Section 1. General

The provisions of this Agreement apply to Video Display Terminals (VDTS) and VDT users using their VDTs as a routine part of their duties. "Video Display Terminals" refers to a word processor or computer terminal which displays information on a television like screen (cathode ray tube).

Section 2. Policy

The policy of the Agency is to provide safe and healthful workplaces for all NIH employees. In keeping with the policy, the Agency acknowledges that there are certain ergonomic and environmental factors that can contribute to the health, safety, and comfort of VDT users. These factors involve the proper design of work stations and the education of managers, supervisors, and employees about the ergonomic, job design and organizational solutions to VDT problems as recommended in various studies on VDT usage.

The Agency agrees that employees should be provided information about ergonomic hazards and how to prevent ergonomically related injuries. The Agency agrees to provide, as it replaces existing equipment (chairs, tables workstations, etc.) with equipment which meets ergonomic design criteria. It is also agreed that the equipment, when purchased, to the extent possible, training should be provided by the vendor on how to safely and properly operate the equipment.

The Agency will achieve this policy by:

A. Acquiring VDTs and accessory equipment that, to the maximum practical extent, provides comfort to the user and keyboards, worktables, and chairs that are height-adjustable and provide proper back support;

B. Consulting where practical with employees, about furniture for use with VDTs prior to purchase;

C. Providing funding for the layout of work spaces that are properly illuminated to reduce and ensure visual comfort to VDT users while providing adequate lighting for traditional clerical tasks;

D. Seeking and acquiring information and technical assistance, as needed, from appropriate resources on methods most effectively designing VDT work station layouts;

E. Educating employees about the proper and safe operation of VDTs, including the value of interspersing prolonged periods of VDT use with other work tasks requiring less intensive visual concentration. Where there are prolonged periods of VDT use and not other work tasks available, those employees should be given a rest break;

F. Distributing information to all employees on a periodic basis on VDTs and ergonomic furniture and identifying Agency resources for more information; and

G. Reviewing the set-up of equipment and furniture for VDT work stations as a regular part of safety and health inspections.

Section 3. VDT Emissions Test

Management will conduct periodic tests of terminals for any emissions. Any terminal that tests above standard will be repaired to meet the standard, or it will be removed from service.

Section 4. Non-VDT Work Reassignment Request

Employees who have legitimate medical reasons to request reassignment from VDT duties or activities will provide documentation in accordance with Article 47 (Medical Qualifications and Determinations). All requests for accommodation will be fully considered.

Section 5. Breaks

A. The following is a guideline for proper break procedures when using VDTS:

Note: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a ten-minute (10) rest break after two (2) hours of continuous VDT work for operators under moderate visual demands; and a fifteen (15) minute rest break after one (1) hour of continuous VDT work where there is a high visual demand or repetitive work task. (OSHA 3092, dated l997).

B. The above referenced break periods are defined as those where the employee will perform duties other than VDT related work.

C. Definitions for the above.

Moderate visual demands: VDT operation where the need for constant employee attention to the terminal is not required and brief stoppages of VDT work is a routine part of the job duties or functions.

High visual demand: VDT operation of such nature that constant attention to the VDT work or repetitive continuous entries must be conducted.