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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
- a seat that does not put pressure on 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 or casters suitable for the type of flooring
- a swivel mechanism
- armrests that can be adjusted to the elbow height when your upper arms are hanging down and your forearms are at about a 90 degree angle to the upper arms
- armrests that do not interfere with free movements within the workstation
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.
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- 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 (your calves) fits a clenched fist (about 2 inches).
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- Adjust the back rest forwards and backwards as well as up and down so that it fits the hollow in your lower back.
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- Sit upright with your arms hanging loosely by your sides. Bend 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 can not be achieved or if armrests, in their lowest adjustment, elevate your elbows even slightly.
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- Tilt the seat itself forwards or backwards if you prefer.
Different office tasks require different equipment, accessories and layouts.
Nonetheless, the chair and its adjustment remain constant for the majority of setups in a typical office environment.
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