Display Screen Equipment

Training Presentation
 Relevant Legislation and Guidance

 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations

1992
 Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974
 British Standards series: BS EN ISO 9241 Ergonomic
Requirements for Office Work with Visual Display Terminals
 Health and Safety Executive guidance:
– L26 Work with Display Screen Equipment
– INDG36 Working with VDUs
 Ill-health Effects from DSE at Work

These may include:

 musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), or upper limb disorders
(ULDs), eg aches and pains (back, shoulder, neck or wrist)
 visual discomfort, eg eye fatigue and headaches
 stress (mental and physical)
 Hazardous Working Practices

 Working with a poor posture

 Working for too long without a break or change of position
 A poor working environment
 Poor management of workload
 DSE Equipment

DSE equipment includes:

 the screen
 the mouse
 the keyboard
 the central processing unit
 portable DSE, eg laptops, notebooks and handheld computers
 Display Screen Users

 “Users” are those who habitually use a display screen as a

significant part of their work
– High-risk users: use DSE all day, every day
– Moderate-risk users: use DSE a few hours a day
– Low-risk users: use DSE for short periods but not
every day
 DSE Assessments

When carrying out a DSE assessment, ask the following

 Are the screen and mouse correctly positioned?
 Is the chair properly adjusted?
 Is the screen free from glare?
 Are sufficient breaks away from the screen being taken?
 Is the software suitable for the competence of the person
using it?
 Correct Posture [1]

Check the following to ensure correct posture

 Is the chair at the right height?
 Is the display/screen at the right height?
 Are the arms horizontal with the keyboard?
 Is the backrest adjusted to support the back?
 Is the user sitting in an upright position?
 Correct Posture [2]

Back: upright
and straight

Elbow:
90 degree angle

Seat: level Feet:

with knees flat on floor
or on footrest
 Layout of the Work Area [1]

Screen intensive: suitable for users who look

at the screen most of the time
 Layout of the Work Area [2]

Document intensive: suitable for touch typists

who refer to the screen only occasionally
 Checklist for Users [1]

 Adjust the chair for a good posture

 Check:
– seat height and tilt
– seat pad or back support for angle and position
– arm rests (if present)
– wrist support
 After adjusting seat height for correct keyboard height, a
footrest may help to reduce pressure on the thighs and allow
a better sitting position
 Checklist for Users [2]

 Adjust the keyboard

Check:
– position
– height
– slope
 Adjust the display screen
Check:
– distance, angle and height
– glare and reflections
 Checklist for Users [3]

 Adjust the worktop layout to your work so that it is suitable

for the task
 Ensure that the mouse is in a suitable position
 Move the keyboard if you use it less than the mouse
 Check that you are comfortable
 Using the Workstation

The risk of ill health is related to how the workstation is used

To reduce the risk:
 change posture regularly
 break up display screen work
 manage the workload
 organise the workstation
 maintain a good working environment
 Avoiding Health Problems

To avoid health problems:

 ensure the workstation is set up correctly
 ensure the work is organised properly
 ask for an eye test if you have problems with your vision
 adopt a good posture and change position regularly — take
exercise
 report aches and pains or ill health
 Supervisors’ and Managers’ Responsibilities

Supervisors and managers must:

 be aware of their organisation’s policies and rules for health
and safety
 ensure users follow safe systems of work and good practice
 promptly follow up reports of problems or ill health
 report problems they cannot deal with
 lead by example
 Training

Training and information should cover:

 the risks of all health hazards (MSDs, ULDs, RSI, etc) and how
they can be minimised
 correct posture to be adopted at the keyboard
 the importance of taking breaks
 the reporting of signs and symptoms of ill health
 Summary

To reduce risks associated with DSE:

 the workstation must be set up correctly
 the equipment must be used properly
 the work must be suitably organised
 users, supervisors and managers should be aware of possible
health risks, follow procedures and work safely
 users should report any problems to their supervisors or
managers