1. Introduction to Programming
Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
Tingting Han (afternoon), Steve Maybank (evening)
Autumn 2017
Week 2a: Safe Operation of Computing Equipment
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

2. Correct Working Posture
Sit back and move chair
close to the desk. Maintain
contact between your back
and the seat back to support
the inward curve of the
lumbar spine.
Tilt the seat forward 5°-15°
to keep the knees lower
than the hips
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

3. Birkbeck College, U. London
Poor Working Posture
Do not perch on the front
of your seat. Move the
keyboard close to the front
of the desk
Avoid incorrect slouching
in which the pelvis rotates
backwards. The inward
curve in the lumbar spine
is lost and the lumbar discs
are strained
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

4. Birkbeck College, U. London
Correct Slouch
Release the seat and
back of the chair and
lean back supported
by the chair.
Ensure that the hips
are pushed back and
the chair back follows
the lumbar spine.
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

5. Birkbeck College, U. London
Incorrect Slouch
Do not slide the hips
forward as this will
prevent the natural
inward curve of the
lumbar spine.
Keep the angle of the
chair back within 90°
to retain the curve of
the lumbar spine.
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

6. Birkbeck College, U. London
Sitting at a PC
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

7. Birkbeck College, U. London
Lighting
Avoid windows or lights in line with the screen
Avoid reflections from the screen
Sit sideways to windows
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

8. Birkbeck College, U. London
Movement
Avoid sitting in the same position and staring at the screen for long periods
Vary the activity at the desk
Get up and move around every hour or so
14 January 2011
Birkbeck College, U. London

9. Birkbeck College, U. London
Laptops
Poor ergonomics because screen and keyboard are close together
Keep the wrists straight
Avoid rounded shoulders
Place the laptop on a desk, not on the lap
For long term, use a docking station
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London

10. Birkbeck College, U. London
References
College Disability Office
10 October 2017
Birkbeck College, U. London