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Safety & Comfort Guide

Also available at 

www.hp.com/ergo

Document Part Number: 297660-002

This guide describes proper workstation setup, posture, and 
health and work habits for computer users. In addition, this 
guide contains electrical and mechanical safety information 
applicable to all HP products.

Summary of Contents for Pavilion XT545

Page 1: ...com ergo Document Part Number 297660 002 This guide describes proper workstation setup posture and health and work habits for computer users In addition this guide contains electrical and mechanical safety information applicable to all HP products ...

Page 2: ... warranties for HP products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements accompanying such products Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright No part of this document may be photocopied reproduced or translated to another language without the prior written consent of Hewlett Pa...

Page 3: ...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 discomfo...

Page 4: ...iv Safety Comfort Guide Warning ...

Page 5: ... Pointing Device 3 4 Arm Supports and Palm Rest 3 6 Papers and Books 3 8 Phone 3 9 4 Working in Comfort Using a Notebook Computer 4 2 Typing Style 4 3 Pointing Style 4 4 Using a Keyboard on a Sofa or Bed 4 5 Taking Breaks and Varying Your Tasks 4 6 Monitoring Your Health Habits and Exercise 4 7 5 Organizing Your Adjustments From the Ground Up 5 1 From the Top Down 5 1 6 Your Safety Comfort Checkli...

Page 6: ... for HP Products 7 3 Precautions for Portable Computer Products 7 6 Precautions for Server and Network Products 7 7 Precautions for Products with Hot Pluggable Power Supplies 7 9 Precautions for Products with External Television Antenna Connectors 7 9 Precautions for Products with Modems Telecommunications or Local Area Network Options 7 11 Precautions for Products with Laser Devices 7 11 Symbols ...

Page 7: ...r you are an adult sharing a computer at work or a student sharing a computer at school or at home each time you sit down adjust the environment to your needs Adjust the tilt of your monitor use a box as a footrest a blanket on the seat to raise your chair height whatever you need to adjust into your comfort zone ...

Page 8: ...whether we work efficiently and in a manner that promotes good health and safety By considering acting on and periodically reevaluating the recommendations in this Guide it is possible to create a safer more comfortable healthful and efficient work environment Students and Teachers The recommendations in this Guide apply to students of all ages Learning to adjust your work area and finding your co...

Page 9: ... 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 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 shrugg...

Page 10: ...ny tension discomfort or pain you may feel and take immediate action to relieve it REMEMBER Exercise regularly and maintain general fitness this will help your body withstand the rigors of sedentary work Respect any medical conditions you may have or other known health factors Adjust your work habits to accommodate them ...

Page 11: ...DING YOUR COMFORT ZONE Vary Your Posture Depending on your tasks you may find a range of sitting and standing postures that are comfortable Within your comfort zone change postures often throughout the day Reclined Upright Standing ...

Page 12: ...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 slightly reclined posture most comfortable for computer tasks and a more upright posture more comfortable for tasks req...

Page 13: ...ace 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 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 ...

Page 14: ...able Always make sure your lower back is well supported Make sure it feels comfortable in the position in which you are working TIP Adjust often If your chair is adjustable experiment with the adjustments to find numerous comfortable positions then adjust the chair frequently AVOID If you get a new adjustable chair or if you share a chair with someone else do not assume the settings are properly s...

Page 15: ... your elbows in a zone that is near the height of your keyboard s home row the row that includes the letter L Some find it most comfortable to position their elbows slightly above the height of the home row and to set the keyboard slope to the lowest most flat position TIP Relax Remember to relax particularly in areas where muscle tension often builds such as your neck and shoulders RIGHT Turn you...

Page 16: ... Wrists 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 and hold your wrists and fingers back It can also apply pressure to the underside of your wrists A palm rest is designed to provide support during pauses when you are not typing such as wh...

Page 17: ...mation in this section regarding comfortable neutral forearm wrist and hand positions applies to users of handhelds as well whether you are typing with a stylus or thumb keyboard RIGHT Maintain a comfortable neutral wrist position WRONG Do not bend your wrists markedly inward ...

