Posted By Ian Blenkharn I have used screen covers that make it impossible to view the screen from even a few degrees off centre - to protect confidentiality - and a screen cover similar to a reverse fresnel lens that was supposed to magnify. The latter was used to view a screen through a glass panel in a high security bio lab. It was successful to a point but the clarity was reduced so largely counterproductive Why not a bigger better screen - they are cheap enough If not, software screen magnifiers are common, and usually free. The degree and the area of magification can be adjusted by the user, as can teh area of the screen where the magnified region is displayed

Posted By Bob Youel In my experience if you need magnifiers for average users there is something wrong with your DSE kit, the operator/s, the operating environment - I suggest you explore these routes to find a cure as I thought all such kit for the average user was very old hat or have I missed something?

Posted By steve e ashton Penfold: You are probably already aware that the DSE Regs only put responsibility on the employer... Not (unfortunately) on the software developers. I suggest that you are not 'OK' with the Regs, since there is a responsibility to ensure that equipment meets the standards set out in the Schedule. You write "We have some software with a font size that is very small" yet the schedule requires that the 'the characters shall be well defined and .... OF ADEQUATE SIZE....etc". So - if the software is 'new' (i.e. written or developed since 1992 - and that applies to the vast majority of applications now in use in most workplaces!) then I would suggest that any cost involved in amending the software to provide on-screen font of a reasonable and readable size - is a cost that should be borne by the software supplier / developer. They have arguably supplied something that is not 'of merchantable quality' - it doesn't allow you to comply with your legal obligations. Unfortunately, what is a 'reasonable size' is not defined anywhere - and may depend on the size of screen that is used. You will probably find the developers all work with 26 inch screens, when users are forced to use the 12 or 14inch models stuck on their laptops.... I have had this argument with too many suppliers - and with internal software developers at various employers. Too many in the IT industry are unaware of end-user employer obligations. It would be great if there was an explicit duty on suppliers and developers. But the only thing that springs to mind is the "Sale of Goods Act" - and that isn't explicit as to IT software.. Try to train / educate your IT people and your procurement team as to the difficulties they are stacking up for the future through their ignorant specification of something that is not fit for purpose.... And perhaps try re-opening the dialogue with your software supplier / developer? In my (limited) experience - screen magnifiers are not worth the bother and expense - for the reasons outlined in earlier responses. Good luck Steve

Posted By Penfold Hi guys. Sorry for the late response. I have been away for a couple of days. Thanks for all the advice. I am due to visit this centre within the next couple of weeks and wanted to be 'armed' before I go in. Some of your tips I will try when I visit. 'bigger screens' the MD will have a fit!! They have just had new screens to try and solve the problem. We are talking around 200 users of this software (although only 4 are kicking up a fuss). Steve. Thanks for all the advice. Could be useful if I come to a brick wall.

Posted By Ron Hunter Steve and others: is this software not an article supplied for work use, and therfore subject to Section 6 of the HASAWA, perhaps referencing (e.g.) ISO 14915 and IEC 61997 as applicable standards?

Posted By Ron Hunter Steve, I was 'fishing'a bit there regarding applicable standards. BS EN ISO 29241 may also be applicable (Parts 10 -17 I think). I was more interested on thoughts re the application of HASAWA Regulation 6 'supply'. Many of us will be involved in specifying aspects of software applications, it would be useful if anyone out there is aware of a more accessible "industry" guide or Code of Practice that could be referenced in Tenders and Contract terms so that we can avoid the kind of problems Penfold is experiencing now!