ErgoSystems Office Ergonomics Solution Center

ErgoSystems Office Ergonomics Solution Center

Chair Checklist (print Chair Checklist)
Go to the Chair Guide for specific information about your chair. If your chair is not specifically listed in the Chair Guide, use the Chair Checklist to help you analyze the features of your chair. Your chair may not have all of the features listed below- that does not necessarily mean it is an improper chair. Go through the Checklist and then use the Chair Checklist Corrective Action Summary to determine the corrective action needed.
Click (on the list or on the picture) to go to a specific Feature/Adjustment
Seatpan Height Seatpan Tilt Seatpan Depth Seatpan Fit Seatpan Tension Back Support Height Back Support Angle Armrest Adjust Casters Maintenance
You can print out the Chair Checklist. (the checklist is in the pdf file format and you will need Adobe Reader to open it.) To learn more about chairs use the Chair Guide. For specific information about setting up your workstation go to the Office Solution Center.

FEATURE

HOW TO ADJUST

ILLUSTRATION (generic)

Seatpan Height

Does the chair’s seatpan height adjust up and down?

Look for a paddle lever.

Seated in the chair pull on the lever to adjust the height. Lower the seatpan all the way down and then raise it all the way up by taking a little weight of off the seatpan. Make sure it works correctly.

For now adjust it so your feet are flat on the floor. Later you will need to adjust it based on your worksurface set-up.

Seatpan Tilt

Does the chair’s seatpan tilt up and down?

Look for a paddle lever.

If the chair has one, adjust it to tilt it all the way one and then the other way to make sure it works.

For now adjust it so the seatpan is flat (parallel with the floor).

Seatpan Depth

Does the chair’s seat move forward or backward?

Look for a lever under seat.

You may not have this adjustment. If you do, sit all the way back in the chair and adjust the seat so you have 2 to 3” behind the back of the knee and front of the chair.

Always avoid pressure behind the knee caused by contact with the front of the chair.

NOTE: If you have contact between the back of the knee and front of the seatpan the seatpan is not the correct size and should be replaced.

Seatpan Fit

Does the chair’s seat fit your body size?

Chair seat size needs to comfortably accommodate your hips and thighs in terms of width and depth.

Allow 1 to 2” on each side. Either too much or too little distance indicates a problem.

NOTE: A NO answer indicates the chair is not the correct size and should be replaced.

Casters

Does the chair roll easily on the floor surface?

To roll easily and safely you should have hard plastic casters on carpet, softer rubberized casters on tile.

Also look for damaged or worn flooring that may limit mobility.

NOTE: A NO answer indicates the casters should be replaced or a chair mat should be used.

Seatpan Tension

Can you adjust the seatpan tension.

Look for a knob under the chair.

Turn it clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen. How much is based on body weight - you want enough tension to provide support when you rock back but not so much it launches you out of the chair!

NOTE: With the tension as tight as it goes if you still do not have adequate support the chair should be replaced.

Back Support Height

Does your chair’s back support move up and down?

To adjust back support look for:

Knob where the back support attaches to the chair
Lever on the back support to released the lock
If no knobs or levers exist pull up on the back support, if it moves easily pull it all the way up and then let it all the way down AND then pull it up one notch at a time to adjust it.

Move the back support all the way up and down to ensure it works. Position the back rest to accommodate the natural curves of your spine.

NOTE: if you can not obtain proper back support the chair should be replaced.

Back Support Angle

Does your chair’s back rest angle forward or backward?

Look for a paddle lever.

Pull up on the lever to angle the back support all the way from upright to angled back to make sure it works.

Adjust it to sit upright in the chair.

NOTE: if you can not obtain proper back support the chair should be replaced.

Armrests Adjust

Do your chair’s armrests adjust up and down and/or side-to-side?

Look for a control on the armrest.

Move the armrests all the way up and down and/or side-to-side to ensure they work.

Adjust them so they support your elbows with your shoulders in a comfortable position.

NOTE: if you can not obtain proper arm support the armrests should be replaced or a different chair obtained.

Maintenance

Is your chair functioning properly (no maintenance problems)?

A chair with maintenance problems is a safety hazard.

Make sure you report any maintenance problems.

NOTE: A NO answer indicates the chair should be replaced or repaired.

Chair Checklist Corrective Action Summary
Your chair may not have all of the adjustment features listed and still be a suitable chair for you. Summarize your findings in the chart below and take the Corrective Action as indicated. (print Chair Checklist)
Feature	Issue		Corrective Action
Seatpan Height	Yes	No	Based on workstation setup if chair can not be appropriately adjusted it should be replaced.
Seatpan Tilt	Yes	No	Based on workstation setup if chair can not be appropriately adjusted it should be replaced.
Seatpan Depth	Yes	No	Seatpan is not the correct size and should be replaced.
Seatpan Fit	Yes	No	Chair is not the correct size and should be replaced.
Casters	Yes	No	Casters should be replaced or a chair mat should be used.
Seatpan Tension	Yes	No	Chair should be replaced.
Back Support Height	Yes	No	Chair should be replaced.
Back Support Angle	Yes	No	Chair should be replaced.
Armrests	Yes	No	Armrests should be replaced or a different chair obtained.
Maintenance	Yes	No	Chair should be replaced or repaired.

Chair Checklist (print Chair Checklist)