Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
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Health and Safety: Teaching Tools
Workstations

Chair Adjustment

 

Adjust height of chair

 


1.

 


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 chair

 


2.

 


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).
 
 
Adjust the back of the chair

 


3.

 


Adjust the back rest forwards and backwards as well as up and down until it fits into the hollow in your lower back.
 
 
Sit upright

 


4.

 


Sit upright with your arms hanging loosely by your sides. Bend your elbows at about a right angle (90 degrees) and adjust the armrest height until they barely touch the undersides of the elbows. Remove the armrests from the chair if this level cannot be achieved or it armrests, in their lowest adjustment, elevate your elbows even slightly.

Tilt the seat itself forwards or backwards if you prefer.