CEA Workstation Design & Setup 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When positioning dual monitors, what is the recommended configuration for a user who primarily uses one monitor?
- Place both monitors at equal distance side by side
- Center the primary monitor directly in front and offset the secondary to the side (Correct answer)
- Stack the monitors vertically with primary on top
- Place both monitors at a 45-degree angle
Correct answer: Center the primary monitor directly in front and offset the secondary to the side
The primary monitor should be centered directly in front of the user, with the secondary monitor placed to the side to minimize neck rotation.
Question 2: What is the recommended minimum distance between the edge of a desk and the keyboard to allow forearm support?
- 1-2 inches
- 4-6 inches (Correct answer)
- 8-10 inches
- 12-14 inches
Correct answer: 4-6 inches
A 4-6 inch clearance between the keyboard and desk edge allows the wrists and forearms to rest comfortably on the work surface.
Question 3: A standing desk user experiences lower back fatigue after 30 minutes of standing. Which intervention is MOST appropriate?
- Raise the desk height by 2 inches
- Add an anti-fatigue mat and encourage alternating sitting and standing (Correct answer)
- Switch to a saddle seat
- Install a footrest at standing height
Correct answer: Add an anti-fatigue mat and encourage alternating sitting and standing
An anti-fatigue mat reduces stress on the lower back and feet, and alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day prevents static fatigue.
Question 4: Which keyboard tray angle is recommended to maintain a neutral wrist position during typing?
- Positive tilt (front edge higher than back)
- Flat (zero degrees)
- Negative tilt (back edge higher than front) or flat (Correct answer)
- 45-degree angle
Correct answer: Negative tilt (back edge higher than front) or flat
A negative tilt or flat keyboard position promotes a neutral wrist posture by preventing wrist extension during typing.
Question 5: What monitor brightness setting is recommended to reduce eye strain in a typical office environment?
- Maximum brightness for clarity
- Match the monitor brightness to the surrounding ambient light level (Correct answer)
- Set to minimum brightness to reduce glare
- Use automatic brightness only at night
Correct answer: Match the monitor brightness to the surrounding ambient light level
Matching monitor brightness to ambient light levels reduces the contrast between the screen and environment, minimizing eye strain.
Question 6: For a worker with short stature using a standard-height desk, which adjustment should be made FIRST?
- Raise the chair and add a footrest (Correct answer)
- Lower the desk if adjustable
- Add a keyboard tray
- Use a monitor arm
Correct answer: Raise the chair and add a footrest
Raising the chair to achieve proper elbow height and adding a footrest to support the feet is the primary adjustment for shorter users at a fixed-height desk.
Question 7: What is the recommended maximum weight for a monitor to be safely supported by a standard monitor arm?
- 5 lbs
- 10 lbs
- The weight specified by the monitor arm manufacturer's load rating (Correct answer)
- 20 lbs universally
Correct answer: The weight specified by the monitor arm manufacturer's load rating
Monitor arms have specific load ratings from their manufacturers, and exceeding this rating can cause instability or structural failure.
CEA Workstation Design & Setup 2
When positioning dual monitors, what is the recommended configuration for a user who primarily uses one monitor?