Page 18: ...ately corrected have your eyes examined regularly by a vision care specialist If you wear bifocals trifocals or progressive addition lenses you may find that you need to assume an awkward posture to use your glasses at the computer Mention this to your vision specialist and consider having glasses prescribed that are specifically suited for working with a computer monitor For more information refe...

Page 19: ...Safety Comfort Guide 3 1 3 ARRANGING YOUR WORK AREA Positioning Your Monitor You may find a range of monitor heights that allows your head to be balanced comfortably over your shoulders ...

Page 20: ...ter designs allow you to place the monitor on top of the system unit If this places the monitor too high you may want to move the the monitor to the desktop On the other hand if the monitor sits on your work surface and you feel any discomfort in your neck or upper back the monitor may be too low In that case try using a block book or monitor stand to raise the monitor Tilting the Monitor Tilt the...

Page 21: ...e your monitor to a place where glare and bright reflections are eliminated Turn off or reduce ceiling lights and use task lighting one or more adjustable lamps to illuminate your work If you cannot control the ceiling lights try positioning your monitor between rows of lights instead of directly beneath a row of lights Attach a glare reduction filter to your monitor Place a visor on your monitor ...

Page 22: ... Mouse and Keyboard When using a mouse or detached trackball position the device immediately to the right or left of your keyboard and close to the keyboard s front edge Avoid positioning the device too far from the side of the keyboard or towards the keyboard s back edge since these positions may cause you to markedly bend your wrists out to the sides or reach too far refer to Chapter 4 in the se...

Page 23: ...kball Otherwise you will probably place the mouse on your desktop higher and farther away than the keyboard This will lead you to stretch forward repeatedly and uncomfortably to reach the mouse RIGHT Position your pointing device immediately to the side of your keyboard and close to the keyboard s front edge WRONG Do not position your keyboard and pointing device at different levels and distances ...

Page 24: ...lbows your elbows are extended out to your sides your wrists forearms or elbows are anchored and fixed while typing or your wrists are markedly bent Another option is to use forearm supports only when pausing allowing your forearms and hands to float freely while typing and pointing In this case the support is properly adjusted when it is slightly below your forearm typing position but close and a...

Page 25: ... free to move and not anchored or resting on a palm rest the work surface or your thighs Resting your palms while typing may be harmful because it can cause you to bend and hold your wrists and fingers back It can also apply pressure to the underside of your wrists Refer to Chapter 2 in the section Forearms Wrists and Hands TIP For pauses only Palm rests should only be used during pauses when you ...

Page 26: ... stress occurs you may want to consider a different type of work setup Using a Document Holder If you use a document holder position it near the monitor at the same distance height and angle as the monitor Positioning the holder in this way can increase your neck comfort as you refer back and forth between your papers and the display screen by helping you keep your head balanced over your shoulder...

Page 27: ...e phone within easy reach TIP Talking comfort Keep your head balanced comfortably over your shoulders when talking on the phone especially for long periods of time AVOID Avoid using an attachment for the phone receiver a rubber or foam shoulder rest or shoulder cradle if it requires you to bend your neck to the side to cradle your phone between your ear and shoulder especially for long phone calls...

Page 28: ...3 10 Safety Comfort Guide Arranging Your Work Area ...

Page 29: ...Safety Comfort Guide 4 1 4 WORKING IN COMFORT On the Road In a hotel room use a blanket for padding your chair and a rolled towel as an inventive way to support your lower back area ...

Page 30: ... your computer to elevate the display while using a separate keyboard and pointing device Provide arm supports if you are working on a couch or bed Provide padding wherever needed Transporting the Computer If you load up your carrying case with accessories and papers avoid shoulder strain by using a cart or a carrying case with built in wheels TIPS Notebook comfort When you must work where proper ...

