Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Safety
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.
- DSE User Check List (if unable to access online module) [DOC 291KB]
- Guidance for Line Managers in response to a DSE assessment [DOC 25KB]
- Adjusting an office chair [PPT 244KB]
Please refresh your browser or clear your cache before downloading a document to ensure you have the most up-to-date version. https://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/support/self-help/software/howto/browsers-cache/
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 on MySafety 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
All QMUL Staff and Post Graduate Research Students (PGR) on payroll, who qualify as DSE Users (see 5.2 of the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Policy, Arrangements and Guidance for definition) are entitled to a DSE eye care voucher. The voucher gives them a free eye and eye sight test as well as a £49 contribution to single vision (middle distance / computer use) lenses. Please note, bifocals/varifocals are not covered under the policy.
QMUL Staff who need to drive as part of their role can claim a drivers eye care voucher which entitles them to prescription glasses for driving. After submitting a request for the voucher we will require confirmation of the part of your job description that covers driving.
To obtain an eye care voucher, please complete the Specsavers Eye Care Voucher Request Form. The vouchers will be emailed directly to you from Specsavers.
Please note safety spectacles for laboratory users are not cover]ed within the eye care scheme. For further information you should refer to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy which can be found on the PPE topic page.
QMUL Documents
Other Information Sources
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