DSE workstation set-up
The following presentation provides you with the basic
principles to set up your workstation.
It’s not comprehensive and if you feel any discomfort
whilst working at your workstation contact your DSE
co-ordinator
Posture
• Head
Centred over Shoulders about an arms
length from the screen with eyes looking
straight ahead or just below horizontal
• Neck
In neutral position without straining
forward or backwards
• Shoulders
Comfortably held down and back
• Back
Upright while maintaining curve of lower
back
Posture
• Elbows
relaxed close to side of body at about 90°
angle
• Wrists
relaxed in a straight position without
resting on a wrist pad or the edge of the
work surface
• Fingers
gently curved downwards
Posture
Incorrect sitting posture
Chair
Backrest
height
adjustable
Backrest
tiltable
Height
adjustable
Non slip surface
360° swivel
Minimum of 5 castors
mounted on wheels
Chair
STAND in front of
the chair. Adjust the
height so that the
seat is
approximately at
knee level.
Posture
• Knees
slightly lower than the hips
• Chair
slanted slightly forward
• Feet
Planted on the floor
Chair
SIT so there is
space between the
front edge of the
chair and the lower
part of the legs just
fits a clenched fist
Chair
• ADJUST so the
back rest supports
the curve in the
lower back
Chair
• TIGHTEN the chair backrest so that it
does not give way with body weight
• USE only chairs with adjustable arms
that do not interfere with the work
Keyboard
Wrong
Right
Wrong
Keyboard
• Researchers believe by keeping your
wrists and hands in line with your
forearms in a straight and neutral
position, you reduce stress and strain
on tendons and muscles. It is best to
avoid the use of wrist pads while
keyboarding.
Keyboard
Wrong
Right
Wrong
Monitor
The monitor should be placed directly in front of you at approximately arms
length and angled slightly backwards.
The top of the screen should be at eye level or just slightly lower.
Natural light should be directed at 90° to the screen.
Mouse
Wrong
Right
Wrong
Mouse
• Researchers believe by keeping your
wrists and hands in line with your
forearms in a straight and neutral
position, you reduce stress and strain
on tendons and muscles.
Mouse
Wrong
Right
Wrong
Mouse
Right
Wrong
• The mouse should be held loosely and should fit
naturally under the palm of the hand. Avoid the use of a
wrist pad.
• The mouse should be positioned at the same height as
the keyboard and directly adjacent, to avoid reaching.
• Avoid holding index finger elevated between clicks.
Work Surface
• Adequate leg room
should be available under
the work surface.
Materials should not be
stored under the work
surface.
• The work surface should
accommodate all required
materials. Items used
infrequently should be
stored elsewhere.
Work Surface
• The height of the work
surface should be adjusted
to the level of the elbows
with arms hanging by the
side.
• If using an un-adjustable
work surface on a
temporary basis: adjust the
chair height as the keyboard.
• If the feet do not rest on the
floor or if excessive pressure
is felt on the back of the legs,
a footrest should be used
Work surface
Rare
Occasional
usual
• Usual Zone: this area should contain only items that are used most
frequently e.g. keyboard, mouse, note pad
• Occasional Zone: this area should contain items that are used
periodically e.g. telephone, calculator, in out tray
• Rare Zone: this area should contain only items that are seldom
used or for display only, e.g. pen/ pencil cup, desk plant, photos,
clock.
Environment
• Lighting direct natural light 90° to
monitor, with an adjustable
window covering to control
intensity and direction of light.
To avoid glare on screen place
monitor directly under fluorescent
lighting. Accessory lighting should
be directed at copy holder text
• Copyholder placed at same
height as monitor on left or right
• Heating/air conditioning vents
air flows should be directed away
from you.
Help and advice
• In the first instance contact your School
or Departmental DSE Co-ordinator or
Line Manager.
• If a query cannot be resolved, contact
the Health and Safety Department on
01273643144 or visit
http://staffcentral.brighton.ac.uk/safety