THE COLLEGES’ PARTNERSHIP LIMITED

HEALTH AND SAFETY (Display Screen Equipment) PRO015

INTRODUCTION
This document outlines The Colleges’ Partnership (TCP) arrangements for complying
with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, as amended
by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 for protecting
the health and safety of display screen equipment (DSE) users.
It is the responsibility of TCP’s ED to ensure arrangements are in place to assess and
mitigate risks associated with the use of DSE.

DEFINITIONS
DSE is any device or equipment that has an alphanumeric or graphic display screen,
regardless of the display process involved; it includes both conventional display screens
and those used in laptops, touch-screens and other similar devices.
A DSE user is someone who uses DSE: -
 for a significant part of their normal work. This includes part-time, agency,
remote and home-workers.
 for continuous or near-continuous spells of an hour or more at a time on a
daily basis.
Where there is any doubt over the classification of a DSE user, the assumption should
be made that all staff who use DSE equipment are classed as users.

DSE RISK ASSESSMENT

All DSE users shall complete the TCP’s online DSE training module and then undertake a
DSE self-assessment with the aid of the DSE self-assessment checklist (HS002). New
DSE users/employees shall undertake DSE self-assessment and training as part of their
staff induction.
The DSE self-assessment process shall be overseen by the area Health, Safety and
Welfare Controllers (HCWCs).
Staff DSE Assessments shall be reviewed if: -
 There have been significant changes to workstation equipment, desk, chair or
immediate working environment (including lighting, temperature, space, time
spent at the workstation, etc.); or
 injury or diagnosis of ill-health arising from DSE use have been reported.

INFORMATION AND TRAINING

Training and information shall be provided to all staff classed as DSE users via the
online DSE training module. Staff shall undertake refresher training every two years or
more frequently if circumstances change.
Completed DSE self-assessment forms and records of who has undertaken the DSE
shall be maintained by the individuals staff members Line Manager and overseen by the
HSWCs.

WORKSTATIONS

TCP shall ensure that workstations have: -

Approval Date 01-12-17 Ref. No. Pro015 AOR H&S

Revision Date 19-03-19 Version Number 1.2 No of Pages Page 1 of 2
 THE COLLEGES’ PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
HEALTH AND SAFETY (Display Screen Equipment) PRO015

adequate lighting, minimal distracting glare, minimal distracting noise, adequate
leg room and clearances to allow postural changes
 software appropriate to task
 a stable adjustable glare-free screen
 an uncluttered work desk
 a suitable keyboard
 an adjustable chair and footrest if required
TCP staff shall not use undocked laptops or notebooks for prolonged periods when
seated at a normal workstation.

REPORTING ILL-HEALTH
All TCP staff should report to their Line Manager or local H&S Rep any signs of ill-health
arising from the use of their DSE equipment. Moreover, they should notify TCP of any
ill-health arising from other causes (including non-work) which may have an impact on
their continued safe use of a DSE workstation. Ill-health may include persistent:
 Aches and pains in wrists, arms, shoulders and neck.
 Numbness in the fingers or a tingling sensation.
 Backache.
 Tired or sore eyes.
Work Breaks
Where users operate DSE equipment for prolonged periods they should be encouraged
to take breaks to minimise long uninterrupted periods of DSE activity. Short frequent
breaks are preferred to less frequent longer breaks. For example, a five-minute break
every hour is preferable to 20-minute break every two hours. Work breaks are not to
be interpreted as non-productive time.
Eyesight Tests
DSE users are entitled on request to an eye and eyesight test to determine whether the
individual has any sight defect which requires correction when working with DSE. TCP
will meet the full costs of the eyesight test. If the sight test indicates that the user is
suffering eye injury or disease, then they will be referred to a registered medical
practitioner for arrangements to be made for an ophthalmologic examination, which is
free of charge under the National Health Service. If this test identifies a requirement
for special corrective appliances, then the voucher provided will cover the basic cost of
these spectacles.

POLICY REVIEW

TCP will review its DSE policy regularly and will reflect any changes in current legislation
or in the organisation and management of the Colleges’ Partnership, which impact upon
health and safety issues.

Signed Date: 1st December 2017

Sue Burton

Executive Director

Approval Date 01-12-17 Ref. No. Pro015 AOR H&S

Revision Date 19-03-19 Version Number 1.2 No of Pages Page 2 of 2