What is DSE?
DSE (Display Screen Equipment) are devices or equipment that have an alphanumeric or graphic display screen and includes display screens, laptops, touch screens and other similar devices
The Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 specify minimum Health and Safety (H&S) requirements for work with display screen equipment (DSE) whilst at work
These Regulations only apply to volunteers who work regularly for continuous periods of an hour or more using DSE.
The Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 specify minimum Health and Safety (H&S) requirements for work with display screen equipment (DSE) whilst at work
These Regulations only apply to volunteers who work regularly for continuous periods of an hour or more using DSE
The requirements of the regulations can be summarised as follows:
- all workstations must be analysed to assess and reduce risks to health and safety
- all workstations must conform to a minimum standard
- work routines must be arranged to incorporate breaks or changes in activity
- eyesight tests must be made available together with the provision of corrective appliances in certain cases
- training must be given on how to use a workstation safely and how to recognise hazards
- written information must be provided and used to reinforce the training.
Posture
- Correct posture is essential when working with display screen equipment.
- When sitting at a desk, sit as straight as possible not tilted or twisted either one way or the other.
- Avoid leaning over to retrieve items from desk drawers as this can result in a back injury.
Display Screen
Display screens should have:
- adjustment mechanisms which allow the screen to be tilted or swivelled to avoid glare and reflections and to enable the user to maintain a natural and relaxed posture
- screen height adjustability
- controls to adjust the brightness and contrast to achieve an acceptable balance to suit the lighting conditions and the user.
The Keyboard
The keyboard should:
- be separate from the screen so that the user can find a comfortable working position
- have a matt finish to avoid glare and/or reflection
- have characters which are clear and readable
- be tiltable , usually by a device which allows the back to be raised
- have a space in front of the keyboard sufficient to provide support for the user’s hands and wrists
Portable Computer Use
Portable computers used at home or at other premises should:
- be placed on a hard surface (desk or table) with sufficient space for the user and the computer
- avoid using a portable computer on your lap as it induces poor working posture and it can cause discomfort from the heat they generate
- be positioned to minimise the risk of anyone tripping over trailing cables
- have suitable lighting to give a clear view of the screen without causing glare or reflection.
RECOMMENDED SET UP
TOP TIPS
- make sure there is enough work space to accommodate all documents or other equipment
- arrange the desk and screen to avoid glare, or bright reflections. this is often easiest if the screen is not directly facing windows or bright lights
- make sure there is space under the desk to move legs
- position the mouse within easy reach, so it can be used with a straight wrist
- sit upright and close to the desk to reduce working with the mouse arm stretched
- support the forearm on the desk, and don’t grip the mouse too tightly
- adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit lighting
- conditions in the room
- choose text that is large enough to read easily on screen when sitting in a normal comfortable working position
- select colours that are easy on the eye (avoid red text on a blue background, or vice versa)
- take a break, breaking up long spells of DSE work helps prevent fatigue, eye strain, upper limb problems and backache
SELF ASSESSMENT
As a DSE user you should complete a DSE self assessment form. This will prompt you to review your working set up and make any changes needed, you may also need some additional support from the DSE assessor to ensure you have the correct workstation set up. Self assessment forms can be found on the health and safety page on SharePoint.