Page 31: ...instead of contorting your hand and fingers to reach both keys TIPS Keep it light If your typing is on the heavy side teach yourself to lighten up Press the keys more gently Hunt and peck typing Non touch typing causes the neck to bend forward Learn how to touch type so you do not need to look down at the keyboard as often AVOID Avoid banging on the keys or using more force than the keys require R...

Page 32: ...icult Remember to clean your mouse or trackball frequently An optical mouse or trackball has no moving parts on the underside so it may not require cleaning as frequently TIPS Pointing comfort When using a mouse trackball or other pointing device hold it loosely and click the buttons using a light touch Keep your hand and fingers relaxed at all times whether actively using or merely placing your h...

Page 33: ...hands in their neutral comfort zone Avoid markedly bending your wrists up down in or out to the sides especially frequently or for long periods of time TIP Back comfort On a sofa chair or bed it is especially important to support your whole back Be inventive and use blankets towels or pillows AVOID When using a notebook computer on a bed or sofa avoid reclining too far or slouching forward over yo...

Page 34: ...r performing the same activities continuously for several hours using your hands arms shoulders neck or back For example for variety print out your work to proofread rather than proofing from your monitor Reduce Sources of Stress Take an inventory of things at work that are stressful to you If you perceive that your physical or psychological health is being affected take time to evaluate what chan...

Page 35: ...uries traumas and musculoskeletal disorders Excessive weight Stress Smoking Pregnancy menopause and other conditions affecting hormone levels and water retention Advancing age Monitoring Personal Tolerance Levels and Limits Different users of computers have different levels of tolerance for intensive work over a long period Monitor your personal tolerance levels and avoid regularly exceeding them ...

Page 36: ...4 8 Safety Comfort Guide Working in Comfort ...

Page 37: ...ion 5 Pointing device should be placed to the immediate left or right of your keyboard 6 Optional forearm support shoulders should be relaxed and forearms evenly supported 7 Monitor distance height and angle should allow your head to be balanced comfortably over your shoulders 8 Document holder phone and reference materials frequently used items should be within easy reach From the Top Down 1 Seat...

Page 38: ...5 2 Safety Comfort Guide Organizing Your Adjustments ...

Page 39: ...hands wrists and forearms in their neutral comfort zone If you use arm supports are they adjusted so that your shoulders are relaxed and your wrists are in a comfortable neutral position Are your elbows in a zone that is near the height of your keyboard s home row Do you avoid resting your hands and wrists while typing or pointing Do you avoid resting your hands and wrists on sharp edges Do you av...

Page 40: ...e you considered having glasses prescribed that are specially suited for working with a computer monitor to avoid awkward postures Typing Style Are you training yourself to lighten up when you find you are pounding on the keys If you are not a touch typist have you been taking typing lessons Are you training your fingers to relax when you find them tense including those not touching the keys and p...

Page 41: ...ing it Are you using a light touch when you click the buttons on your pointing device mouse trackball touchpad or pointing stick Are you cleaning your mouse or trackball frequently Monitor Is your monitor positioned in front of you and at a comfortable viewing distance about arm s length Or if you look at a paper document more than your monitor is your document holder in front of you with your mon...

Page 42: ...s have you tried lifting your notebook computer with a block or book and using an external keyboard and pointing device General Prevention Do you take breaks and walk around briefly at least once per hour Do you exercise regularly Periodically do you take inventory of the stress in your life and change what is within your control to change If you experience any symptoms that you think may relate t...

Page 43: ... and create a safer computer work environment This chapter provides information on the following topics Product safety policy Product installation requirements General safety precautions for all HP products If you have a serious concern regarding the safe use of your equipment that your HP authorized service provider cannot address call HP Customer Support for your area Product Safety Policy and G...

Page 44: ...es Installation Requirements HP products operate safely when used according to their marked electrical ratings and product usage instructions They should always be used in accordance with the requirements of local and regional building and wiring codes intended for the safe use of IT equipment IMPORTANT HP products are intended for use in dry or sheltered environments unless otherwise stated in th...

