Display Screen Equipment Training for Users

1
Display Screen Equipment Training for Users

2
Objectives

• At the end of this course you will know how to
• Identify when you would need a DSE assessment
• How to complete an assessment
• How to set up a workstation
• How to attain a suitable posture when using DSE
• Undertake practical solutions to solve problems

3
Key Legal Requirements

• The Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations
  are designed to protect people who are users of
  DSE
• Apply to
• All staff who habitually use DSE for a
  significant part of their normal work.
  (continuous periods of an hour or more at a time,
  more or less daily)
• Employees if they use DSE at a workplace or if
  they work from home

4
What is DSE ?

• DSE is any alphanumeric/graphic display screen
• Office computers
• Display media such as microfiche screens
• Laptops
• Process control screens

5
Who is a DSE user?

• Any person who habitually uses DSE for as a
  significant part of their normal work for
  continuous periods of an hour or more.

6
What are the risks?

• The risks are low but poorly set up workstations
  or bad practise can lead to
• Pains and discomfort in neck, hands, arms and
  back which if prolonged over a period of time
  could lead to Work Related Upper Limb Disorder
  (WRULD)
• Eyesight effects such as eye strain
• Fatigue and Stress
• Very rarely skin disorders facial dermatitis
  which is probably caused by a mixture of dry air
  and static electricity

7
Other risks?

• There is no evidence
• of any adverse effects to people with epilepsy
• of association with permanent damage to eyes or
  eyesight.
• to support claims in the 1980s that use of
  computer during pregnancy increased risk of
  miscarriage.
• If users are experiencing symptoms which they
  suspect might be connected with the use of DSE,
  they must inform their supervisor/manager.

8
Upper limb disorder

• Develops in three stages
• Stage 1
• Pain or discomfort which goes away with rest.
  Normally this stage is totally reversible.
• Stage 2
• Pain or symptoms worsen and do not go away when
  the activity ends
• Stage 3
• Constant pain aggravated by activity.

9
Symptoms to inform your manager about

• If you experience persistent or reoccurring pain
  or discomfort, you must report your symptoms to
  your line manager as soon as possible.
• Dont wait thinking it will go away or that no
  one will take it seriously.

10
The DSE Assessment what to do

• Complete the DSE training module (this
  presentation)
• Complete the DSE Assessment Checklist in full
  (HSF 7 which is on the intranet)
• Hand it to your manager for them to investigate
  and take the corrective action
• If the assessment shows areas of concern it will
  be passed to the local DSE assessor
• Complete the assessment every two years or if the
  work station changes

11
User Self Assessment Form
The assessment form looks at

• Equipment
• The screen
• Keyboard
• Desk or work surface
• Chair
• Interface between the equipment and the user
• The users health

• Environment
• Space requirements
• Lighting
• Reflection and glare
• Noise
• Heat
• Radiation
• Humidity

12
Screen standards

• Display Screen should be
• Adjustable for brightness and contrast
• Swivel
• Tilt up/down
• Minimum 15 screen recommended
• Arms length (fingers extended) away
• Eyes level with top of screen
• Free from reflection and glare

13
Seating Standards

• Seating should be
• Height adjustable
• Stable Five Point Base (on casters)
• Have adequate seat depth, width and tilt
• Have an adjustable back rest for height and
  lumbar support (Up/Down and Forward/Backward)
• Be able to swivel
• In good condition
• Feet flat on floor
• No excess pressure from the edge of the seat on
  the backs legs and knees. A footrest may be
  needed.

14
Keyboard Standards

• Keyboard
• Enough space to rest wrists when not typing
  (5-10cm)
• Be capable of being angled
• Separate from the screen
• Clean, clearly legible keys
• Comfortable keying position
• Keys work when touched lightly

15
Mouse Standards

• Position the mouse within easy reach.
• Sit upright and close to the desk, so you do not
  have to work with your mouse arm stretched.
• Support your forearm on the desk, and do not grip
  the mouse too tightly.
• Rest your fingers lightly on the buttons and do
  not press the keys hard.

