Control rooms are spaces
with very specific characteristics. Inside these rooms, operators spend long
hours seated in front of large displays going over critical data. Since their
performance is tied to their workspaces, control rooms have to be designed and
furnished to promote their effectiveness and productivity. Furniture makes up a
big part of a workspace, and a well thought out furniture setup can
dramatically improve efficiency while reducing fatigue, eye, neck, and back
strain. If you are in search of furniture for your control room, here are some
practical tips to help you pick the best furniture.
- Select ergonomic furniture
When selecting control room furniture, ergonomics are important
in maintaining the efficiency of operations. Due to the repetitiveness of the
work, strain and discomfort can occur. While you may not notice it right away,
it can lead to repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel and back pain
over time. To help prevent and reduce the strain, discomfort, and occurrence of
these injuries, ensure you get ergonomic furniture. For instance, the chairs
should have a curved backrest to support the lower spine. Armrests should keep
the operators arms parallel to the floor to prevent them from hunching their
shoulders.
- Pick appropriate consoles
Consoles are an integral
part of any control room. As such, you want to pick the right sized consoles
for your needs. Different consoles have different capacities; for instance, a
single user console can fit one keyboard and about 3 screens. This means if you
need a console with room for more than 3 displays, you will go for a multi-user
one. When picking your consoles, always try to find a middle ground between
your needs and your budget. How many screens should one console have? Is
getting a multi-user or a single-user console cheaper? Is the console design
you picked reconfigurable? You also want to pick consoles with ample room for
any other equipment you might have and those that can be easily adjusted or
have enough room to accommodate the chairs you choose to pair with them.
- Go for standard-sized, adjustable furniture
Ideally, each console should
suit every operator perfectly. Unfortunately, there’s no single console design
or chair height that will create the perfect ergonomic setup for all employees.
The next best thing is selecting standardized furniture that can be easily
adjusted and reconfigured to suit any individual’s needs. As a minimum, your
consoles, chairs, and monitors should have adjustable heights. For instance,
the chairs should have adjustable armrests, adjustable heights, and should also
recline. This way, each employee can adjust them to their specific needs.
