Posted By Steve E In the next 3 weeks the company i work for will be releasing around 90 micro tablet PC's to our technicians. I understand the DSE requirements for assessment but have only ever conducted assessments surounding desk top PC's. Does anyone have any guidance of how to assess this kit or any template assessment forms they use? Kind Regards Steve

Posted By joolz040770 what type of business? how many hours in the office or does mobile working apply?

Posted By joolz040770 Ahhhhh I see. Ok - when it's mobile it creates more problems. What I have had to do in this situation - mainly because the machines are used at different locations whilst out and about - is provide the user with basic guidelines on how the machine operates along with a training session (if required) when the machine is handed over. Then I created a DSE Self Assessment form which the user can send to me at any time highlighting a concern. The concern is then addressed as appropriate. The forms are available to download from the intranet or collect from reception and regular announcements are sent to staff reminding them to complete the forms. I've also cascaded responsibility down to line manager level to ensure that at 1:1's and team meetings (etc) the user is being asked whether the equipment is suitable and can highlight any concerns they may have. 1:1's are recorded and held on file. Sounds a lot but honestly doesn't take long to set up and it works very well.

Posted By Dave Merchant The latest edition of L26 (see HSE books website) has a section about PDAs and portable small-screen devices, both in terms of if DSER applies (yes it does) and how to assess the things in use, given there's no "workstation", unpredictable lighting, etc. It's also important to consider if a wholesale move to PDAs runs into the disability discrimination act, as relates to workers with impaired eyesight or dexterity; and how having an expensive bit of kit "on show" is covered by insurance etc. (vehicle thefts and muggings, depending on where your workers are going).

Posted By Dave Merchant Ron - it depends on what the kit is - I agree that using a cellphone for an hour of word processing isn't particularly sensible, but the OP refers to "tablet PCs" - these are often reasonably-large screens (6 inches plus), and electronics engineers regularly use them for in-field diagnostics, often for most of their working day.