§ 1307. EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

The Director shall adopt regulations setting forth an employer's duties to furnish operators and their supervisors with information and training about health and safety concerns associated with the use of video display terminals. The regulations shall be consistent with the following guidelines.

(a) The information and training furnished to operators shall at a minimum include:

(1) Known and suspected health effects and symptoms or health concerns which published scientific research has found to be associated with VDT work, including musculoskeletal strain, cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, vision effects, possible reproductive effects and psychological stress;

(2) Known and suspected causes of VDT-related health effects including poorly designed work stations, long periods of physical immobility, poorly adjusted furniture, awkward postures, poor visual correction, inappropriate levels of lighting, excessive glare, and excessive or continuous keyboard activity;

(3) Protective measures which may be taken to reduce or alleviate health effects and symptoms including:

(A) Ergonomic principles regarding appropriate positioning of furniture, accessories (such as foot rests, document holders and wrist rests) and displays and the importance of maximum flexibility in workstation design;

(B) The importance of regular breaks from VDT work in alleviating musculoskeletal and visual strain;

(C) Mechanisms for reducing glare and excessive levels of room illumination, including indirect or shielded overhead lighting, window shades or blinds, proper placement of terminals in relation to glare sources, and glare screens;

(D) Instruction in adjusting display for maximum contrast and resolution;

(E) The role of vision examinations in identifying visual problems that may be exacerbated or precipitated by VDT use and determining the need for special visual correction for VDT work;

(F) Hands-on instruction in making appropriate adjustments to table, chair, display and accessories;

(G) Eye and body exercises helpful in alleviating musculoskeletal and visual strain.

(4) A review of the latest scientific research in radiation emissions associated with VDT use, including a summary of research and published standards for non-ionizing radiation emissions and remedies for reducing potential radiation exposure such as use of non-radiation producing display technology.

(b) The information and training shall describe the contents of this ordinance and the employee's rights under it.

(c) Employers shall provide the information to current operators and supervisors within six months of the effective date of the Director's regulations.

(d) Beginning six months after the effective date of the Director's regulations, employers shall provide new operators with the information and training within the first 30 days of employment.

(e) Employers shall provide the information to operators and supervisors on an annual basis.

(f) Employers shall maintain records identifying those operators provided with information and training under this ordinance.

(Added by Ord. 405-90, App. 12/27/90)