S-V-1 Video Display Terminal

J. IVERSON RIDDLE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
SAFETY PROCEDURE MANUAL
Subject: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS
S.P.M. _S-V-1___
Page 1 of_3___
Effective Date: __7-1-2002
Supersedes __1-1-94____
PURPOSE:
This requirement is designed to provide Safety and Health Directors with
information about (1) problems of hand and arm pain and other physical
discomforts that may be experienced by video display terminal (VDT) users, (2)
safety with VDTs, and (3) how to meet the requirements of the anticipated OSHA
ergonomics standards. This requirement should be applied with flexibility and
according to the situation.
POLICY:
There are ways to solve, or at least alleviate, most of the problems associated with
VDTs. Solutions include adjusting and controlling the physical environment, the
design of the desk and chair, the placement of the screen and keyboard, the
position of the document and the placement and intensity of office lighting.
Alleviation of health problems utilizes ergonomic principals, which entail the
planning and adapting of equipment, tasks and office procedures to promote
comfort and efficiency of workers. Department Heads and supervisors are
responsible for assessing workstations and employees work practices to insure
compliance with department VDT policy and guidelines as well as employee
training and contacting the Safety and Health Director concerning employee
complaints.
PROCEDURE:
The following VDT workload definitions have been established to provide a basis
for the development and implementations of these guidelines.
1. Heavy VDT workloads shall be defined as those workloads requiring more
than an average of four hours of constant VDT operations per workday.
2. Moderate VDT workloads shall be defined as those workloads requiring
more than an average of two and less than four hours of constant VDT
operations per workday.

J. IVERSON RIDDLE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
SAFETY PROCEDURE MANUAL
Subject: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS
S.P.M. S-V-1_______
Page 2 of_3___
Effective Date: 2-1-2002__
Supersedes: _1-1-94____
Musculoskeletal problems are common to many sedentary jobs. Because the body
is designed for movement, a fixed position is more tiring than a dynamic one. VDT
operator complaints are most often related to the neck, shoulders, back and wrists.
Complaints mentioned less often involve the arms, hands and legs.
In order to provide a workstation which takes ergonomic principles into
consideration, the worker must have flexible equipment which allows each
individual to perform his or her work in a manner which alleviate musculoskeletal
problems. Consequently, the following can be provided to achieve the proper
flexibility in workstation design.
Display screen shall be placed at a height appropriate to and determined by the
operator. The top of the screen shall not higher than the operator eye level and the
bottom of the screen no lower than forty degrees below the operators eye level.
Operator distance from the screen shall be a matter of operator preference.
The keyboard shall be placed so that upper arm can hang vertically and the
forearm/wrist shall be parallel to the floor.
Chairs shall be flexible and easily adjustable and provided with casters to provide
ease or glide without hazard.
Tables should be adjustable when needed for proper screen and keyboard heights
and adequate legroom. Where appropriate, proper screen and keyboards heights
may be accomplished by using pads.
Document holders shall be provided and should be adjustable to the height,
distance and angle of the screen to avoid possible glare and unnecessary operator
movement which can cause neck, shoulder or back aches
Prolonged and continuous use of VDTs affects stress levels, eyestrain, and
musculoskeletal problems. Occasional changes in any work will provide an
opportunity to flex the body, adjust eyes to different sight conditions, and relieve the
tedium or repetitious work.

J. IVERSON RIDDLE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
SAFETY PROCEDURE MANUAL
Subject: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS
S.P.M. _S-V-1______
Page 3 of_3___
Effective Date: _7-1-2002_
Supersedes: _1-1-94____
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Recommends breaks of
fifteen minutes for every hour for jobs that require more than two hours of content
viewing time. Constant rapid muscular action, fixed positions for extended periods
of time, or for jobs that are highly repetitive and boring.
To alleviate eyestrain and musculoskeletal problems, VDT operators need to be
given an opportunity to relax the eyes by looking at distant objects and to move
away from the computer.
All electric cords and cables shall be installed and routed in accordance with
National Electric Codes.
Supervisors shall have the responsibility of ensuring that VDTs and associated
work practices comply with these guidelines. In order to provide proper assistance
to employees with VDT use the supervisor shall contact the Safety and Health
Director for additional information.
Supervisors from each workplace where VDT’s are used should receive awareness
training before they undertake implementation of the guidelines. Physical and
Occupational Therapy and Computer Services are responsible for providing this
training upon supervisor and/or employee request.
_________________________ ___________________________
J. Iverson Riddle, M\D David L. Wise
Facility Director
Safety and Health Director
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Date
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Date