Display screen equipment (DSE)

Title Page

Site Name
The following checklist can be used to help you complete a risk assessment and comply with the Schedule to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.
Work through the checklist, ticking either the ‘Yes’ ‘No’ or 'N/A' against each risk factor:

■ ‘Yes’ or 'N/A' answers require no further action.
■ ‘No’ answers will require investigation and/or remedial action by the workstation assessor. They should record their decisions in the ‘Action to take’ column.

Assessors should check later that actions have been taken and have resolved the problem.
Further information
Working with display screen equipment (DSE): A brief guide Leaflet INDG36(rev4)
Name of DSE User
Name of Assessor
Date assessment conducted on

DSE Assessment

Keyboards

Is the keyboard separate from the screen?
This is a requirement, unless the task makes it impracticable (eg where there is a need to use a portable).
Does the keyboard tilt?
Tilt need not be built in
Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position?
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.
Are the characters clear and readable?
Keyboards should be kept clean. If 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

Is the device suitable for the tasks it is used for?
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)
Is the device positioned close to the user?
Most devices are best placed as close as possible, eg right beside the keyboard.

Training may be needed to prevent arm overreaching, encourage users not to leave their hand on the device when it is not being used, encourage a relaxed arm and straight wrist.
Is there support for the device user’s wrist and forearm?
Support can be gained from, for example, the desk surface or arm of a chair. If not, a separate supporting device may help.

The user should be able to find a comfortable working position with the device.
Does the device work smoothly at a speed that suits the user?
See if cleaning is required (eg of mouse ball and rollers).

Check the work surface is suitable.

A mouse mat may be needed
Can the user easily adjust software settings for speed and accuracy of pointer?
Users may need training in how to adjust device settings

Display Screens

Are the characters clear and readable?
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?
Software settings may need adjusting to change text size.
Is the image stable, ie free of flicker and jitter?
Try using different screen colours to reduce flicker, eg darker background and lighter text.

If there are still problems, get the set-up checked, eg by the equipment supplier.
Is the screen’s specification suitable for its intended use? For example, intensive graphic work or work requiring fine attention to small details may require large display screens.
Are the brightness and/or contrast adjustable? Separate adjustment controls are not essential, provided the user can read the screen easily at all times.
Does the screen swivel and tilt?
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 the 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?
Use a mirror placed in front of the screen to check where reflections are coming from.

You might need to move the screen or even the desk and/or shield the screen from the source of the reflections.
Screens that use dark characters on a light background are less prone to glare and reflections.
Are adjustable window coverings i.e. blinds, curtains, provided and in adequate condition?
Give brief details
Check that blinds work. Blinds with vertical slats can be more suitable than horizontal ones.

If these measures do not work, consider anti-glare screen filters as a last resort and seek specialist help.

Furniture

Is the work surface large enough for all the necessary equipment, papers etc?
Create more room by moving printers, reference materials etc elsewhere.

If necessary, consider providing new power and telecoms sockets, so equipment can be moved.

There should be some scope for flexible rearrangement
Can the user comfortably reach all the equipment and papers they need to use?
Rearrange equipment, papers etc to bring frequently used things within easy reach.

A document holder may be needed, positioned to minimise uncomfortable head and eye movements
Are surfaces free from glare and reflection?
Consider mats or blotters to reduce reflections and glare.
Is the chair suitable?
The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms
Is the chair stable?
The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms
Does the chair have a working seat back height and tilt adjustment?
The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms
Does the chair have a working seat height adjustment?
The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms.
Does the chair have working castors or glides?
The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms
Is the chair adjusted correctly?
The user should be able to carry out their work sitting comfortably.

Consider training the user in how to adopt suitable postures while working.

The arms of chairs can stop the user getting close enough to use the equipment comfortably.

Move any obstructions from under the desk.
Is the small of the back supported by the chair’s backrest? The user should have a straight back, supported by the chair, with relaxed shoulders.
Are forearms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the DSE?
Adjust the chair height to get the user’s arms in the right position, and then adjust the DSE height, if necessary.
Are feet flat on the floor, without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of the legs?
A footrest may be needed.

Environment

Is there enough room to change position and vary movement? Space is needed to move, stretch and fidget.
Consider reorganising the office layout and check for obstructions.

Cables should be tidy and not a trip or snag hazard.
Is the lighting suitable, e.g. not too bright or too dim to work comfortably? Users should be able to control light levels, eg by adjusting window blinds or light switches
Consider shading or repositioning light sources or providing local lighting, eg desk lamps (but make sure lights don’t cause glare by reflecting off walls or other surfaces).
Does the air feel comfortable? DSE and other equipment may dry the air.
Circulate fresh air if possible. Plants may help.

Consider a humidifier if discomfort is severe.
Are levels of heat comfortable?
Can heating be better controlled?

More ventilation or air conditioning may be required if there is a lot of electronic equipment in the room.

Can users be moved away from the heat source
Are levels of noise comfortable?
Consider moving sources of noise, eg printers, away from the user. If not, consider soundproofing.

Final questions to users

Has the checklist covered all the problems you may have working with DSE?
Please give more details
Have you experienced any discomfort or other symptoms which could attribute to working with DSE?
Please give more details
Has the user been advised of their entitlement to eye and eyesight testing?
Employees can help their eyes by:

checking the screen is well positioned and properly adjusted making sure lighting conditions are suitable taking regular breaks from screen work.

Employers must assess DSE workstations and take steps to reduce any health risks.

An employer must provide an eyesight test for a DSE user if they request one. The employer must also pay for the test.

This should be a full eye and eyesight test by an optometrist or doctor, including a vision test and an eye examination.

Employers only have to pay for glasses for DSE work if the test shows an employee needs special glasses prescribed for the distance the screen is viewed at.

If an ordinary prescription is suitable, employers do not have to pay for glasses.
Does user take regular breaks working away from DSE?
There is no legal guidance about how long and how often breaks should be for DSE work. It depends on the kind of work you are doing.

Take short breaks often, rather than longer ones less often. For example 5 to 10 minutes every hour is better than 20 minutes every 2 hours. Ideally, users should be able to choose when to take breaks.