Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Safety

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak staff who are temporarily working from home should follow the workstation (DSE) guidance below.

Workstation (DSE) guidance for staff temporarily working from home [DOC 25KB]

DSE typically includes your desk, computer/laptop/other similar devices and its accessories (chairs).

It is Queen Mary policy that all staff using DSE should complete the online workstation assessment module, which can be found here. Postgraduate research students not on QMUL payroll, Visitors and Contractors can utilise Appendix 1 of the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Policy, Arrangements and Guidance [DOC 1,881KB] to complete an assessment.

The online Display Screen Equipment (DSE) tutorial for all Staff and is designed to give DSE users the necessary information to carry out an ergonomic self-assessment of their workstation. Completion of this module is a requirement to obtain an Eye Care (Specsavers) voucher.

Help with your DSE and setting up or adjusting your workstation

For help with setting up or adjusting your DSE and workstation further information read Getting the most out of your display screen equipment and chair [PDF 491KB]

For further tips:

Difficulty Accessing the Workstation Assessment Module

If you are having difficulty in accessing the workstation assessment module, please follow the MySafety Workstation Assessment Guidance [PDF 389KB] or How to log in MySafety and request a DSE assessment [PPT 1,615KB]

Recommended / Additional Equipment

Display Screen Equipment must meet regulatory requirments and be both approriate to the office and the person using the equipment. Before equipment is purchased / used please check out our guidance on Obtaining Correct Office Equipment [PDF 830KB]. Once your assessor has contacted you and made any relevant recommendations, liaise with your Line Manager or Local Safety Coordinator (details can be requested from hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk if you are unsure) about obtaining the additional DSE.

How to Assemble Display Screen Equipment

Should the additional DSE obtained require assembling e.g. unassembled chair, please consider the following options:

Upon purchase, ask the supplier if they offer an assembly service at the point of delivery
Contact the Estates Helpdesk (Maintenance) to request assistance in assembling equipment

Eye Care Vouchers

All QMUL Staff and PHD students on payroll are entitled under the policy to DSE eye care voucher which gives them a free eye and eye sight test and money off single vision (middle distance / computer use) lenses. (Bifocal/Varifocals are not covered under the policy).

To obtain an eye care voucher, please email hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk with

Your full name
Your School / Institute / Directorate
Your QMUL payroll number
A copy of your DSE assessment / completion record

The vouchers will be emailed directly to you from Specsavers.

QMUL Staff who need to drive as part of their role can claim Drivers vouchers which entitles them to prescription glasses for driving.

To apply for a voucher email your payroll number (6 digits) to the Health and Safety Directorate Helpdesk noting the part of your job description that covers driving. The vouchers will be emailed directly to you from Specsavers.

Further Information

QMUL Documents

Other Information Sources

Working Environment

Health and Safety Executive resources are available on http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/

Primary legislation

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

Key Health & Safety Contacts

For Advice and Assistance at QMUL, contact the H&S Advisor for your Faculty / PS or the subject lead at http://www.hsd.qmul.ac.uk/contact-us/

All H&S staff can be contacted via the help desk at hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk