Produce Word Produced Documents

OH & S

Complete the following OH & S checklist based on the Workstation Checklist of the University of Melbourne www.unimelb.edu.au

Part A - Checklist 1

KEYBOARD WORKSTATION ASSESSMENT

INSPECTION CHECKLIST EHS Manual

This checklist is to be used in conjunction with the Environment Health and

Safety Manual Section 8.3 Manual Handling and Ergonomics

User: ___________________________           Inspected by: ___________________________

Department: ______________________         Signature: _______________________________

Area: ___________________________           Date: ______________________________

1. GENERAL LAYOUT

Yes

No

NA

1.1 Is there at least 4 square metres of free floor space in the users’ area?

1.2 Is there adequate desk space provided for the user, and the task? (in open plan offices free floor space should be worked out including aisle and passageways in the direct area only)

2. COMPUTER PLACEMENT

2.1 Is the computer monitor away from direct outside light behind the screen?

2.2 Is the computer monitor at least 1 arms length away from the user?

2.3 Is the top menu bar of the screen at the eye level of the user?

2.4 Is the monitor free from glare and reflections from lights etc?

2.5 Is the contrast and colour of the monitor adjusted to be easy to read? (if the monitor is too high or low, it should be adjusted using a height adjustable monitor stand. The angle can also be adjusted to reduce reflections)

3. KEYBOARD AND MOUSE

3.1 Is the keyboard at a comfortable tilt angle, or flattened for touch typing?

3.2 Is the mouse right beside the keyboard, and at the same level?

3.3 Does the mouse glide easily across the mouse pad? (computer mice should be discarded when the trackball doesn’t glide - they can be replaced with optical mice which have no trackball)

4. WORKSTATION CHAIR

4.1 The height of the chair can be adjusted

4.2 Thighs are parallel to the floor and supported by a footrest where required

4.3 The lumbar support of the backrest is at the lumbar height of the user.

4.4 The backrest is at a comfortable angle to provide support to the user

4.5 If the seat tilt is adjustable, has it been comfortably adjusted for the user? (if the chair is too large or small, a chair that fits the person should be used - chairs should be trialled by the user before they are purchased)

5. WORKSTATION DESK

5.1 Is the desk height adjustable, and is at the correct height for the user?

5.2 Or is the desk between 690– 720m m for average users? (ideally the desk should be adjusted so that the user has both feet on the floor, and can use the keyboard with the forearms at right angles)

6. WORKSTATION ELEMENTS

6.1 Document Holders are used when transcribing from hard copy to computer.

6.2 The telephone is in an easy to reach position, and on the correct side.

6.3 If the user does a great deal of telephone work, is a headset provided? (telephones should be moved to either the left or right hand side, depending on which hand picks up the phone - if the cord is too short, use a longer cord)

7. WORKSTATION ENVIRONMENT

8.1 User is able to set their own time priorities for tasks.

8.2 User is taking breaks for 5 minutes every 25 minutes when computing.

7.1 Noise levels are acceptable, below legislative limits of 85dB(A).

7.2 Lighting is adequate, and where required task lighting has been provided. (if noise and lighting are issues, they should be discussed with the area supervisor. Desk lights are a good way to provide extra light in a dull area)

Part B - Checklist 2

Do you do this every time you sit down at the computer?
yes no

Do you level your eyes with the top of the screen and approximately 60 - 70 cms away from it? (the distance away from the screen will of course vary with the size of the screen)

Do you place typing material on a typing stand just to the side if the screen?

Do you adjust the chair so that your feet are squarely on the floor (or on a foot rest) and the small of your back is supported by the padded back of the chair?

Do you centre the chair in front of the computer and if possible adjust the chair so that your elbows form a right angle when the fingers are over the keyboard?

Do you hold your wrists so that your fingers are sloping down towards the keyboard?

Do you curve your fingers over the keyboard and not rest your wrists on the keyboard?

Do you sit up straight in your chair as you type?

Part C

Take a look at Figure 1, 2 and 3 by clicking on each page to enlarge it. Compare the basics (not everything) of each diagram with your own work area. Then in the space provided, draw some conclusions about the O H & S aspects of your work area.

Figure 1:

Figure 2:

Figure 3:

Reception / Administration Counter Layout Clerical / VDU Workstation

storage of handouts frequently used on counter or underneath.

cable access contained under counter away from leg space.

circulation space behind counter min. of 1000mm.

