ARTICLE 22
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS

Section 1 - General

Video display terminals (VDTs) are word processors and/or
computer terminals, which display information on television-like
screens (cathode ray tubes). The Agency intends to provide a
safe and healthful workplace for all employees. In keeping with
this intent, the Agency acknowledges that certain ergonomic and
environmental factors contribute to the health and efficiency of
VDT users. This article contains guidelines for the safe use of
VDTs. These guidelines may also apply to use of other equipment
or new technology if the same or similar potential hazards exist.

SECTION 2 - GUIDELINES

A. Training on the use of VDTs and potential hazards will be
provided to all employees who use this equipment in their work.
Safety reminders will be posted in appropriate places in the work
areas to remind employees of the potential hazards and possible
problems or injuries that could result from prolonged use of
VDTs.

B. The Agency will provide, to the extent practicable,
equipment and facilities (e.g., workstations, chairs, tables,
glare shields, lighting, etc.) which meet ergonomic and
environmental design criteria for reducing the risk of injuries
from repetitive motion work and other potential hazards of
operating VDTs. Upon establishment of federal standards for
acceptable radiation emissions, the Agency will conduct periodic
tests of VDTs. Any VDT that fails to meet the standards will be
repaired or will be removed from service.

C. Every employee who works continuously on a VDT will be
required to take a relief period of at least (10) ten minutes
every two (2) hours. Any activity other than VDT operation can
meet this requirement. Supervisors will be responsible for
determining if alternative tasks will be performed during relief
periods. Availability of alternative tasks will not change the
requirement for a relief period.

D. Accommodation requests from pregnant employees for
reassignment during the pregnancy, or some portion of the
pregnancy, will be considered under 5 CFR 339. While there is no
conclusive evidence that VDTs cause problems during pregnancy,
the Agency will in all possible cases, with medical
documentation, reassign persons during pregnancy to non-VDT work.

E. Employees who believe they have a problem or injury from
use of a VDT should report it to their supervisors. The
supervisor will refer the employee for medical evaluation, and
report the potential hazard, as appropriate. The Agency will
provide access to the extent possible to a voluntary vision
screening program to evaluate problems or possible injuries from
the use of VDTs.

F. If an employee sustains an injury, he or she should
follow procedures in the Disability Compensation Article.