PURPOSE

This procedure describes the requirements for a computer standard workspace. This guide assumes that the workspace will be configured with a standard set of computer equipment.   

Note: This procedure was previously named LDMK SOP: 9.01.10 - Standard Workspace Configuration and Cabling.           
 

BACKGROUND

Employee workspaces are configured with a similar set of equipment to ensure ease of use and support. As much as possible, equipment should be generalized for use by more than a single employee. In certain situations however specific hardware may be required to ensure a user is able to work with highest efficiency.

 For example:

  • An employee who spends a high percentage of time working in a high bandwidth application such as an accounting system may be better served by using a laptop specific docking station rather than a USB 3.0 docking station. 
  • An employee who spends a high percentage of time working in visually/graphically intensive application such as a 3D CAD program may be better served by using a laptop specific docking station rather than a USB 3.0 docking station. 
  • In both scenarios a laptop specific docking station may provide a higher network and/or video bandwidth than a USB 3.0 docking station.

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT

The items listed below are the standard components of an office workspace. The details of the specific equipment model to be used should be determined by the role of the employee occupying the workspace equipment assigned.

  • Single or Dual LCD / LED Monitors
  • Single or Dual-arm Monitor Mounting System
  • Computer Docking Station (optional - dependent on computer type)
    • USB 3.0 Dock or Computer Specific Docking Station
    • Power Supply to power computer if not powered through dock
  • Keyboard and Mouse 
    • Wireless devices should be used at assigned workspaces.
    • Wired devices should be used at unassigned / temporary workspaces.
  • USB Charging Adapter w/ 6’ USB extension cable (to allow connection of cable for charging headset or mobile phone)
  • External Webcam (in additional to laptop onboard)
  • Printer (Optional)
  • SUSPENDED PENDING TESTING - Power Strip - UPS devices were previously used as standard equipment. These have been replaced with standard 6+ outlet power strips as standard equipment for new desk configurations.
  • Power, network, video, and audio cables or appropriate length

 

EQUIPMENT PLACEMENT AND CONFIGURATION

The following items should be walked through with the employee to verify that the computer and connected accessories are configured and working correctly.  The initial logon and walkthrough should take place at the employee’s assigned workspace / desk and be performed individually.

  1. All equipment should be arranged with proper ergonomics in mind. The positioning of equipment should not force the user to perform awkward steps to use/operate the equipment.

  2. All cabling should be installed with enough slack to allow for full movement and repositioning of the equipment.
    • Monitors should be able to be turned, rotated, and moved forward and backwards without pulling or stretching cables.

    • Items such as phones, printers, headsets, printers, and other wired accessories should allow for 24” of movement.

    • UPS devices should be directly connected to a power outlet and not connected to a surge suppressor or power strip.

      A short flat head power extension cable, also known as a pig-tail, should be used to connect the UPS to the outlet in locations where the outlet is hard to access or located behind furniture. The pig-tail extension will allow for the UPS to be easily removed, replaced, or serviced without moving furniture or other heavy items.

    • All Computers, Monitors, Headsets, and Docking Stations should be connected to the Battery Backup outlets on a UPS. All other accessories should be connected to the Surge Protection outlets of the UPS.

  3. USB Charging adapter should be directly connected to the power strip located below the desk. The attached USB extension cable should follow the same path as other cables with the open female end exposed on the desk surface near the docking station.
     
  4. Cables should be installed within cable tracks if possible, and all visible cabling should be neatly bundled together in a manner that still allows full movement and replacement of the devices.

    Excess cabling, power strips, and power supplies should be placed within a cable baskets mounted under a desk if possible.

 


EXAMPLES 

The following pictures illustrate properly configured / cables workspaces.

  • Cables are run through cable tracks on monitor mounting arms. Visible cables are nightly bundled. Monitors have full movement and can be repositioned as needed.



  • Positioning of desktop equipment is clean and orderly.



  • Positioning of desktop equipment is clean and orderly. Power Strip / UPS device is directly connected to a wall outlet. Power cabling is neatly bundled.


  • Power cabling is neatly bundled. Accessory cables are run through cable ties / brackets mounted under towards the back of the desktop surface. UPS device is connected to a pig-tail power extension which is run through a cable track and connected directly to a wall outlet.