Using policy of laptop

[Golam Kibria]

Best Practice – The Equipment.

Sitting:

With the use of a laptop computer there will always be a trade off between achieving a comfortable keying position and placing the screen at a viewing distance that is comfortable to the user. Posture is important and the user should not sit forward in a hunched up position for either keying or viewing operations.

Seating should preferably be such that a good position can be achieved which will prevent aches and pains in the small of the back or legs. Wherever possible an adjustable chair should be used such that it will allow the user to sit far enough back so that the lower part of the back is supported by the backrest. Where this is not possible i.e. a non-adjustable chair is being used, then a cushion or pillow can be used to support the back of the user.

Chair height is important and when seated the user’s forearms should be roughly horizontal when the hands are on the keyboard. If using a non-adjustable chair then again, seat height can be varied by the use of cushions.

[Golam Kibria]

Use of the Laptop Keyboard

When using the keyboard the user should avoid any awkward bending of the wrists. Sitting too high or too low will lead to the wrists being in a bent position. Chairs should be positioned so that a neutral keying position is obtained i.e. that the forearms, wrists and hand are in a straight line.

It is important for the user to sit upright as this will reduce stress on the head and the neck. Pushing the keyboard back a little can help in this situation. It is preferable to use the laptop on a desk or table so that with the arms resting on the work surface it should be possible to keep the wrists in a relaxed, neutral position.

[Golam Kibria]

Using a Laptop Mouse

Although laptops come equipped with an integral mouse, for prolonged usage it is best practice to use a separate mouse.

If the laptop mouse is to be used then it is advisable not to screw up the fingers into a claw position or hold them in the air. Hands should be kept flat and the fingers relaxed when using a trackball, glide pad or nipple operated mouse.

The Laptop Screen:

Glare and reflections on a computer screen should be avoided wherever possible.

A laptop should be positioned such that these do not occur.

Where a window is causing reflections then the laptop should be re-positioned.

If there are curtains or blinds to the window these should be used.

The angle of the screen can affect the amount of glare and reflection that can be picked up. A compromise may have to be made between glare, reflections and the most comfortable viewing angle. If a free standing monitor can be used either with or without a docking station then this can be much better.

The laptop screen should be kept clean at all times.