to your thighs. Your feet
should rest flat on the floor. If necessary, use a footrest, but double
check that you have your seat height adjusted correctly before get-
ting a footrest.
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11
Working in Comfort
Your Work Posture
 Head - Your head should be upright or tilted slightly forward. Avoid
working with your head or trunk twisted.
 Overall - Change your position frequently and take regular breaks to
avoid fatigue.
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Working in Comfort
Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment
12
Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment
Make sure that all the elements of your HP computer systemmonitor,
document holder, keyboard, mice and other input devices, and
headphones and speakersare optimally arranged and adjusted to
meet your personal requirements. The recommendations that follow
will help you achieve this.
Note that these recommendations apply only to the use of HP desktop
computers or HP notebook computers that are used with a full-size
keyboard, monitor and mouse. Information for setting up and using
your notebook computer in a mobile environment is available in the
Your HP Notebook Computer section of this guide.
Your HP Monitor
It is important that your monitor screen be clean and positioned
correctly to improve readability and help you work comfortably. Glare,
high contrast, reflections, dirt and dust will interfere with what you see
Tilt
Swivel
Monitor
Window
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Working in Comfort
Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment
on the screen. The recommendations that follow can help you achieve
a comfortable arrangement.
 The top of your monitor screen should be at or slightly below eye
level. Most HP monitors come with a tilt-and-swivel feature that
makes it easy to adjust the screen position. If your monitor doesn't
have this feature, consider acquiring an accessory that provides this
capability.
 To avoid obscuring your view, the screen should be positioned per-
pendicular to your line of sight; that is, straight on.
 To avoid glare or reflection, try to position the monitor so the screen
is at a right angle to your window rather than in front of it. If reflec-
tion or glare persists, tilting the screen forward may help. If this
adjustment is not sufficient, it may be necessary to change either
the position of the monitor on your work surface, or the location of
your work surface. If reflection or glare is still a problem, find out
where it is coming from. Common sources of glare are overhead
lights, windows, or reflections from shiny surfaces including pictures
or even bright clothing. See if there is a way to control the source of
the problem (see Lighting). If that doesn't work, try a high quality
anti-glare filter or a screen hood.
 Maintain a comfortable viewing distance to the screen. Most people
prefer a viewing distance of approximately 46 to 76 cm (18 to 30
inches), depending on monitor size. Character size and the amount
of space available on the work surface can affect this distance.
 Text should be easy to read. To help ease eyestrain, adjust text
attributes such as character size, spacing, and color. In addition, you
will need to use the controls provided with your monitor to adjust
the visual settings so that contrast and brightness levels are com-
fortable for you. High contrast and low brightness is usually the pref-
erable combination. Note: The ISO 9241 and ANSI/HFS 100-1988
standards give technical recommendations on how to achieve good
readability.
 The monitor should be free from flicker. If the image on your screen
is not stable, the monitor may require repair or adjustment.
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Working in Comfort
Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment
14
 When possible, use a program that has a simple user interface, such
as easily identifiable icons and pull-down menus. Also, screen infor-
mation should be displayed in a structured and well-organized way.
Monitor Use Specifica-
tions
 When viewing your monitor, your head should not be tilted more
than 15 degrees forward.
 Optimum readability for monitor use is generally considered to be 21
minutes of arc. This corresponds to a character size of 3.7 mm (0.15
inches) at a viewing distance of 60 cm (24 inches).
 You should not have to look up more than 5 degrees above horizon-
tal or down more than 30 degrees below horizontal for normal work
tasks, such as typing or reading.
Document Holders
When keying in data from a hard-copy document, placing it in a
document holder rather than on a flat surface will make it easier to read.
The following recommendations should be observed when using a
document holder:
 The document holder should be at approximately the same height
and distance from your eyes as the screen, and as close to the moni-
tor as possible to prevent neck twisting. Some users prefer a docu-
ment holder mounted to the monitor while others prefer the
document holder positioned between the screen and keyboard.
 If the primary task is to view documents rather than using the moni-
tor, the document holder may be placed directly in front of the key-
board with the monitor slightly to the side.
 To help reduce stress on your neck and prevent eye fatigue, try to
minimize the movement of your head and eyes while using a docu-
ment holder.
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15
Working in Comfort
Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment
Your HP Keyboard
The proper positioning and use of your HP keyboard is important when
using HP computing equipment. Be sure to observe the following
recommendations to optimize your comfort and safety:
 We recommend you place your keyboard in front of the screen or
document holder, whichever is viewed the most. Your HP keyboard
has long cables so you can place it in the position that is most com-
fortable for you while you are using your system.
 Because HP keyboards vary in depth, you'll want to be sure that
your work surface or keyboard tray has sufficient room to accommo-
date your model. The keyboard tray should be wide enough to hold
both the keyboard and mouse or trackball: 66 to 71 cm (26 to 28
inches).
 Your HP keyboard may have a kickstand that can be opened or
closed to raise or lower the keyboard angle. If you are in the correct
sitting position with your elbows at about the same level as the work
surface, you may not need to use it. However, if your elbows are
below the work surface, you may wish to use the kickstand to raise
the back of the keyboard.
Keyboard Height
64-76cm
Thigh
Clearance
≥6cm
Keyboard
Slope
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Working in Comfort
Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment
16
 An adjustable keyboard tray may be useful if you cannot adjust your
chair or work surface to the proper height for typing. It should
adjust in height from 64 to 76 cm (25 to 30 inches) above the floor
and tilt forward and backward to help you find the most comfortable
position. Note that research has shown that there may be less mus-
cle tension in shoulders and forearms with the keyboard tilted away
from you.
 When using your HP keyboard, remember it takes very little pres-
sure or force from your fingers to activate the keys. Improper typing
stylethe use of too much forcecan place unnecessary stress on
the tendons and muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms.
 Make sure that your hands are in a neutral position when you use
your keyboard. This means that your forearms, wrists, and hands
should be in a straight line.
 The keyboard has a low profile to help prevent excessive bending of
your wrists while typing. Literature suggests that you should not
bend your wrists sideways or more than 10 degrees up or down.
Keep your wrists straight by moving your entire hand and forearm
over to use the function keys or numeric keypad.
 You may use a palm rest to help keep your hands and wrists in a
comfortable and neutral position when you are not typing. Some HP
keyboards come with an integrated palm rest. If you use a palm rest,
see that it is rounded and padded, and flush in height with the front
edge of the keyboard. Note that your palmsnot your wrists
should rest on the palm rest. If you don't have a palm rest, try not to
rest your wrists on a sharp edge, such as a work surface edge.
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