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Sit/Stand Dispatch Workstations - The Split-level Controversy Split-level dispatch workstations are the norm in police and fire dispatch centers. The reason for splitting the levels is to offer separate adjustability to the two areas of the workstation:
The operator's desire to go from sit to stand during the course of the day has spawned a vertical market for technical furniture that is specific to the dispatch industry. There are many manufacturers who offer unique split-level solutions to address this need. Of course, the solutions offered make the furniture unique and very expensive. Without mentioning names, below are some examples.
We want you to understand that these systems have been created by manufacturers
to create a dispatch paradigm.
We do not subscribe to the belief that they
are the safest and best ergonomic solutions.
Pinch Points - Inherent to the split-level are
dangerous pinch points where the two surfaces meet.
Limited Mobility - Monitors are typically placed on the back surface. Although the surface can be adjusted up and down, the monitors can not be pulled forward across the seam with potential danger when the surfaces move independently. Obviously, everyone does not have the same vision. Without the ability to adjust the focal distance individually, a tremendous amount of fatigue will result. Linear Actuators - All of these systems are created with linear actuator technology (basically motors, sprockets and extension rods). These mechanisms need metal legs that telescope up and down under the movable surfaces. These legs limit the amount of legroom for the operator. Another problem with linear actuators is that they frequently go out of adjustment because of uneven load distribution. It is a given that people unconsciously "rest the rears" wherever they can. Cable Management - When the surfaces move up and down, all of the cables that come from the CPUs monitors, keyboards & mice are continually stretched and folded to prevent them from be pinched. Over time, this has an effect on the cables. With these systems, the wiring is usually exposed in flapper systems. Commonly, partitions similar to systems furniture panels are used to hide the back of the workstation. This limits access to the rear of the workstation. CPU Storage - Many manufactures offer CPU storage in cabinets that look similar to drawer pedestals. These cabinets take up a considerable amount of space under the console and again limit leg room laterally along the console. Working Depth -
The split level design limits the amount of usable worksurface. The operator
works an 8-10 hour shift
Our conclusion is that the principle that creates this norm is seriously flawed. It fuels the idea that split-level workstations are better for the operator than traditional desks. In essence, its a con to create a vertical niche in the technical workstation market. Of course, all of this extra hardware comes at a healthy price and doesn't significantly improve productivity.
The Americon Way In
order to be competitive when bidding specifications defined by others, Americon does offer
a number of split-level solutions for sit/stand environments.
Our Recommendations Many years of research shows that operators come on shift and set up for their individual needs. If the wrong tools are in the tool box, the job gets extremely difficult and the environment can become untenable. Leg room is extremely important, so if you insist on split-level; Americon has developed a workstation that doesn't have metal legs that infringe on legroom. It has all of its lifting mechanisms built into a robust base unit. The workstation base has a storage cavity for computers and peripherals. The area under the worksurface is free from any obstructions and there are many stand alone peripheral cabinets that can be added to either side of the base.
Tools of the Trade -
The
monitor position is extremely important; so the use of articulating monitor
arms allows the operator to adjust each monitor to height, tilt, position
and distance. The arm eliminates the monitor base and raises the monitor
high enough to make the area underneath useable work surface space.
We do favor the full console lift because
The
base cavity houses CPUs in compartments that puts computers on racks attached
to the inside of inspection doors.
The idea that we would trade away all of that useable space just doesn't make
good ergonomic sense. Note the useable depth in our dispatch stations. Some say that the split-level approach is a
paradigm used to create
a vertical market
and eliminate competition. Having said that, there are many things that we do
feel are more important in making dispatch stations special.
Plenty of work space &
plenty of leg room Go to Options for more details
This white paper was prepared by Bill Farah, President of Americon ©2009 Americon
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Another
pinch point is where the worksurface lands on the stationary support
cabinetry. Papers, pens, wires and fingers are commonly crunched when the
operator is busy focusing on day to day operation.
sitting
and standing at a worksurface that is approximately 14" deep. Try spreading
out a chart or opening a binder and laying it on the desk. This is counter
productive to normal workflow productivity. In any other environment, this
would be considered cruel and unusual punishment. Are we to believe that
this is the best they could come up with. 
Some
have mechanical lifts
and others are motorized. Some move the work surface and monitors up and
down separately and use memory controls and some move 
there
are some indigenous benefits to a workstation that doesn't have a split in
the
worksurface. This approach eliminates the pinch point dangers that are
inherent where
movable surfaces meet. Raising & lowering the whole console also solves
another problem by maintaining the same relationship between the operator
and his tools throughout the sit to stand transition. Stored CPUs move with
the console, so the stretching and tangling of multiple power, monitor, keyboard and
mice cables is eliminated. 
When the door is closed, the CPU faces sideways to maximize the amount of leg
space. When the door is opened, the CPU faces forward for access to
the drives and cables. The console has both front & rear access doors, so
large numbers of CPUs can be stored without the need for peripheral
cabinets. We advocate our
fully hydraulic lifting system because it is immune to weight distribution problems.
The lifting pistons are imbedded in the robust freestanding body of the
workstation and all lines and wires are safely shielded from accidental
snagging. The benefit is a rugged and versatile sit/stand workstation that
doesn't encroach into valuable leg space.