Working with VDU's

The Visual Display Unit, (VDU) has now become common place equipment in the workplace, whether in office or factory or even in the home. VDU's are of course common place in this Division and are subject to specific legislation regarding their use. The term VDU refers to any piece of equipment in use which has a display screen which the user looks at and also a keyboard which the user types on to interact with the System or Computer. Since working with a VDU has now become a significant part of our daily life, it is essential that we adopt a careful attitude to the work environment in which this equipment is situated. The Division has sought professional advice on this matter and the following comments are offered to assist users to develop working practices designed to avoid the problem of Repetative Strain Injury.(R.S.I.)

• Adjust your chair and VDU to find the most comfortable position for your work. Your arms should be approximately horizontal when in the typing position and the screen should be approximately at eye level.
• Adjust the chair height and position to give you good lumbar support and minimum pressure on the back of your thighs, a suitable footrest may be necessary to accomplish this.
• Make sure that the space beneath your desk is clear giving you complete freedom of positioning for your feet.
• Take care that you do not remain in the same position for excessive periods of time. You should occasionally lean back and stretch your shoulders, thereby releaving lumbar tension. This has the effect of stretching the pectoral muscles and lifting the rib cage, enhancing lung function.
• At least once an hour you should stand up and leave your VDU, move around a little, normal spinal curves will be re-assumed in the standing position. In addition, by moving about the room or Division, both respiratory and cardiac function will be enhanced, reducing the possibility of mental and physical fatigue.
• Adjust your keyboard and screen to give the best keying and viewing position, there should be a space in front of your keyboard on which to rest your hands.
• Do not bend your hands up at the wrists when keying, good keyboard technique will probably be one of the most valuable assets you could aquire. The use of all fingers distributes the stress on all the tendons of both hands rather than only those servicing the index fingers.
• Try changing from time to time the layout of keyboard, screen and document holder, this will reduce the possibility of you settling into a rigid head and neck position. When changing your layout see that you change the mouse to be operated by the other hand, so that you are not always turning your head and upper back to the same side.
• The screen should be positioned to minimise the effect of glare from lights or windows, use blinds where necessary. You should not be facing directly at a window or bright lights.
• Adjust the brightness of the screen to make the display easily visible.
• If your screen is ``swimming'' or flickering you must report it immediately by mail to faults@dcs.ed.ac.uk