Sun Lab Ergonomics Guide

What is this document for?

The study of ergonomics has become an increasingly important issue in the field of computer science over the past few years. With the increase in number of Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI), including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is important for one to be aware of what constitutes good ergonomic posture to ensure continued health.

In response to faculty and student concerns and wishes to improve the working space available, the department has invested in several ergonomic improvements throughout the department. Most notably, the Sun Lab has added several ergonomic keyboard trays and new adjustable chairs. This document will cover what things every computer science student should be aware of with regards to good ergonomics, and also describe how to properly use the facilities provided in the Sun Lab.

What general things should I know so I can avoid injuring myself or getting a Repetitive Stress Injury?

As you can see from the name, Repetitive Stress Injuries are caused primarily by the persistent use of a limb or muscle in one position for an over-extended period of time. Although it may sound obvious, the best thing you can do to prevent getting some form of a Repetitive Stress Injury is to take lots of breaks and practice good ergonomics while working.

Another very important thing to remember is that if it hurts, STOP! Don't work through the pain! This will only make things worse. If you start to feel pain at any point, go get help! Either go to Health Services or see a doctor who will be able to give you preventive instruction and help. Working through the pain will only cause you more trouble in the future, and could ultimately require surgery, or even worse, a change in professions.

What is the xwrits program and how do I use it?

Xwrits is a simple program which runs by default in all new accounts. After about half an hour, a small window will appear reminding you to rest your wrists and take a break. If you find that they are appearing too often or are interfering with your work, you can customize the timing so that you can work and rest most effectively.

How do I use these cool chairs?

Every computer in the Sun Lab is equipped with a fully adjustable ergonomic chair. Almost everything can be configured for your own specific size and figure. Below is a quick guide on how to adjust the chair to best suit your body.

Seat Height - To raise the seat, lift the middle lever while no weight is on the seat. The seat will rise to its maximum height until you release the lever. To lower it, sit on the chair and once again raise the middle lever. Your weight should cause the seat to lower. You are at the proper height when your feet are flat on the floor, not dangling, and your legs are bent at your knees at an approximately 90 degree angle.

Seat Tilt and Tension - The seat will release from its locked position when you lift the forward most lever. Lean back in the chair and lower the lever when you had adjusted the tilt to the most comfortable position. To adjust the resistance, first tilt the seat completely forward and lock down the lever. Next, turn the tension adjustment knob under the seat (in the front of the chair) clockwise to add resistance and counter clockwise to reduce it. Do not adjust this knob unless the seat tilt lever is locked.

Backrest Angle - To adjust the backrest angle, lift the third (rearmost) lever on the side of the chair. This will allow the backrest to float into the position you desire. Once the preferred angle is found, release the lever to lock the backrest in position.

Backrest Height - The backrest moves up and down on a support frame located inside the cushion. Using both hands, grasp the base of the backrest and lift slowly. Each click-stop increates the height by 1/2 in. with a range of 2 1/2 in., or five click-stops. When you lift the backrest to the top click-stop it will drop again to the lowest beginning position.

Backrest Firmness and Curvature - Inflate the air pillow in the backrest by pumping the bulb on the back of the chair with your thumb until the curvature has noticably changed. DO NOT PULL THE BULB OUT OF THE CHAIR. This will only damage the pump. After you have inflated the air pillow, sit in the chair and press the button above the bulb to release the air until the backrest is comfortable.

Backrest Depth Adjust - To adjust the distance of the backrest of the chair from the seat, loosen the knob located at the rear of the chair to allow the backrest to slide in and out. This adjustment should not be attempted while seated in the chair. Once the backrest is properly positioned, securely tighten the knob again before sitting in the chair and resting your weight against the backrest.

How do I use the keyboard trays?

Rows 1 and 9 have been equipped with adjustable keyboard trays. Below are directions on how to adjust the keyboard trays to be the correct height and tilt for your body figure.

Tray Position - The tray can be slid forward or backward. Simply hold the tray firmly and gently push the tray forward or pull backward. The tray should slide easily to the desired position.

Mouse Pad Position - The mouse pad can be moved to the left or the right side of the keyboard. Firmly grasp the mouse pad, and slowly pull it toward you so that it begins to turn around the keyboard. You should then be able to slide the mouse pad along the bottom of the keyboard tray, and then push the mouse pad back up so that it is properly positioned on the preferred side of the keyboard tray.

Tray Height - Below the keyboard trays, you will find two adjustable knobs. The first one is larger and extends farther out to the right. This knob adjusts the keyboard tray height. To loosen the tray, push the knob downward and away. Now either lower or raise the tray to the desired height. To tighten the knob and secure the tray's height, pull the knob toward you until you feel it tighten.

Tray Tilt - This is controlled by the second knob. This knob is smaller, and closer to the center of the tray. This knob is adjusted the same as the knob controlling the tray height. However, when this knob is loosened, you can tilt the tray to be at the angle most desired. Then tighten the knob in the same fashion.

Note: Sometimes the knobs will be turned to the point where the tray itself will impede further rotation of the knob. In these situations, you can change the position of the knob without changing the tension by pulling the knob to the right slightly, and rotating the knob either toward or away from you. To resume adjusting the tension, push the knob gently back into place and turn it as usual.

Where can I find more information about Ergonomics and Repetitive Stress Injury?

There are many resources for finding more information about Repetitive Stress Injury. In addition to many books published on the subject, the web contains many documents about RSI, as well as proper ergonomics.

Here are a few URL's where you can get more information:

http://engr-www.unl.edu/ee/eeshop/rsi.html
http://www.users.interport.net/~webdeb/
http://www.amara.com/aboutme/rsi.html

In the graphics lab, there is a video available of a talk given by a RSI Specialist Dr. Weiss. Feel free to check out this video if you wish to find out more information about ergonomics or RSI. To borrow the video, simply email grips@cs.brown.edu and ask them how you can check out a copy.

Page Owner: Student Lab Consultants

Last Modified: Tue Nov 19 19:12:12 2002