Main Rules of Seating Ergonomics
What should I consider when selecting a chair?
A basic rule of ergonomics is that there is no such thing as an "average" person. However, providing a chair specifically designed for each individual is not practical. The only solution is to provide workers with fully adjustable chairs that can accommodate a maximum range of people (typically around 90 percent of the population; workers falling in the ranges of 5% of the shortest and the tallest will need custom-made chairs).
Choose a chair with:
· 
controls that are easy to operate from sitting position
· a seat that adjusts for both height and tilt (нахил)
· a seat that does not put pressure the back of thighs or knees
· a seat with a front edge that curves towards the floor
· breathable, non-slippery fabric on the seat
· a backrest shaped to support the lower back
· a stable five-point base
· wheels suitable for the type of flooring
· a swivel mechanism (шарнірне з’єднання механізмів)
· armrests (підлокітник) that can be adjusted to the elbow height when your upper arms are hanging down and your forearms(передпліччя) are at about a 90 degree angle to the upper arms
· armrests that do not interfere with free movements within the workstation
What is so controversial (дискусійне питання) about armrests?
Armrests are traditionally not recommended because they can prevent the users from getting close to the desk. However, now there are armrests that extend 25 cm (10 inches), or less, from the back of seat. People using chairs fitted with these shorter armrests can move their chairs closer to their workstations. The armrests give them a place to rest their arms which, in turn, takes some of the load off their 
shoulders and neck.
How do I adjust a chair for my height?
· 
Stand in front of the chair. Adjust the height so the highest point of the seat, (when in the horizontal position), is just below the knee cap.
Sit on the chair and keep your feet flat on the floor.
· Check that the clearance between the front edge of the seat and the lower part of the legs fits about 2 inches.
· Sit upright with your arms hanging loosely by your sides. Bend (згинати) your elbows at about a right angle (90 degrees) and adjust the armrest(s) height until they barely touch the undersides of the elbows.
· Remove the armrests from the chair if this level cannot be achieved or if armrests, in their lowest adjustment, elevate your elbows even slightly.
· Tilt the seat itself forwards or backwards if you prefer.
Read the text and study the pictures given below. Make the advertisement of the chairs of your firm using the information from the task 5.
Reaction
Ideal for the office, study or lounge reading corner, Reaction is at ease wherever there is the need for an ergonomic chair, without compromising on style. Elegant in terms of both materials and design, it provides perfect support for the back, following the natural movements of the body.
Reaction combines the virtues of an ergonomic operator’s chair with a particularly elegant look. The backrest structure consists of a special chromium-plated aluminium casting and comes in the version with or without armrests. Ideal for anyone who has to sit for long periods. The upholstery(оббивка) is made of soft leather.
You may use the following phrases:
a) armrests and seats in order to prevent RSI (repetitive strain injuries)
b) Modern chairs are constructed to be able to fit the individual
c) this is where a good chair will pay dividends
d) An ergonomic chair will correctly transfer the weight throughout the chair via armrests the seat and its back.
e) This correct transfer of weight through the chair is the key to good design and a major factor in reducing back pain.
f) can become pressured and can cause pain and discomfort if not seated correctly over time.
g) Reducing lower back pressures is key to the good ergonomic design of seating.
7. Single out the main points of the theme. Use the following opening phrases:
The theme looks at (the problem of…)
The theme deals with the issue of..
It is clear from the theme that…
Among other things the theme raises the issue of…
The problem of…is of great importance
One of the main points to be singled out is
Great importance is also attached to…
In this connection, I’d like to say…
It further says that…
I find the question of…very important because…
We shouldn’t forget that…
I think that…should be mentioned here as a very important…mechanism of….
TEST YOURSELF
1. Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace environment…..
a) to fit the user b) to fit the consumer needs c) to fit everybody’s desire d) to fit
the rules
2. Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals…..
a) of the consumer needs and health b) of desire and productivity c) of health and productivity d) of convenience and disability
3. It is concerned with human anatomical, and some of the anthropometric, physiological and bio mechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity.
a) cognitive ergonomics b) organizational ergonomics c) ergonomics d) physical ergonomics
4. It is concerned with the optimization of socio technical systems.
a) cognitive ergonomics b) organizational ergonomics c) ergonomics d) physical ergonomics
5. It is concerned with mental processes as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.
a) cognitive ergonomics b) organizational ergonomics c) ergonomics d) physical ergonomics
6. It is responding to an issue that needs fixing and has already caused problems.
a) cognitive ergonomics b) organizational ergonomics c)proactive ergonomics
d) reactive ergonomics
7. It is to actively seek out potential problems before they happen.
a) cognitive ergonomics b) organizational ergonomics c) proactive ergonomics
d) reactive ergonomics
8. It is a branch of ergonomics that deals with the mental ergonomic aspects.
a) cognitive ergonomics b) organizational ergonomics c) proactive ergonomics
d) reactive ergonomics
9. The object of ergonomics is….
a) to indicate the range of applications for ergonomics
b) to improve the efficiency of operation by taking into account health and productivity c) to treat pressure-related chronic pain d) to provide workers with fully adjustable chairs
10. Physical ergonomics is important in…..
a) the medical field b) transportation field c) product design d) nuclear and virtual environments
For Fun
