Safe Use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) This presentation will look at: What is required by H&S legislation; The health risks associated with DSE; How to avoid potential health problems; Workstation assessments.

What is Display Screen Equipment? The definition of display screen equipment covers all equipment that uses both cathode ray and liquid crystal displays for the display of words, numbers, graphs, etc, with the exception of televisions and video monitors.

What is a Workstation? The Furniture (Desk and chair); Computer hardware and associated equipment; The immediate working environment

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations This legislation requires employers to: Analyse computer workstations in order to assess and reduce risks. Provide computer `users` with eye and eyesight tests. Provide `users` with breaks / changes of activity. Provide information and training.

Are you a Display Screen User? People who use DSE more or less continuously on most days are users so usually are others who: normally use DSE for continuous or near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time; Use it in this way more or less daily; Have to transfer information quickly to or from the DSE; and Need to apply high levels of attention and concentration.

The Display Screen User The human body is not designed to sit at a computer for long periods of time.

Health Problems Associated with VDU Work Upper limb disorders (often known as repetitive strain injuries); Back ache; Fatigue and stress; and Temporary eye strain (but not eye damage) and headaches.

Other health and safety concerns include: Epilepsy; Skin problems; Electro magnetic radiation; Effects on pregnant women; Electrical safety; and Trailing cables.

Risk factors include: Frequency of use; Duration of use; Intensity and pace of use; Discretion the user has over the extent and method of use; Working environment; and Furniture and equipment.

Causes of upper limb disorders: Prolonged static posture of the back, neck and head; Poor posture; Awkward positioning of the hands and wrists; High workloads and tight deadlines (keying rates); Frequent twisting of the head and neck.

Causes of stress: Pressure to meet deadlines; If the system does not function well; Lack of training on how to operate the system; Poor work planning and organisation; Due to performance being monitored.

Causes of eye strain: Long periods of intense concentration on the screen; Poor legibility of the screen or source documents; A flickering screen; Low humidity; and Poor lighting,glare and reflections.

Prevention is the Best Cure! Information and training; Eye / eyesight tests; Adjustable computer hardware; Well designed furniture; Effective work organisation; A suitable working environment; and Workstation assessments.

Information and training should include: Use of the software / system; The potential risks to health; Precautions to reduce the risks, such as the adjustment of the chair and computer equipment; The importance of taking regular breaks / changes of activity.

Eyesight Tests Employers should provide `users` with an eyesight test upon request; If a user needs glasses specifically for VDU use, the employer is liable for paying the cost of a basic pair of frames and lenses. It is normal for employers to make a standard contribution towards the costs.

Adjustable Computer Equipment The computer equipment should be adjustable to suit YOU; Monitors should swivel and tilt; Keyboards should separate from the screen and tiltable (ergonomic keyboards may help).

Well Designed Furniture - Desk Large enough for the computer and other equipment; Matt finish (non-reflective) Adequate leg room to allow freedom of movement; Document holder.

Well Designed Furniture - Chair Height adjustable; Adjustable back support; Comfortable; Freedom of movement; Stable; and Footrest provided if required.

Work Organisation The work should be organised to allow for regular breaks or changes of activity; Exercise routines can help; Users should be allowed some discretion on how they are going to carry out their work.

The Working Environment Space; Lighting; Reflections and glare; Noise; Heat; and Humidity.

Work with Portable DSE Portable DSE such as laptop and notebook computers, is subject to the same requirements if it is in prolonged use; The manual handling risk should also be considered; The portable DSE user should be trained to undertake their own risk assessment.

Workstation Assessment Suitable and sufficient; Usually involves a checklist; Its purpose is to assess and reduce risks; Must be reviewed if they are no longer valid or if there are changes.

Self Assessment Checklist A checklist is a simple aid to help the user to assess their own workstation. A trained assessor will then go over the completed checklists, clarify doubtful points and tackle the problems the user can’t solve. The user should review their assessment if a significant change is made to their workstation, for example when it is relocated or a different screen is installed.

1. Working Environment Is the lighting at your workstation Too bright? Too dark? About right? Do you get any reflections on your screen? Have you control of the lighting at your workstation (e.g. window blinds)? Is excessive noise from the equipment a problem? Have you enough space around your workstation? Is the area around your workstation clear of trip hazards such as trailing cables? Is the room temperature / humidity comfortable?

Can you see any reflections on your screen? Measures to reduce glare: Reposition your screen (900 to light source) Install blinds Fit window film Change light fittings

Improving the Environment Humidifiers or pot plants can be used to provide a comfortable level of humidity. Circulate fresh air if possible.

2. The Display Screen Is the angle of the monitor easy to adjust? Does the monitor swivel freely? Is the monitor set at a comfortable position for you? Is it easy to adjust the brightness and contrast between the characters and the background? Is the text size comfortable to read? Is the image on the display free of flicker and movement? Is an adjustable document holder available?

How far away from the monitor are you? The screen should be roughly arms length away from you; The depth of your desk should allow you to position your monitor at a suitable viewing distance.

Is your monitor at the correct height? When your chair has been adjusted so that your forearms are horizontal, your eyes should roughly be the same height as the top of the monitor. You may have to use blocks under the monitor.

Is the monitor directly in front of you? You should be able to sit comfortably looking straight at the screen without twisting; If you need to turn to work to one side, swivel your chair rather than twist your head or back.

3. The Keyboard Is the keyboard separate from the screen? Does the keyboard tilt? Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position? Are the characters on the keys clear? Is the mouse / trackball positioned close to the user? Does the device work smoothly at a speed to suit you?

Devices such as a mouse, trackball, etc. Avoid overreaching; Most devices are best placed as close as possible, eg right beside the keyboard; Keep your arm relaxed and wrist straight; A combined mouse mat and gel wrist rest may help.

4. The Furniture Is the work surface large enough for all necessary equipment, papers,etc? Can you comfortably reach all the equipment and papers that you need to use? Is the desktop wide enough for you to rest your hands in front of the keyboard? Are all surfaces free from glare and reflections? Is the chair suitable and stable?Is the chair seat and backrest adjustable? Are forearms horizontal and eyes roughly at the same height as the top of the monitor? Is there enough legroom under the desk? Are your feet flat on the floor or is a foot rest provided?

Are you sitting comfortably? Never cross your legs; Change position regularly; Get up and walk around regularly; You may need to use a footrest.

Don’t be a Slouch! Set the backrest to support your back in a comfortable position; The chair arms should allow you to pull the chair in far enough for the backrest to be effective.

Keep the Office Tidy Do not store items under your desk as this can restrict legroom and affect your posture. Prevent trip hazards - use cable straps to keep cables away from your feet.

5. About Yourself If you use a computer frequently, do you suffer from: Sore, itchy eyes? Headaches? Aches and pains in the neck, wrist or fingers? Have you been provided with adequate training in the use of any relevant software? Are you aware of the policy on eye and eyesight testing? If not ask! Do you take regular breaks working away from the DSE? Have you identified any other problems with your workstation / working environment?

Watch Your Eyes Adjust the screen to suit your personal needs; Look away from the screen now and again and focus on something in the distance; Try to make a point of blinking to keep your eyes lubricated; Move your eyes from side to side and up and down Close your eyes to shut out the light for a few seconds.

Some simple exercises can help:

Plan Your Work! Add variety Make good use of your breaks - move away from your computer; Filing and fetching documents - allows you to stand up and move about; When answering the phone take your eyes off the screen and rest your hands.

If You Have a Problem Report It!