16
Mouse
Intensive use of a mouse may cause aches and
pains in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms or
shoulders. Risks can be reduced by adopting a
good posture and technique.
17
Desk layout

• Adjust your desk layout
• Position things you use most often close to you
• Avoid placing your screen, keyboard and mouse in
  positions that cause you to stretch or twist
  (directly in front of you is best and not above
  drawers)
• Remove obstructions from under the desk
• There should be between 5 and 10 cm space in
  front of the keyboard to rest hand and wrists
  when not keying
• Position the mouse close to you and hold it so
  the wrist is straight

18
Laptops

• If you use portable DSE such as laptops or
  notebook computers for prolonged periods
• they must be used with suitable equipment to
  allow them to be used at the correct viewing
  height e.g. a docking station, converter or
  stand.
• If the screen cannot be adjusted to the correct
  position or is not suitable a full-sized screen
  should be used.
• A full sized mouse, keyboard and any other
  equipment should be used

19
Environment

• Space
• There should be adequate general work space
• Noise
• All sources of distracting noise should be
  relocated or insulated or the user relocated

20
Environment

• Heat and humidity
• Ventilation should be adequate
• Heat should be adequate, (above 16C within 1
  hour of start of work)

21
Environment

• Lighting
• Lighting should be adequate
• Not causing reflection or glare
• If light levels seem inadequate, seek further
  advice (maybe a desk lamp?)

22
Environment

• Reflection/glare
• Should be minimal reflection on surfaces and
  screen
• Adjustable blinds on windows
• Reposition monitor ideally you and the monitor
  should be side on to any windows
• Tilt screen to avoid reflection/glare

23
Eyes and Eyesight

• DSE Users are entitled to
• A free eye and eyesight test upon request.
• Corrective glasses if needed to carry out DSE
  work.
• The County Council operates a voucher scheme to
  cover the cost of these.
• Only visual defects relating to DSE are the
  responsibility of the County Council.
• Reimbursement may not be possible if the correct
  protocol is not followed.

24
Eye Strain

• Long spells of DSE work can lead to tired eyes,
  discomfort or headaches. Eye muscles can tire due
  to-
• Excessively long periods of close work.
• Insufficient change of focus
• Using a screen that is dirty or obscured by
  reflections
• Constantly shifting your focus backwards and
  forwards to a printed page

25
Eye Test Procedure

• If you are a DSE user
• Compete a DSE Eyecare Voucher Request form (HSF 8
  on the intranet) and hand to your line manager.
• The form with the establishment/division cost
  details should be forwarded to Occupational
  Health Unit.
• You will get a voucher for an eye test.
• Make an appointment at any branch of Specsavers
  Opticians.
• If needed you will get suitable glasses from a
  range at no charge.
• If you want coatings, tints or different frames
  you will be responsible for the additional cost.

26
Preventing ill health

• Plan work so periodic breaks or changes of
  activity can be taken
• Short / frequent breaks are better than long less
  frequent breaks
• Avoid similar activities like writing
• Exercises such as blinking and stretching can be
  useful
• Take breaks before the onset of fatigue
• DSE users should have some control over nature
  and pace of work

27
Software

• Software should be suitable for the tasks to be
  undertaken
• You should be familiar with the software and
  given appropriate training prior to appointment

28
Software Setup

• In setting up software, choose options giving
  text that is large enough to read easily on your
  screen.
• Select colours that are easy on the eye (avoid
  red text on a blue background).
• Individual characters on the screen should be
  sharply focused and should not flicker or move.
  If they do, the VDU may need servicing or
  adjustment.

29
After the Assessment

• If the assessment form identifies problems the
  assessor will contact the user to help identify
  solutions.
• The solutions identified will be recorded in the
  Summary of Recommendations and the form returned
  to the manager.
• If the DSE Assessor and the line manager can not
  find a solution the manager will contact the
  Strategic Health and Safety Service.
• Where an employee is experiencing health problems
  which may be caused by the use of DSE the
  Occupational Health Service should be contacted.
• The manager has responsibility for ensuring
  solutions are actioned and monitored.

30
Responsibility of users

• DSE Users must
• Inform your manager of any health/medical
  condition which could affect your ability to work
  properly.
• Report and ill health conditions you develop
  whilst working with DSE, which may be related to
  the use of DSE.
• Regularly check all equipment and report any
  defective/faulty equipment to their manager.
• Maintain your workplace in a clean and tidy
  condition.
• Plan changes of activity away from the screen as
  necessary or take breaks where this is not
  possible

31
Questions or Need for Further Information

• Contact Details
• Strategic Health and Safety Service
• Tel [phone]
• Email strategichealthsafety_at_staffordshire.gov.u
  k