INTRODUCTION TO ASYCUDA++
Ó UNCTAD - SITE (V1.15)
1.15
Health and Safety
Introduction
Many countries have adopted laws or guidelines on the minimum health and safety requirements
for work with display screen equipment. Guidelines are in the interests of the health of the
individual, and also in the organisation's interests as regards productivity and costs.
Example guidelines, relating to equipment - its position, location, and use - are given below:
Display Screen
· The characters on the screen will be well-defined and clearly formed, of adequate size and with
adequate spacing between lines and characters;
· The image will be stable, with no flicker;
· The brightness, contrast and screen background will be easily adjustable by the user;
· The screen must able to tilt and swivel easily to suit the user;
· The screen to be free of reflected glare and reflections that could cause discomfort to the user.
Keyboard
· The keyboard shall be able to be tilted and separate from the screen, to allow the user to find a
comfortable position for the hands and arms;
· There will be sufficient space in front of the keyboard to allow support for the hands and arms;
· The keyboard will have a matt surface to avoid glare;
· The keyboard will be arranged in such a way so as to make it easy to use;
· The keyboard will be legible.
Work Surface
· Large enough to be able to locate all equipment and documents necessary;
· The document holder to be adjustable and stable so as to minimise head and eye movements;
· There will be enough space available to allow users to work comfortably.
Work Chair
· The chair will be stable and allow for easy movement.
· The seat will be height adjustable.
· The seat back will be both height and tilt adjustable.
· A footrest will be available if required.
The Office Environment
Apart from the equipment in immediate use (i.e. the computer, chair and desk) the surroundings
within the office are also very important from the point of view of both safety and productivity e.g.
lighting and temperature.