I am trying to get to the bottom of staff use of the above and my conclusion is while not technically DSE (subject to exclusions as laid out in DSE Regs 1(4)) the sound ergonomic principles behind DSE Risk Assessments should still apply and in any case the kit is "work equipment".

Management of expectations will no doubt also be a large part as "mobile working" has been sold as the next big thing, but with the best will in the world - I can't see these gadgets as replacing a humble keyboard (and nor should they).

I can't find anything specific on the HSE website. Have any forum users prepared any guidance, checklists or sample risk assessments to which I could refer in my research?

Agree about them being DSE.

However, my feeling is that they may well be an improvement in respect of mouse related muscular issues - no mouse to use so no damage to wrists?

I think we all seem to be converging on the same point here despite starting from differing places.

I say technically not DSE (subject to usage clauses in Regs), but similar ergonomic principles apply.

M says treat them as DSE and you can't go wrong whilst highlighting the weaknesses of the Regs.

Colin says possibly DSE but suggests the lack of mouse may in fact be a plus point.

Ray doubts they're DSE but majority of use will be casual in any case.

All are reasonable points.

Following on from Rays comment... Our policy on use of mobiles while driving should also include PDA's due to overlapping functionality.

Finally, has anyone created a policy or guidance that I can look at?