|  | Public Health Safety | Community

Health Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations

Health and safety regulations on Display Screen Equipment, or DSE, provide a guideline on how computers should be used at work. The provisions were fully enacted on December, 1996, and became enforceable to all employers. The main objective of the Health and Safety DSE Regulations is to protect workers while using computers. DSE includes computers and other equipment, including handheld display equipment and laptops. Scientific medical devices and calculators are not included.

  1. Eyesight and Eye Testing

    • DSE Health Regulations require all DSE users to get eye and eyesight tests. Specifically, it's important for employers to inform workers that they are entitled to regular eye tests. If the organization does not have a resident optician, then tests are done outside. Organizations are required to pay for the employee's eye test. In accordance with the DSE regulations, employees would be required to get corrective lenses for DSE if the optician finds it necessary. Consequently, the organization will cover expenses. Employees may shoulder additional costs depending on the price of the lenses and the agreement with the company. Usually, organizations allot financial limits for lenses. DSE regulations entail employers to have written records of all eye tests.

    Computer Use Breaks

    • Under the Health and Safety (DSE) Regulations, employers should ensure that they help mitigate the risks of computer use. Employers are required to make sure that employees get sufficient and regular breaks from using the computer. Employees should have adequate time to rest their eyes away from the computer screen. Computer breaks may range from five to 30 minutes.

    Equipment Standards

    • DSE also provides the standards with which computers and related equipment should comply. First, DSE health and safety regulations require that computer devices have sufficient lighting. There should also be sufficient contrast, without reflections or glare. The computer device should also have minimal noise and negligible radiation levels. Further, software in computer systems should fit the user's task. Feedback should be provided openly to the users and there shouldn't be secret monitoring. Computers must be placed in an appropriate area and "accessories" such as keyboards should fit the user.

Community - Related Articles