In accordance with UK HSE recommendations, Spainwise, recommends that our tutors, trainees and students follow these guidelines for use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE).
Getting Comfortable
- Your forearms should be approximately horizontal and your eyes should be the same height as the top of the screen.
- Make sure there is enough work space to accommodate all documents or other equipment. A document holder may help avoid awkward neck and eye movements.
- Arrange your desk and screen to avoid glare, or bright reflections. This is often easiest if the screen is not directly facing windows or bright lights.
- Adjust curtains or blinds to prevent intrusive light.
- Make sure there is space under the desk to move your legs.
- Avoid excess pressure from the edge of seats on the backs of your legs and knees (a footrest may be helpful for some users).
Keyboards and Keying In (Typing)
- Some space in front of the keyboard can help you rest your hands and wrists when not keying.
- Try to keep your wrists straight when keying.
- Good keyboard technique is important – you can do this by keeping a soft touch on the keys and not overstretching your fingers.
Using a Mouse
- Position the mouse within easy reach, so you can use it with a straight wrist.
- Sit upright and close to the desk to reduce working with your mouse arm stretched.
- Move your keyboard out of the way if you are not using it.
- Support your forearm on the desk, and don’t grip the mouse too tightly.
- Rest your fingers lightly on the mouse buttons and do not press them hard.
Reading the Screen
- Make sure individual characters on the screen are sharp, in focus and don’t flicker or move. If they do, the DSE may need servicing or adjustment.
- Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit lighting conditions in the room.
- Make sure your screen surface is clean.
- When setting up software, choose text that is large enough to read easily on screen when sitting in a normal, comfortable working position.
- Select colours that are easy on your eyes (avoid red text on a blue background, or vice versa).
- Stretch and change position.
- Look into the distance from time to time, and blink often.
Portable DSE
The following may also be relevant to portable DSE.
- Whenever possible, use a firm surface and a full-sized keyboard and mouse.
- The height and position of the portable’s screen should be angled so that the user is sitting comfortably and reflection is minimised (raiser blocks can be used to help with screen height).
