OFFICE CHAIRS

Traditionally there has been a distinction made between
clerical chairs and Management/Executive chairs.
The difference is becoming less valid as more and
more executives use computers.
The adjustments considered essential by ergonomists
on a clerical office chair are:

  • Height
  • Backrest angle and seat depth
  • Lumbar support height
  • Adjustable armrests - desirable
  • Forward tilt - desirable.

Armrests on chairs are generally not recommended for people doing a large quantity of typing. The armrests generally restrict how far the chair can move in under the desk and may be too high for some users. However, armrests can help less mobile people push themselves out of the seat. Also, armrests can be used to change posture for managerial, professional and executive staff that spend less time on keying tasks but long periods sitting.

Castors on chairs on hard surfaces are unsafe.
The chair can move too freely. Glides or soft castors are recommended on hard surfaces
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEAT, FLOOR AND DESK

The relationship between the three surfaces: work surface, seat pan and floor, is important. To accommodate a range of people doing a range of tasks the seat pan, as well as one of the other two surfaces, has to be adjustable in height. This means we need adjustable height work
surfaces or footrests. Adjustable height work surfaces are preferred. Footrests act as a false floor.

If the desk surface is fixed in height then it needs to be high enough for long lower legs. The chair then needs to be able to be adjusted sufficiently high for the small person to sit with their arms appropriately positioned. Footrests will need to be provided to any person who cannot place their feet on the floor when the chair is adjusted for the task - generally the shorter people.		  

 
   
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