Display screen equipment (DSE) policies: guidance and examples
Read guidance from HSE on best practice, and see examples of display screen equipment (DSE) policies from schools and LAs.
- Read guidance on the use of DSE
- See examples from schools
- Find examples and guidance from LAs
Display screen equipment (DSE) policies are non-statutory. You're not legally required to have one, but it's a good idea if your staff regularly use DSE.
Read guidance on the use of DSE
Any employee who habitually uses DSE in the workplace is considered a 'user'.
Regular users have the right to eye tests on request, and special spectacles if needed.
This is according to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (see sections 1 and 5).
Good practice guidelines from HSE
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that:
- Forearms should be approximately horizontal and the user’s eyes should be the same height as the top of the screen
- Excess pressure from the edge of seats on the backs of legs and knees should be avoided
- A computer mouse should be within easy reach, so it can be used with a straight wrist
- Individual characters on screens should be sharp, and in focus, without flickering
This comes from HSE guidance 'Working with display screen equipment (DSE)' (see pages 2 to 3)
See examples from schools
Kelvin Grove Primary School in Lewisham has a display screen equipment policy. It covers aspects such as:
- Lighting and daylight
- Equipment
- Posture
Example of a health and safety policy including DSE
Many schools include a section on DSE in their health and safety policy, rather than having a separate DSE policy.
Holbeton Primary School in Devon follows its trust's health and safety policy with a section on DSE (page 13).
It explains that staff who use DSE are entitled to an eye test every 2 years.
Find examples and guidance from LAs
Northumberland County Council has a policy and risk assessment for display screen equipment (scroll down to 'staff health & safety', select 'health & safety manual (schools)', and select the file called 'display screen equipment: policy, workstation risk assessment and eye test claim form'). It covers a wide range of things, including:
- Managers' and employees' responsibilities
- Eye tests
- Workstation guidance for laptops, keyboards, using a mouse, screens, chairs and desks
Southampton County Council's safe working procedure for DSE explains relevant regulations and requirements, and includes sections on:
- Responsibilities
- Risk assessments
- Hot desking and remote working