Guidelines for Display Screen Equipment

Display screen equipment should be understood to be any screen (and related equipment) used with computers that displays text, graphics and/or numbers. These include desktop computer screens, laptop screens, display equipment used in laboratories and handheld devices, such as mp3 players.

Risks

• Using display screen equipment carries a number of health and safety risks. These include arm, shoulder, wrist, hand and neck pain, and blurred vision. These health and safety risks can be avoided by taking some precautionary measures.

Positioning

• When using display screen equipment, it is important to sit between 1 and 2 feet away from the screen to avoid blurred vision. It also is important to keep the mouse and keyboard in easy-to-reach locations, and to keep feet flat on the floor.

Breaks

• Many of these health risks can be avoided by taking regular breaks. According to the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive, shorter and more frequent breaks are preferable to longer and less frequent breaks. Ideally, users will take a 5 to 10-minute break every hour. However, if symptoms are present, users should take a break immediately.