Page 45: ...e noticeable signs of overheating The product does not operate normally when you follow the operating instructions Servicing Except as explained elsewhere in the HP documentation do not service any HP product yourself Opening or removing covers that are marked with warning symbols or labels may expose you to electric shock Service needed on components inside these compartments should be done by an...

Page 46: ...wer Sources The product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the product s electrical ratings label If you have questions about the type of power source to use contact your HP authorized service provider or local power company For a product that operates from battery power or other power sources the operating instructions are included with the product Accessibility Be...

Page 47: ... power cord to use contact your HP authorized service provider Protective Attachment Plug In some countries the product cord set may be equipped with a wall plug having overload protection This is a safety feature If the plug needs to be replaced be sure the HP authorized service provider uses a replacement plug specified by the manufacturer as having the same overload protection as the original p...

Page 48: ...etion of any service or repairs to the product have your HP authorized service provider perform any safety checks required by the repair procedure or by local codes to determine that the product is in proper operating condition Options and Upgrades Use only the options and upgrades recommended by HP Hot Surfaces Allow the equipment s internal components and hot pluggable drives to cool before touc...

Page 49: ...ilure to observe these precautions could result in fire bodily injury and damage to the equipment Safety Interlocks and Enclosures To prevent access to areas containing hazardous energy levels some servers are provided with safety interlocks that disable the power supply when the enclosure cover is removed For servers provided with safety interlocks observe the following precautions Do not remove ...

Page 50: ...k be sure the leveling jacks feet extend to the floor and that the full weight of the rack rests on the floor Also install stabilizing feet on a single rack or join multiple racks together before starting work Always load the rack from the bottom up and load the heaviest item in the rack first This makes the rack bottom heavy and helps prevent the rack from becoming unstable Ensure that the rack i...

Page 51: ...autions could result in fire bodily injury and damage to the equipment Compatibility HP television tuner cards with antenna connections should be used only with HP personal computers that are intended for home use External Television Antenna Grounding If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product be sure the antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to protect against vo...

Page 52: ... lines or circuits as contact with them could be fatal Antenna Grounding This reminder is provided to call the CATV cable television system installer s attention to Section 820 40 of the NEC National Electrical Code which provides guidelines for proper grounding and in particular specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cab...

Page 53: ...s or touching an uninsulated modem jack Do not use a telephone line to report a gas leak while you are in the vicinity of the leak If this product was not provided with a telephone line cord use only No 26 AWG or larger telecommunication line cord in order to reduce the risk of fire Precautions for Products with Laser Devices All HP systems equipped with a laser device comply with safety standards...

Page 54: ...Compliance with International Regulations All HP systems equipped with a laser device comply with appropriate safety standards including IEC 60825 and IEC 60950 Laser Product Label The following label or equivalent is located on the surface of your laser device This label indicates that the product is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT Å WARNING Do not operate controls make adjustments or perfo...

Page 55: ...electric shock fire or damage to the equipment do not plug telephone or telecommunications connectors into this receptacle This symbol indicates the presence of a hot surface or component Touching this surface could result in bodily injury WARNING To reduce the risk of injury from a hot component allow the surface to cool before touching This symbol indicates that the equipment is supplied by mult...

Page 56: ...ing crushing or other bodily injury WARNING To avoid risk of bodily injury keep away from moving parts This symbol indicates the presence of a potential tip over hazard that can result in bodily injury WARNING To avoid risk of bodily injury follow all instructions for maintaining stability of the equipment during transport installation and maintenance ...

Page 57: ...FES P O Box 1369 Santa Monica CA 90406 1369 http hfes org International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 3 rue de Varembé P O Box 131 CH 1211 GENEVA 20 Switzerland http www iec ch International Organization for Standardization ISO Central Secretariat 1 rue de Varembé Case postale 56 CH 1211 Genève 20 Switzerland http www iso ch National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH NIOSH Publi...

Page 58: ...nal Safety and Health Administration OSHA Publications Office U S Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave NW Room N3101 Washington DC 20210 http www osha gov TCO Development Linnégatan 14 SE 114 94 Stockholm Sweden http www tcodevelopment com ...

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