Posted By Adrian Plimmer Hi, Wonder if you could help us. We are having really problems with the definitions of the terms "User" and "Operator". The definitions with regards the use of DSE - Display Screen Equipment, seem very wooly. For instance the term 'User' is defined as an employee who habitualy uses display screen equipment as a significant part fo their normal work, yet what defines this? What time scales. Certain conditions are connected to the terms 'User' and 'Operator' which mean that things such as free eye test can be requested. Obviously for a SME - Small Medium Enterprise such as ourselves could add considerable costs. I wondered what peoples experiences were in industry. Could you help with any feedback? Most people at our workplace have computers and use them to compile reports, do desk research via the internet, answer e mails etc. Also staff use computer opertaed equipment, which blurs the line between 'User' and 'Operator'. Would be grateful for peoples feedback. Regards Adrian Plimmer Employee H and S Rep Polymer Laboratories Limited Adrian.Plimmer@polymerlabs.com

Posted By David A Jones The timescale part is dependant on a number of factors as to whether someone is a user or not. However, that said, I would suggest that if someone is using a computer continuously for more than 2 hours a day they should be considered a user - but this can't be taken as a hard and fast rule as other factors may need to be considered

Posted By Paul B Adrian, The HSE's booklet - "The law on VDUs - an easy guide" states that: "People using a VDU more or less continuously on most days will be covered by the Regulations. So, usually, are others who: *normally use a VDU for continuous or near-continuous spells of an hour or more at a time; and *use it in this way more or less daily; and *have to transfer information quickly to or from the display screen equipment; and also need to apply high levels of attention and concentration; or are highly dependent on VDUs to do the job or have little choice about using them; or need special training or skills to use the equipment". I hope this will help you decide who are classed as users in your work place. Regards Paul

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Andrew I'm presently finalising preparation to deliver an IOSH course on assessing and managing risks in call centres. To refresh my approach, I've made my best ever investment of time and money on occupational health and safety by reading 'Working Safe. How to Help People Actively Care for Health and Safety', S Geller, CRC Press, 2001, 2nd edition. It presents theory, practice and illustrations of Total Safety Culture, which dovetails legal compliance and quality production/customer service and real economy. Implications of his guidance in relation to your questions are threefold 1. recognise that in reality everyone who uses a computer is 'a user' 2. give everyone a copy of Geller's book 3 persuade the directors to have a series of workshops on how the Total Safety Culture can enable your business to prosper.