Work Station Configuration - Computer Workstation Guidelines

Computer Workstation Guidelines

Use this information to lay out computer workstations.

• Design chairs, tables, and displays to have a wide range of adjustment.

• Adjustment controls for the furniture should be conveniently located and designed so that they encourage use.

• If the keyboard support surface is adjustable, it should range in height from 23 to 30 inches.

• If the keyboard height is not adjustable, it should be located between 28 and 30 inches high.

• The keyboard support, in conjunction with the keyboard design, should:

• Tilt the keys between 0 and 15 degrees above the horizontal.
• Be wide enough to accommodate both the keyboard and the mouse travel area.
• Incorporate or provide space for a wrist/palm rest in front of the keyboard.

• The front edge of any work surface should have rounded edges.

• The entire viewing area of the display should be located between 0 and 60 degrees below a horizontal line of sight.

• If the display support is not adjustable, the top of the display should be no higher than the 5^th percentile female eye height. (i.e.. design for the shorter person)

• Standing eye height = 52 to 57 inches from the floor.
• Sitting eye height = 26 to 27 inches from the seat height.

• A minimum viewing distance of 18 inches is recommended.

• For optimum character definition, the face of the display should be nearly perpendicular to the line of sight.

• Document holders should be positioned close to the display.

• Lighting in the range of 20-50 foot-candles, measured on the work area of the work surface, is normally sufficient.  However for tasks not involving hard copy, fewer than 20 foot-candles may be desirable. 

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