S-V-1 Video Display Terminal
S-V-1 Video Display Terminal
S-V-1 Video Display Terminal
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J. IVERSON RIDDLE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER<br />
SAFETY PROCEDURE MANUAL<br />
Subject: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS<br />
S.P.M. _S-V-1___<br />
Page 1 of_3___<br />
Effective Date: __7-1-2002<br />
Supersedes __1-1-94____<br />
PURPOSE:<br />
This requirement is designed to provide Safety and Health Directors with<br />
information about (1) problems of hand and arm pain and other physical<br />
discomforts that may be experienced by video display terminal (VDT) users, (2)<br />
safety with VDTs, and (3) how to meet the requirements of the anticipated OSHA<br />
ergonomics standards. This requirement should be applied with flexibility and<br />
according to the situation.<br />
POLICY:<br />
There are ways to solve, or at least alleviate, most of the problems associated with<br />
VDTs. Solutions include adjusting and controlling the physical environment, the<br />
design of the desk and chair, the placement of the screen and keyboard, the<br />
position of the document and the placement and intensity of office lighting.<br />
Alleviation of health problems utilizes ergonomic principals, which entail the<br />
planning and adapting of equipment, tasks and office procedures to promote<br />
comfort and efficiency of workers. Department Heads and supervisors are<br />
responsible for assessing workstations and employees work practices to insure<br />
compliance with department VDT policy and guidelines as well as employee<br />
training and contacting the Safety and Health Director concerning employee<br />
complaints.<br />
PROCEDURE:<br />
The following VDT workload definitions have been established to provide a basis<br />
for the development and implementations of these guidelines.<br />
1. Heavy VDT workloads shall be defined as those workloads requiring more<br />
than an average of four hours of constant VDT operations per workday.<br />
2. Moderate VDT workloads shall be defined as those workloads requiring<br />
more than an average of two and less than four hours of constant VDT<br />
operations per workday.
J. IVERSON RIDDLE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER<br />
SAFETY PROCEDURE MANUAL<br />
Subject: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS<br />
S.P.M. S-V-1_______<br />
Page 2 of_3___<br />
Effective Date: 2-1-2002__<br />
Supersedes: _1-1-94____<br />
Musculoskeletal problems are common to many sedentary jobs. Because the body<br />
is designed for movement, a fixed position is more tiring than a dynamic one. VDT<br />
operator complaints are most often related to the neck, shoulders, back and wrists.<br />
Complaints mentioned less often involve the arms, hands and legs.<br />
In order to provide a workstation which takes ergonomic principles into<br />
consideration, the worker must have flexible equipment which allows each<br />
individual to perform his or her work in a manner which alleviate musculoskeletal<br />
problems. Consequently, the following can be provided to achieve the proper<br />
flexibility in workstation design.<br />
<strong>Display</strong> screen shall be placed at a height appropriate to and determined by the<br />
operator. The top of the screen shall not higher than the operator eye level and the<br />
bottom of the screen no lower than forty degrees below the operators eye level.<br />
Operator distance from the screen shall be a matter of operator preference.<br />
The keyboard shall be placed so that upper arm can hang vertically and the<br />
forearm/wrist shall be parallel to the floor.<br />
Chairs shall be flexible and easily adjustable and provided with casters to provide<br />
ease or glide without hazard.<br />
Tables should be adjustable when needed for proper screen and keyboard heights<br />
and adequate legroom. Where appropriate, proper screen and keyboards heights<br />
may be accomplished by using pads.<br />
Document holders shall be provided and should be adjustable to the height,<br />
distance and angle of the screen to avoid possible glare and unnecessary operator<br />
movement which can cause neck, shoulder or back aches<br />
Prolonged and continuous use of VDTs affects stress levels, eyestrain, and<br />
musculoskeletal problems. Occasional changes in any work will provide an<br />
opportunity to flex the body, adjust eyes to different sight conditions, and relieve the<br />
tedium or repetitious work.
J. IVERSON RIDDLE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER<br />
SAFETY PROCEDURE MANUAL<br />
Subject: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS<br />
S.P.M. _S-V-1______<br />
Page 3 of_3___<br />
Effective Date: _7-1-2002_<br />
Supersedes: _1-1-94____<br />
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Recommends breaks of<br />
fifteen minutes for every hour for jobs that require more than two hours of content<br />
viewing time. Constant rapid muscular action, fixed positions for extended periods<br />
of time, or for jobs that are highly repetitive and boring.<br />
To alleviate eyestrain and musculoskeletal problems, VDT operators need to be<br />
given an opportunity to relax the eyes by looking at distant objects and to move<br />
away from the computer.<br />
All electric cords and cables shall be installed and routed in accordance with<br />
National Electric Codes.<br />
Supervisors shall have the responsibility of ensuring that VDTs and associated<br />
work practices comply with these guidelines. In order to provide proper assistance<br />
to employees with VDT use the supervisor shall contact the Safety and Health<br />
Director for additional information.<br />
Supervisors from each workplace where VDT’s are used should receive awareness<br />
training before they undertake implementation of the guidelines. Physical and<br />
Occupational Therapy and Computer Services are responsible for providing this<br />
training upon supervisor and/or employee request.<br />
_________________________ ___________________________<br />
J. Iverson Riddle, M\D David L. Wise<br />
Facility Director<br />
Safety and Health Director<br />
_____________________<br />
Date<br />
_________________________<br />
Date