Display Screen Equipment Assessment

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Your Details
Display Screen
Keyboard
Mouse
Software
Furniture
Posture
Environment
Work Routine
General
Review & Submit

Section 1 - Your Details

Name

Staff ID

Please note: the above details are automatically populated from your QOL login. If your staff ID or name is incorrect, please contact the IT Service Desk on (028) 9097 3760 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, or email itservicedesk@qub.ac.uk, or log an online support request at https://it.qub.ac.uk/sitehelpdesk/user/log.asp.

Room Location

Please provide your location in the format Site / Building / Floor / Room as appropriate.

Department / School

Please provide your Department / School.

Your Room Location and Department / School are automatically populated. Please amend Room Location as appropriate and let the Safety Service know if Department / School is incorrect.

Section 3 - Keyboard

[6] Is the keyboard separate from the screen?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

This is a requirement, unless the task makes it impracticable (e.g. where there is a need to use a portable device). Laptops and notebooks are not recommended for prolonged use - try to use a desktop PC. If laptop or notebook use is unavoidable, consider a separate mouse/keyboard for the laptop and a riser support for the laptop/screen.

[7] Do you have enough space to rest your hands in front of the keyboard when not typing?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

Try pushing your display screen further back to create more room for the keyboard, hands and wrists. If you are using a thick, raised keyboard you may need a wrist rest.

[8] Are the keyboard symbols legible?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

If 'no' first try cleaning the keys on the keyboard. If the letters and numbers still cannot be read your keyboard will need replacing. Use a keyboard with a matt finish to reduce glare and/or reflection.

Section 4 - Mouse

[9] Is the mouse or other input device suitable for the tasks it is used for?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

The mouse and trackball are general purpose devices suitable for many tasks, and available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Alternative input devices such as touch screens may be better for some tasks (but can be worse for others).

[10] Are you able to position you mouse/input device close to you, so that it can be used without stretching your arm to the side?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

The mouse should be positioned next to the keyboard and close to the user to avoid overstretching the arm. Try to rearrange your desk to ensure the mouse can be used without overreaching or unnecessary twisting or bending of the wrist. A mouse mat is useful in providing a defined area to use your mouse on.

[11] Are you able to position the mouse/input device to ensure support for your wrist and forearm?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

You should be able to find a comfortable working position. Support can be gained from the desk surface or arm of the chair where fitted.

[12] Does the mouse/input device work smoothly at a speed that suits you?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

Check that the mouse is clean and that the work surface is suitable. A mouse mat may be needed.

Section 5 - Software

[13] Is the software you are using suitable for the task?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

Software should help you carry out the task with the minimum of stress. You should also have appropriate training. Discuss with your Line Manager or contact the Information Services Help Desk for advice.

Section 7 - Working Posture

[19] Have you adjusted the chair height to the appropriate height for working at the keyboard?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

Adjust the chair height to allow you to sit with forearms horizontal, upper arms close to the body and elbows at approximately 1-2cm above the desk when touching the G and H keys.

[20] With the chair adjusted to the correct height are your feet flat on the floor or footrest, without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of the legs?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

If not, a foot rest may be needed. Please contact your Line Manager or local DSE Assessor to discuss your requirements.

[21] Is your back supported by the chair's backrest?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

Adjust the backrest height so that it supports the curve in the lower back. Check that you are not leaning forward to get closer to the screen or to reach things. Are you sitting away from the backrest because the seat is too deep to sit back?

[22] Are you able to draw the chair close to the work surface to avoid stretching to reach the keyboard and losing support of the backrest?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

Sometimes armrests can catch on the edge of the desk. Can they be adjusted to avoid hitting the edge of the desk? Can they be removed?

[23] Are your eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the display screen?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

Adjust the display screen height, if necessary. Non 'touch typists' will benefit from having the screen positioned slightly below eye level as they typically look down to the keyboard when keying.

[24] Do you type with your hands horizontal and level with the middle row of letters on the keyboard?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

If your hands are bent up or down when keying check that your seat is adjusted to the correct height - refer to question 19. Try tilting your keyboard to improve the position of your wrists. Follow the on-line training advice on setting up your computer workstation. A wrist rest may be required.

Section 9 - Work Routine

[32] Do you take regular breaks from prolonged periods of work with display screen work (e.g. a break or change of activity after an hour or so)?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

You should not be sitting staring at your computer for long periods without a change. Consider varying work tasks and taking short frequent breaks which are better than longer less frequent ones. Follow the advice on exercises for computer users in the guidance leaflet 'Are you sitting comfortably'.

[33] Can you control your work routine to include appropriate changes in work activity?

Yes

No

Please answer the question 'Yes' or 'No' as appropriate.

If no, speak to your Line Manager or contact your local DSE workstation assessor for advice.

Review and Submit

Section	Status
(1) Your Details		Update details
(2) Display Screen		Review section
(3) Keyboard		Review section
(4) Mouse		Review section
(5) Software		Review section
(6) Furniture		Review section
(7) Posture		Review section
(8) Environment		Review section
(9) Routine		Review section
(10) General		Review section