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RISK
ASSESSMENT: VISUAL DISPLAY EQUIPMENT
- Lighting, Glare and Reflection and Noise. These are general office
specifications but apply also to workstations. The requirements are
for adequate but not excessive lighting, avoidance of glare or reflection
from windows and reasonable levels of noise. (For these and other requirements
outlined below, more detailed specifications are contained in the University
Code of Practice on Office Safety and VDU Use.)
- Display Screen Equipment: The display screen itself must be able to
be positioned and angled for comfortable viewing.
- Chairs and Desks: Chairs should have a base with at least five castors
(star wheeled) for stability and easy movement, should be able to swivel
easily and be adjustable in height and in back support. Desks should
have adequate surface area to accommodate equipment and documents, manuals
etc., be of appropriate height and have sufficient leg/knee space.
- Keyboards: The position of the keyboard on the desk should be such
as to allow 100mm in front of the keyboard. Keys should be clearly marked.
- Footrests: These may be appropriate depending on the physical stature
of the user.
- Floor: The floor covering should be such as to allow the wheels of
the chair to move freely.
Hazards:
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) a musculo-skeletal disorder, the symptoms
of which include pain, swollen soft tissue, restricted joint movement,
loss of function and possible permanent disability. Users of keyboards
who are not trained typists are more susceptible to such problems.
- Eye Strain: Evidence indicates that using DSE is not associated with
damage to the eyes or eyesight although uncorrected defects can increase
the stress of working with such equipment.
- Fatigue and stress.
Precautions
- Avoidance of RSI. Good ergonomically designed seating arrangements
and posture when using the keyboard or mouse. Frequent breaks either
resting the fingers and wrists or carrying out alternative work provided
it does not involve the use of the joints in a manner similar to keyboard
use. Further details are given in the University Code of Practice referenced
below.
- Eye strain. If defective vision is suspected, users are entitled to
vision screening and full eyesight test if necessary. If prescribed
for VDU work, basic spectacles can be supplied but remain the property
of the University.
- Fatigue and stress can be reduced by providing a sympathetic working
environment. Computer programs should be as far as possible "user
friendly" and allow for the recovery of errors. (It is recognised
that this will not always be possible in research work but it should
be a major consideration in office computing.)
Back to Completed Risk Assessment Forms
Adapted
with permission from School of Chemistry, University of Bristol
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