Display Screen Equipment

Display screen equipment, or visual display screens as they are also known, are the subject to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended 2002 (DSER).

Working with computer screens and other display screen equipment can lead to upper limb disorders or back pain, as well as stress or visual fatigue. To comply with the Regulations employers should:

• decide who is covered by the regulations;
• assess workstations and reduce any risks found;
• ensure equipment, furniture, the work environment and software meet minimum requirements;
• plan for breaks or changes of activity;
• provide eye and eyesight tests to display screen users who ask for them;
• provide training and information.

Following minor changes revised guidance on the Regulations was published by the HSE in February 2003: "Work with display screen equipment: Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002", L26, ISBN 0717625826.

The HSE also publish a useful leaflet: Working with VDUs

See University guidance:

• Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
• Working Safely with Display Screen Equipment (DSE) - Desktop/General Guidance
• Working Safely with Display Screen Equipment (DSE) - Laptops