Agilent Technologies B1500A User Manual page 16

Working in Comfort
To optimize your comfort and productivity, it is important that you set up your work area
correctly and use your instrument properly. With that in mind, we have developed some
set-up and use recommendations for you to follow based on established ergonomic
principles. Improper and prolonged use of keyboards and input devices are among
those tasks that have been associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI) to soft tissues
in the hands and arms. If you experience discomfort or pain while using the instrument,
discontinue use immediately and consult your physician as soon as possible. For more
information on RSI you may wish to consult the About Repetitive Strain Injury section.
Please study the recommendations described below. Included there are references to
relevant parts of international standards, regulations and guidelines, such as ISO 9241
and the European Community Display Screen Equipment directive. You may also wish
to consult your employer's human resources department or other relevant departments
for guidance specific to your company.
About Repetitive Strain Injury
Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly recommend
that you use the instrument in accordance with established ergonomic principles and
recommendations. Scientific literature suggests that there may be a relationship
between injury to soft tissues -especially in the hands and arms- and prolonged
improper use of keyboards or other equipment requiring repeated motions of the
hands and forearms. This literature also suggests that there are many other risk
factors that may increase the chance of such injury, commonly called Repetitive Strain
Injury.
What is RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI -also known as cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive
motion injury) is a type of injury where soft tissues in the body, such as muscles,
nerves, or tendons, become irritated or inflamed. RSI has been a reported problem for
those who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking, sewing,
playing musical instruments, and computer work. RSI also has been observed in those
who frequently engage in activities such as carpentry, knitting, housework, gardening,
tennis, windsurfing and lifting children.
What causes RSI?
The specific causes of RSI have not been established. Nevertheless, the incidence of
RSI has been associated with a variety of risk factors, including:
• Too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion.