Principles to applywhen undertaking a DSE Assessment
- Watch our short film about DSE,
- Carry out aDSE assessmenton myRisks and apply these principles.
Manage the time you spend continually undertaking DSE work by taking short frequent screen breaks (5-10 mins every hour). /
This might be as simple as making a drink. Make sure you take your hands away from the keyboard or the mouse (micro breaks) when you are not using them. /
Manage the time you spend in situations where you can’t readily apply some of these other principles. For example take 2hrs as a rule of thumb limit for café and soft seating working with your laptop. /
Ideally use an adjustable chair and adjust the back rest height so the curved support lines up with the inward curve of your back. (Where that’s not available, e.g. home, you might need to try different chairs to find one suitable, or use a cushion or similar to adjust your position. /
A height adjustable desk is not necessary, but if that is provided it will provide extra adjustments to achieve a comfortable position. Make sure your knees are slightly below your hips and keep feet flat on the floor. /
Position your screen about an arm’s length from you and with the top of the screen level with your eyes. You can use an adjustable monitor arm or a laptop stand to help with that. /
Make sure the screen image is clear and flicker free and adjust the font so you can read it.
Avoid glare on the screen or keyboard keys. /
Make sure you are familiar with the software and available keyboard short-cuts, rather than using the mouse too often. /
Use a separate mouse and keyboard and position it where you can easily reach it, and can rest some of your forearm on the desk. /
Footrests enable you to adjust your chair higher and still have a firm base on which to place your feet. If your legs are dangling and not supported then this can lead to strains to the back muscles. /
Your elbows should be in a horizontal line with your keyboard, so adjust your chair to that height. /
Try to give yourself sufficient working room both on and under the desk and keep those clutter free. /
Always have a quick look at your laptop and power cables for signs of damage before you plug them in.
If you are mobile and carrying laptops or similar use a rucksack with two shoulder straps and a waist band or a bag with wheels. /
Safety-DSE_Key_Points 110/22/2018