Display screen equipment
This page provides health and safety advice about display screen equipment such as computer monitors.
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 seeks to protect the health of workers by reducing risks from work with Display Screen Equipment (DSE).
Exceptions
The Regulations do not apply to calculators, cash registers, window typewriters and equipment available for public use e.g. cash point machines and microfiches in public libraries.
Definitions used in the regulations include:
- 'user' - an employee who habitually uses DSE as a significant part of his/her own normal work (as a guide this will include any employee who continuously uses a DSE for longer than an hour)
- 'operator' - a self-employed person who habitually uses DSE as a significant part of their normal work
- 'workstation' - includes any assembly of DSE, accessories, furniture and immediate work environment.
Hazards of DSE work include Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs), temporary eye strain and headaches and fatigue/stress.
Regulations
- Analysis/assessment of workstations used by 'users'. This assessment should be suitable and sufficient, systematic, appropriate to the degree of risk, comprehensive and consultative.
Other than in the simplest cases it should be recorded and kept accessible. It should also be reviewed in the light of any changes in the workstations or users. Any risks identified must be reduced to the lowest extent reasonably practicable as quickly as possible.
A good checklist can be found in the Health and Safety Executive's booklet HS(G)90 (ISBN 07176 26024) 'The Law on VDUs: An easy guide', price £8.50.
Alternatively see 'VDU Workstation Checklist' (ISBN 07176 26172) from HSE Books. - Workstations - must meet minimum requirements, laid down in a Schedule to the Regulations, summarised in the summary table below.
- Daily work routines of users need to be planned to periodically interrupt work on DSE. Short frequent breaks from the use of DSE/changes of activity are better, and it is preferable if 'users' have discretion over their timing.
NB The length of break required is not set down in the law. Needs will vary depending on the work done. - Eye and Eyesight Tests - 'users' are to be provided with appropriate eye and eyesight tests on request. The cost of these tests and any prescribed corrective appliances for DSE use only must be met by the employer.
- Training - for all 'users' which should include hazards and risks procedures arrangements, DSE Regulations and assessments.
Provision of information - about health and safety relating to users' workstations and measures taken by the employer in compliance with specified duties under certain appropriate Regulations.
Seating and posture for typical office task
- seat back adjustability
- good lumbar support
- seat height adjustability
- no excess pressure on underside of thighs and backs of knees
- foot support if needed
- space for postural change, no obstacles under desk
- forearms approximately horizontal
- minimal extension, flexion or deviation of wrists
- screen height and angle should allow comfortable head position
- space in front of keyboard to support hands/wrists during pauses in keying.
Summary of the 'Schedule of Regulations'
Employers have a duty to ensure
- adequate lighting
- adequate contrast, no glare or distracting reflections
- distracting noise minimised
- leg room and clearances to allow postural changes
- window covering
- software appropriate to task, adapted to user, provides feedback on system status. No undisclosed monitoring
- screen stable image, adjustable, readable, glare or reflection free
- keyboard usable, adjustable, detachable, legible
- work surface allows flexible arrangements, spacious, glare free
- work chair adjustable.
Checklist for businesses
- have you identified 'users' of DSE in your business and the workstations they use?
- have you trained both 'users' and 'assessors'?
- have you assessed workstations and reduced any identified risks?
- have you a system for indicating when assessments may need reviewing?
- have you planned changes of activity or breaks for users?
- do you provide eye and eyesight testing and any necessary special corrective appliances for work with DSE?
- do you ensure that new workstations comply with the Schedule to the Regulations?
- do you inform 'users' about what you have done?
Related websites
Last updated : 09/08/2010
