a free tool box talk from safetyphoto

(c) safetyphoto1

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

A Free Tool Box Talk From Safetyphoto

The presentation is intentionally in base colour for easy adaptation into your company design – but please

credit safetyphoto.

(c) safetyphoto2

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Display Screen Equipment

(DSE)Tool Box Talk

(c) safetyphoto3

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Course Outline

• Safe use of DSE• State key legal requirements• Hazards associated with DSE

(c) safetyphoto4

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

What is display screen equipment?

• Usually part of a computer system• Screen• Keyboard• Input devices

(c) safetyphoto5

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Potential health risks

• Visual discomfort• Upper limb disorders• Repetitive Strain Injury• Aches and pains• Eye strain• Fatigue• Stress

(c) safetyphoto6

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Reasons for potential health risks

• Concentration• Close visual work• Extended periods of sitting• Prolonged use of hands, wrists & fingers• Posture• Poor working environment• Poor management of workload

(c) safetyphoto7

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

The legal position

(c) safetyphoto8

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

ResponsibilitiesEmployer

• Assess risks• Correct desk and

layout• Adjustable equipment• Working environment• Eye sight tests• Organise workloads• Information & training• Investigate problems

Employee• Follow safety rules• Follow safe systems of work• Adjust workstation properly• Posture• Rest breaks• Housekeeping• Hazard/incident reporting

(c) safetyphoto9

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

‘Definition of user’ An employee to whom all or most of the following apply;

• Job requires DSE• No choice as to use of equipment• Need for significant training or skills• Used for continuous spells• Used most days• Have to input data quickly & accurately• Requires attention & concentration

(c) safetyphoto10

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation

• Display screen• Accessories• Chair• Work surface• Telephone• Document holder• Desk lamp• Footrest

(c) safetyphoto11

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Laptops

• Tasks used for• Temporary workstation• Prolonged use - docking station• Permanent work station• Use at home

(c) safetyphoto12

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Screen

• Well defined characters• Stable image• Brightness and contrast adjustable• Swivel and tilt• Free from glare

(c) safetyphoto13

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Monitor Positioning

• Monitor in front of keyboard

• Top of monitor at eye level

• Arm’s length away• 10° backward tilt

(c) safetyphoto14

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Monitor Positioning• Bifocal/trifocal wearers may tilt

their head backward– Lower monitor so head is held

straight– Purchase new lenses specifically

for computer use

• Screen considerations

– Adjust brightness throughout the day

– Keep the screen clean

(c) safetyphoto15

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Glare

• Can cause eye strain/headaches– Position monitor between

overhead lights and perpendicular to windows, or

– Select a glare screen for the model and size of monitor?

(c) safetyphoto16

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Keyboard

• Tiltable• Separate from screen• Legible key symbols• Space in front for wrist support

(c) safetyphoto17

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Mouse

• Position• Over stretching ?• Level surface• Prolonged use• Left/Right handed?

(c) safetyphoto18

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Mouse – Common Complaints

(c) safetyphoto19

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Work Desk

• Sufficient size• Low reflective surface• Allows for

arrangement of all equipment

• Document holder - stable/ adjustable

(c) safetyphoto20

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Work Chair

• Stable• Allows freedom for movement• Adjustable in height• Back adjustable in height & tilt• Footrest, if required

(c) safetyphoto21

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - EnvironmentLighting

• Satisfactory• Contrast between screen / background• Not distractive

(c) safetyphoto22

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - EnvironmentReflections & glare

• No direct glare• No distracting

reflections• Window blinds

(c) safetyphoto23

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Environment

Noise

• Not excessive• Not distractive• Speech not disturbed

Heat & humidity

• No excessive heat• Sufficiently warm• No draughts• Good level of

humidity

(c) safetyphoto24

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Environment

Radiation

• No real health hazard• Reduced to negligible

levels• Modern equipment

Space

• Sufficient• Manoeuvrability• Flexible

(c) safetyphoto25

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Workstation - Software

• Suitable for the task• Easy to use• No checking facility

without operator’s knowledge

• Acceptable format and pace

(c) safetyphoto26

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Training requirements

• Upon recruitment - induction• Change of job or responsibilities• Introduction of new equipment /

technology• Modification of equipment

(c) safetyphoto27

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Work routines - breaks

• Before onset of fatigue• In ‘work’ time• Short & frequent• Non-DSE related tasks • Away from the screen

(c) safetyphoto28

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Health issues

Eye and eye sight tests

• Request free eye sight test

• Employer can specify Opticians

• Free glasses for DSE work, if specified by Optician

Pregnant women

• No conclusive evidence of harm

• Work to be assessed• Additional

adjustments to workload, breaks, layout etc...

(c) safetyphoto29

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

User responsibilities

• Is the chair at the correct height?

• Is the screen at the correct height?

• Arms horizontal with keyboard?• Are feet flat on floor/footrest?• Is backrest supporting the back?• Are you sitting in an upright

posture?

(c) safetyphoto30

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

User checklist

• Seat height• Seat tilt• Use of arm rests• Support for wrists• Footrest• Keyboard position• Keyboard height• Keyboard slope

• Screen position• Glare/reflections• Sufficient desk

space?• Mouse accessible

and comfortable• Are you sitting

comfortably?

(c) safetyphoto31

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Has the work station been assessed?

• Carried out by the ‘employer’• Assessments to be reviewed periodically

or when things change

(c) safetyphoto32

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Assessing workstations

• All ‘user’ workstations • Are they suitable for use?• Are work routines OK?• Is the user sitting

comfortably?• Are people aware of what

can be done?• Can any improvements be

made?

(c) safetyphoto33

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Solving common problems

(c) safetyphoto34

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Solving common problems

(c) safetyphoto35

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Solving common problems

(c) safetyphoto36

www.safetyphoto.co.uk

Summary

• Identify potential users• Carry out initial assessment• Identify any problems• Suggest improvements• Provide information to users