UCL DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

Dissertation Risk Assessment

DISSERTATION RISK ASSESSMENT – computer based dissertations

Project title:

Location(s):

Project Supervisor:

Brief description of the work:

Declaration

We the undersigned have assessed the activity and the associated risks and declare that the risks will be
controlled. Those participating in the work have read the Departmental guidelines found at
http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/resources/safety/computer-use . The work will be reassessed whenever there is
significant change and at least annually.

Name (Block Capitals)

Signed:

(In cases where this form is submitted and held electronically the form will considered to be signed by the individual
whose name appears above)

Supervisor:

Date:
Review date for risk assessment:

Purpose
The purpose of this document is to identify the risks which relate to the planned work, and to describe the control
procedures which will be adopted.

The risk assessment document identifies a set of hazards which may be relevant to the project. For each hazard category
the risk is identified and appropriate control measure(s) described.

Department of Geography University College London Pearson Building Gower Street London WC1E 6BT
Tel: +44 (0)20 7679 5500 Fax: +44 (0)20 7679 0565
www.geog.ucl.ac.uk
Dissertation Risk Assessment

Risks associated with Display Screen Equipment use (DSE – PC, laptop etc. including PC
associated with instrumentation):
• Upper limb disorders
• Back ache
• Fatigue and stress
• Temporary eyestrain (not damage) and headaches.

• Postural problems may occur because of poorly adjusted equipment, insufficient information and/or training, poor work
organisation and/or insufficient changes in activity;

• Visual problems may be caused by an incorrectly positioned screen, glare, reflections, poor lighting , poor work
organisation and / or insufficient changes in activity or an uncorrected sight problem;

• Fatigue and stress may be overcome by dealing with postural and visual problems, suitable task design to incorporate
breaks. The main purpose of incorporating breaks into the work pattern is to ensure that the user varies their posture and
changes visual demands. The frequency and length of breaks will depend on the mix of demands placed on the user by
the work at DSE.
For many users changes in activity and short pauses occur naturally but for others who use DSE at a more intense pace
breaks may need to be introduced and in a few cases enforced.

Minimum environmental factors:

• Space must be sufficient for postural changes and to provide freedom of movement while seated and while moving
between furniture and equipment.

• Lighting levels must be sufficient for all tasks at the workstation e.g. reading or keyboard work. The light source can be
natural or artificial or a combination of both. Measures must be taken to avoid reflections and glare.

• Noise from equipment should not distract the user thus impairing concentration or preventing normal conversation.

• Temperature and Humidity may be affected by the heat emitted by workstation equipment. Ensure the work space has
sufficient ventilation.

Before commencing work on a computer based project the following information must be
read
http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/about-the-department/support-services/safety/computer-use/vdu

and the guidance given should be followed.

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