Title Page
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Name of DSE User
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Location
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Room Number
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Assessment conducted on
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Prepared by
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Is further action required?
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When was the action completed?
DSE Assessment
Risk Factors
Keyboards
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Is the keyboard separate from the screen?
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Action to Take
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This is a requirement, unless the task makes it impracticable (e.g. where there is a need to use a portable).
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Does the keyboard tilt?
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Action to Take
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Tilt need not be built in.
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Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position?
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Action to Take
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Try pushing the display screen further back to create more room for the keyboard, hands
and wrists. Users of thick, raised keyboards may need a wrist rest. -
Does the user have good keyboard technique?
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Action to Take
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Training can be used to prevent: hands bent up at the wrist; hitting the keys too hard; overstretching the fingers.
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Are the characters clear and readable?
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Action to Take
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Keyboards should be kept clean. If the characters still can’t be read, the keyboard may need modifying or
replacing. Use a keyboard with a matt finish to reduce glare and/or reflection
Mouse, trackball etc
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Is the device suitable for the tasks it is used for?
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Action to Take
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If the user is having problems, try a different device. The mouse and trackball are general-purpose devices suitable for many tasks, and available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Alternative devices such as touch screens may be better for some tasks (but can be worse for others).
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Is the device positioned close to the user?
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Action to Take
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Most devices are best placed as close as possible, eg right beside the keyboard.
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Is there support for the device user’s wrist and forearm?
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Action to Take
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Support can be gained from, for example, the desk surface or arm of a chair. If not, a separate supporting device may help.
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Does the device work smoothly at a speed that suits the user?
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Action to Take
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See if cleaning is required (eg of mouse ball and rollers). Check the work surface is suitable. A mouse mat may be needed.
Display Screens
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Are the characters clear and readable?
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Action to Take
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Make sure the screen is clean and cleaning materials are available. Check that the text and background colours work well
together. -
Is the text size comfortable to read?
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Action to Take
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Software settings may need adjusting to change text size
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Is the image stable, ie free of flicker and jitter?
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Action to Take
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Try using different screen colours to reduce flicker, eg darker background and lighter text.
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Is the screen’s specification suitable for its intended use?
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Action to Take
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Eg, intensive graphic work or work requiring fine attention to small details may require large display screens.
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Are the brightness and/or contrast adjustable?
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Action to Take
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Separate adjustment controls are not essential, provided the user can read the screen easily at all times.
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Dose the screen swivel and tilt?
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Action to Take
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Swivel and tilt need not be built in; you can add a swivel and tilt mechanism.
However, you may need to replace the screen if: swivel/tilt is absent or unsatisfactory; work is intensive; and/or; the user has problems getting the screen to a comfortable position. -
Is the screen free from glare and reflections?
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Action to Take
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Use a mirror placed in front of the screen to check where reflections are coming from.
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Are adjustable window coverings provided and in adequate condition?
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Action to Take
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Check that blinds work. Blinds with vertical slats can be more suitable than horizontal ones.
Software
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Is the software suitable for the task?
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Action to Take
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Software should help the user carry out the task, minimise stress and be user-friendly. Check users have had appropriate training in using the software.
Furniture
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Is the chair adjusted correctly?
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Action to Take
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The user should be able to carry out their work sitting comfortably. Consider training the user in how to adopt suitable postures
while working. -
Is the small of the back supported by the chair’s backrest?
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Action to Take
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The user should have a straight back, supported by the chair, with relaxed shoulders
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Are forearms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the DSE?
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Action to Take
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Adjust the chair height to get the user’s arms in the right position, and then adjust the DSE height, if necessary
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Are feet flat on the floor, without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of the legs?
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Action to Take
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If not, a footrest may be needed.
Environment
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Is there enough room to change position and vary movement?
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Action to Take
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Space is needed to move, stretch and fidget. Consider re-organising the office layout and check for obstructions. Cables should be tidy and not a trip or snag hazard.
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Is the lighting suitable, e.g. not too bright or too dim to work comfortably?
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Action to Take
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Users should be able to control light levels, e.g. by adjusting window blinds or light switches.
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Are forearms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the DSE?
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Action to Take
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Adjust the chair height to get the user’s arms in the right position and then adjust the DSE height, if necessary
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Are feet flat on the floor, without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of the legs?
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Action to Take
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If not, a footrest may be needed.
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Does the air feel comfortable?
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Action to Take
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DSE and other equipment may dry the air. Circulate fresh air if possible. Plants may help. Consider a humidifier if discomfort is severe.
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Are levels of heat comfortable?
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Action to Take
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Can heating be better controlled? More ventilation or air conditioning may be required if there is a lot of electronic equipment in the room. Or, can users be moved away from the heat source?
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Are levels of noise comfortable?
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Action to Take
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Consider moving sources of noise, e.g. printers, away from the user. If not, consider sound proofing.
Final questions to users
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Has the checklist covered all the problems they may have working with their DSE?
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Have they experienced any discomfort or other symptoms which they attribute to working with their DSE?
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Has the user been advised of their entitlement to eye and eyesight testing?
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Does the user take regular breaks working away from DSE?
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Use this section to record any additional problems reported by the user
Declaration:
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DSE User's Signature
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Assessor’s Signature
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Date: