Display screen equipment (DSE)

Question 1

The main types of harm caused by computer use are: 3

Answer 1

 musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) including back pain and work related upper limb
disorders (WRULDS)
 visual fatigue
 mental stress.

Question 2

The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 seek to protect workers from the
risks of DSE work by requiring employers to: 5

Answer 2

 Analyse workstations to assess and reduce risks.
 Ensure workstations meet specified minimum requirements.
 Plan work activities so that they include breaks or changes of activity.
 Provide eye and eyesight tests on request, and special spectacles if needed.
 Provide information and training.

Question 3

The combination of factors which give rise to risks makes it impossible to lay down
hard-and-fast rules about who should be classified as a user or operator.
Consideration should be given to: 7

Answer 3

  continuous spells of an hour more 
  daily use of DSE 
  fast information transfer 
  high attention and concentration 
  high dependency on the DSE 
  little choice whether or not to use the DSE 
  special training or skills.

Question 4

Workstation minimum requirements 11

Answer 4

(1) Adequate lighting
(2) Adequate contrast, no glare or distracting reflections
(3) Distracting noise minimised
(4) Leg room and clearances to allow postural changes
(5) Window covering if needed to minimise glare
(6) Software: appropriate to task, adapted to user, providing feedback on system
status, no undisclosed monitoring
(7) Screen: stable image, adjustable, readable, glare/reflection-free
(8) Keyboard: usable, adjustable, detachable, legible
(9) Work surface: with space for flexible arrangement of equipment and
documents, glare-free
(10) Chair: stable and adjustable
(11) Footrest if user needs one.

Question 5

Information and training

The employer should provide users with adequate information on: 5

Answer 5

 health and safety relating to their workstations
 risk assessment and steps taken to reduce risks
 breaks and changes of activity
 eye and eyesight tests
 requirements for training.