L shaped clerical/VDU workstation with clear leg

allowance for VDU at apex of every workstation

cabling to VDU and telephone should be long enough to provide optimal layout.

provision of adjustable keyboard shelf is generally not required.

monitor should be within arms length from user.

access to disc drive is under monitor or on floor.

cable management should be clear of floor.

round edges of worktops in pathways

workstation surface 25 or33mm thick.

modesty panel provided under main legs to workstation

provide levellator feet under main legs to workstation.

KEYBOARD WORKSTATION ASSESSMENT INSPECTION CHECKLIST EHS Manual This checklist is to be used in conjunction with the Environment Health and Safety Manual Section 8.3 Manual Handling and Ergonomics
User: ___________________________ Inspected by: ___________________________ Department: ______________________ Signature: _______________________________ Area: ___________________________ Date: ______________________________
1. GENERAL LAYOUT	Yes	No	NA
1.1 Is there at least 4 square metres of free floor space in the users’ area?
1.2 Is there adequate desk space provided for the user, and the task? (in open plan offices free floor space should be worked out including aisle and passageways in the direct area only)
2. COMPUTER PLACEMENT
2.1 Is the computer monitor away from direct outside light behind the screen?
2.2 Is the computer monitor at least 1 arms length away from the user?
2.3 Is the top menu bar of the screen at the eye level of the user?
2.4 Is the monitor free from glare and reflections from lights etc?
2.5 Is the contrast and colour of the monitor adjusted to be easy to read? (if the monitor is too high or low, it should be adjusted using a height adjustable monitor stand. The angle can also be adjusted to reduce reflections)
3. KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
3.1 Is the keyboard at a comfortable tilt angle, or flattened for touch typing?
3.2 Is the mouse right beside the keyboard, and at the same level?
3.3 Does the mouse glide easily across the mouse pad? (computer mice should be discarded when the trackball doesn’t glide - they can be replaced with optical mice which have no trackball)
4. WORKSTATION CHAIR
4.1 The height of the chair can be adjusted
4.2 Thighs are parallel to the floor and supported by a footrest where required
4.3 The lumbar support of the backrest is at the lumbar height of the user.
4.4 The backrest is at a comfortable angle to provide support to the user
4.5 If the seat tilt is adjustable, has it been comfortably adjusted for the user? (if the chair is too large or small, a chair that fits the person should be used - chairs should be trialled by the user before they are purchased)
5. WORKSTATION DESK
5.1 Is the desk height adjustable, and is at the correct height for the user?
5.2 Or is the desk between 690– 720m m for average users? (ideally the desk should be adjusted so that the user has both feet on the floor, and can use the keyboard with the forearms at right angles)
6. WORKSTATION ELEMENTS
6.1 Document Holders are used when transcribing from hard copy to computer.
6.2 The telephone is in an easy to reach position, and on the correct side.
6.3 If the user does a great deal of telephone work, is a headset provided? (telephones should be moved to either the left or right hand side, depending on which hand picks up the phone - if the cord is too short, use a longer cord)
7. WORKSTATION ENVIRONMENT
8.1 User is able to set their own time priorities for tasks.
8.2 User is taking breaks for 5 minutes every 25 minutes when computing.
7.1 Noise levels are acceptable, below legislative limits of 85dB(A).
7.2 Lighting is adequate, and where required task lighting has been provided. (if noise and lighting are issues, they should be discussed with the area supervisor. Desk lights are a good way to provide extra light in a dull area)

Do you do this every time you sit down at the computer?	yes	no
Do you level your eyes with the top of the screen and approximately 60 - 70 cms away from it? (the distance away from the screen will of course vary with the size of the screen)
Do you place typing material on a typing stand just to the side if the screen?
Do you adjust the chair so that your feet are squarely on the floor (or on a foot rest) and the small of your back is supported by the padded back of the chair?
Do you centre the chair in front of the computer and if possible adjust the chair so that your elbows form a right angle when the fingers are over the keyboard?
Do you hold your wrists so that your fingers are sloping down towards the keyboard?
Do you curve your fingers over the keyboard and not rest your wrists on the keyboard?
Do you sit up straight in your chair as you type?

Figure 1:	Figure 2:	Figure 3:
Reception / Administration Counter	Layout	Clerical / VDU Workstation

storage of handouts frequently used on counter or underneath. cable access contained under counter away from leg space. circulation space behind counter min. of 1000mm.	L shaped clerical/VDU workstation with clear leg allowance for VDU at apex of every workstation	cabling to VDU and telephone should be long enough to provide optimal layout. provision of adjustable keyboard shelf is generally not required. monitor should be within arms length from user. access to disc drive is under monitor or on floor. cable management should be clear of floor. round edges of worktops in pathways workstation surface 25 or33mm thick. modesty panel provided under main legs to workstation provide levellator feet under main legs to workstation.