Display Screen Regulations

Anonymous

I believe there is no set distance , the only advice I have been given is that the screen should be at arms length from the user. Hope this helps.

Anonymous

As Stephen says there is no set distance. There is no set right or wronng for DSE assessments it depends on the individual. About arms length is the general rule of thumb but it does depend on the persons eyesight and whether they wear spectacles or contact lenses.

It may also depend on screen resolution (how large their icons and software is set up on the screen,) what they are looking at and the size of their screen. For example staff working on large spreadsheets may have their font size quite small to be able to see a large part of the sheet at the same time. Get the employee to do some work using the main software programs that they use and watch them from the side and behind - if they apear to be peering/squinting at the screen with their jaw jutted forward then try pulling the screen forward slightly. If their upper back and shoulders are bent forwards then raise their screen slightly to raise their head and pull their posture back into upright neutral alignment. To identify the height increase required and therefore the type of screenraiser try a ream of paper or different thickness journals, phonebooks or catalogues for a few days!

Often screens are placed on the harddrive - this is okay but if the hardrive is large then pulling it forward may limit space in front of the individual so try turning it sideways or place it under the desk and use a screenraiser.

Remember PC setup is very individual - a DSE\risk assessment done well should include encouraging an employee to move their PC setup depending on the type of work and software that they are using to ultimately maintain an upright and neutral posture. Ideally for those employees using PC's continuously or for any length of time their PC should be directly infront them - this removes twisiting of the spine at the neck and upper back which contributes to pain, stiffness, poor memory and concentration, lethargy and reduced productivity due to reduced blood supply to the brain. If the neck/upper back is twisted sideways then pressure is applied to the blood vessels that supply the brain.

The key to DSE assessments is to watch the person, look at their posture - when looking at their chair start with elbow height - they should be paralell or just above (for PC work) the desk so adjust chair height accordingly and encourage the individual to lower their chair height slightly for written work. If their feet then don't comfortably reach the floor or they suffer from lower back pain and their ankle, knee and hip jpints aren't roughly at right-angles then they need a footrest. If the chair curves don't match the individual then sit them in different chairs to sit which fits them best!

Remind them to keep elbows in and relaxed, hanging down from the shoulder - arms are heavy and most people spend large parts of their day with their mouse arm held forward and sideways away from the body straining the neck and shoulders. Keep mouse, keyboard and phone nearby. Use a document holder to improve upright posture. If you use the telephone a lot or need to use PC, access documents whilst using the phone then get a headset.

ps: don't forget housekeeping - most desks are covered in clutter that is not being used