The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 and associated Approved Code of Practice came into force on the 1st January 1993

Who is covered by the regulations?
The Regulations apply where staff habitually uses Visual display units (VDUs) as a significant part of their normal work. Other people, who use VDUs only occasionally, are not covered by these Regulations, but their employers still have general duties to protect them under other health and safety at work legislation.

What is covered by the regulations?
The regulations cover the organisation and arrangement of the whole workstation including equipment, furniture and the work environment. The workstation risk assessment covers the tasks being undertaken and the individual needs of staff, whose views should be sought as a key part of the assessment.

Hazards associated with VDU work
Most problems experienced by VDU workers do not arise directly from the VDUs themselves, but from the way in which they are used. Some VDU workers may experience aches and pains in their hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back, collectively known as 'upper limb disorders'. Most problems of this nature can be prevented by good workplace design and ensuring 'user' awareness of good working practices.

Fatigue from intensive VDU work can cause discomfort to even healthy eyes. Often VDU work can make people aware of an eye problem they did not know about. It does not help eyes if the VDU is badly positioned, or if the workplace is poorly lit. Drifting, flickering or jittering images can be very tiring and must be corrected.

Risk assessment
In accordance with legal responsibilities, a workstation risk assessment must be carried out to identify any risks to the health and safety of 'users'. It is the responsibility of Managers to ensure that risk assessments are carried out. Risk assessments should only be undertaken by 'competent persons' who have received adequate information, instruction and training.

Review of risk assessments - risk assessment should be regarded as an on-going process. Risk assessments should be always be reviewed as soon as there are developments to suggest that they are no longer valid. As part of good management practice it is also advised that risk assessments be reviewed annually, or at more frequent intervals dependant on the nature of hazards or changes in the work activity.

Anti-glare screens
Following assessment, measures can be taken to overcome glare problems e.g. repositioning of the screen, changing furniture, etc. Anti-glare screens should only be considered as a last resort.

New VDU equipment
Many areas may be obtaining VDU equipment for the first time, or increasing the numbers of VDU equipment in use. Many existing desks and chairs will be physically unsuitable for use as part of a VDU workstation, or unsuitable for the needs of individual 'users'. The Workstation Risk Assessment form should be used to assess the suitability of the proposed workstation, including its suitability for individual 'users' who will be using it.

Arranging eye and eyesight tests
Employees covered by the Regulations can ask their employer to provide for a free eye and eye sight test. There is also an entitlement to further tests at regular intervals.

Pregnancy
At present there is no scientific evidence to suggest a link between miscarriages or birth defects and working with VDUs. However, to avoid problems caused by stress and anxiety, an employee who is pregnant or planning to have children should approach their Manager or a Safety Advisor to discuss their concerns. However, if concerns remain a transfer from VDU work to other work during pregnancy should be made available.

Portable computers
Laptops and other portable computers have to be compact enough to be easy to carry. This results in design compromises, like smaller keyboards and screens, that make portable computers less comfortable in prolonged use than normal VDU equipment. It is best to avoid using a portable computer for long periods when full-sized equipment is available. Like other VDU users, people who habitually use a portable computer should receive adequate information and training on how to minimise risks. This includes sitting comfortably, angling the screen so it can be seen clearly with minimal reflections, and taking frequent breaks if work is prolonged.

Training and information
The regulations require that all 'users' receive adequate health and safety training and information regarding the safe use of VDU workstations. Training should cover relevant issues including; posture, work breaks, arrangements for eye tests, arranging the workstation, etc. Information should reinforce 'user' training and therefore should cover the same issues.

Further information can be obtained form the Health and Safety Executive leaflet Working with VDUs