Display Screen Equipment Guidance
Definitions
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) means any equipment used in the workplace incorporating a display screen with which the user interacts in some way – usually by inputting or out-putting information by use of a keyboard or other device – as part of his/her work.
DSE Users are those for whom working with DSE equipment forms a major part of their work. Because the risks associated with the use of DSE are mainly related to prolonged use, this excludes those who only occasionally make use of such equipment. Typically, users will be those who use the equipment on a regular basis for periods of over one hour at a time.
Workstations comprise the totality of equipment used at a fixed point by an individual user, including any display screen equipment, tables and chairs, storage facilities and other plant and equipment used as part of the work activities
A Display Screen Assessment is a systematic examination of the DSE equipment and workstation to assess the risks to users and the appropriate measures to reduce those risks as far as reasonably practicable.
Control Measures are the procedures put into place to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable
Procedure
All DSE Users should read the guidance and complete the DSE Self-Assessment. During the course of the assessment, the DSE User should, where possible, carry out any minor adjustments to their workstation such as adjusting the height of the screen or chair in accordance within the guidance
When completed, the DSE Assessment should be reviewed with the User’s manager to assess whether any further changes need to be made, such as adjustments to working patterns or the provision of additional equipment such as footrests or document holders.
All DSE Users should be provided with free annual eyesight tests for working with VDU’s and, if necessary, corrective eyewear for this task.
Keying in
– Adjust your keyboard to get a good keying position. A space in front of the keyboard is sometimes helpful for resting the hands and wrists when not keying.
– Wrists should not be excessively bent (up, down or sideways). Try to keep your wrists straight when keying. Keep a soft touch on the keys and don’t overstretch your fingers. Good keyboard technique is important.
Using a mouse
– Position the mouse within easy reach, so it can be used with the wrist straight. Sit upright and close to the desk, so you don’t have to work with your mouse arm stretched. Move the keyboard out of the way if it is not being used.
– Support your forearm on the desk, and don’t grip the mouse too tightly.
– Rest your fingers lightly on the buttons and do not press them hard.
Reading the screen
– Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit lighting conditions in the room.
– Make sure the screen surface is clean.
– In setting up software, choose options giving text that is large enough to read easily on your screen, when you are 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).
– Individual characters on the screen should be sharply focused and should not flicker or move. If they do, the VDU may need servicing or adjustment.
Posture and breaks
– Don’t sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation)
– Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from the screen, e.g. to do filing or photocopying. Make use of them. If there are no such natural breaks in your job, discuss your work routine with your manager. Frequent short breaks are better than fewer long ones.
Portable (Laptop) Computer/Tablets
Although primarily designed for limited use, many people now use laptop computers and tablets for extended periods.
Where possible, the extended use of laptop computers and tablets should be avoided through the provision of desktop computers.
Where the extended use of laptop computers/tablets occurs then a DSE Assessment should be carried out.
Laptop and tablet use is a major source of musculo-skeletal problems. Using a laptop or a tablet on its own for any length of time will inevitably cause poor posture which in turn is likely to lead to head, neck and/or back pain.
A separate mouse and keyboard will make a significant improvement to layout flexibility and avoid extended use of the touchpad. A laptop stand tilts the computer to raise the screen to an acceptable height and viewing distance.
General laptop user guidelines:
- Laptop keyboards should be set up as regular keyboards. Your elbows should be level with or slightly higher than the keyboard
- An office chair without armrests will allow you to have more room to move your arms
- Wherever possible use a separate keyboard, mouse and monitor with your laptop. If a monitor is not available use a laptop stand.
- If a separate keyboard is not available, avoid resting the forearm on the wrist rest area when typing. Whole hand and arm movements should be used to navigate around the keys
- If a laptop has a touch pad that is difficult to move, then an external mouse should be used
- If you are looking down at the laptop screen, try and ensure that your neck and head are not held forward to see the screen as this can lead to musculoskeletal pain.