Correct keyboard position

• Ensure the keyboard is placed directly in front of the seated position. This prevents the need to twist the hips, shoulder and neck.   Straight arms prevent nerves and muscles from being restricted.
• Provide a minimum space in front of the keyboard to rest palms when not typing.  This allows the muscles in the hands and arms to relax.  A wrist rest may be appropriate but should not be rested upon whilst typing.
• Ensure the user sits close to the desk and removes all items between them and the keyboard.
• Don’t automatically deploy the keyboard’s rear feet – these are only required when arm is positioned below desk height.
• Keep elbows tucked in. If elbows are away from the body it causes a static load in the shoulders and upper arms, which can lead to aching in the upper back, shoulders and neck.
• Adjust chair height so that when fingers are placed on the middle row of the keyboard the forearms and arms are horizontal with elbows positioned vertically under your shoulders and no angle at the wrist.

Using the Keyboard Correctly

1. Warm up fingers, hands and arms before using the keyboard.
2. Use a soft touch while typing.
3. Move hands to reach outer keys on the keyboard if you are a touch typist.
4. Use other fingers especially when noticing any discomfort occurring.
5. Move keyboard closer to the body if stretching to use the keyboard.
6. Rest arms while not typing but ensure pressure is not placed on the soft inner part of the wrist where you would normally take your pulse on the wrist rest or on the edge of the table.
7. Keep your wrists straight and try not to bend them upwards when typing
8. Use ‘rest break software ‘ to ensure adequate breaks throughout the day
9. Keep your wrists straight, don’t bend them upwards, downwards, and sideways
10. Vary the fingers you use if you not a touch typist.  This spreads the load preventing excessive strain on one or two fingers.
11. Avoid having documents between you and the keyboard.  This encourage stretching of the wrists and arms
12. Keep your keyboard parallel to the edge of the desk when using it.