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Posted By Simon1
Dear All,
My organisations has recently provided our engineers with PDA's to replace paperwork. A couple of engineers have now asked whether they are entitled to eyetests as under the DSE regs.
Has anybody else come across this, or any views.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
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Posted By Edward Shyer
"display screen equipment" means any alphanumeric or graphic display screen, regardless of the display process involved.
So yes they would be entitled to eye tests under the DSE Regs
Regards
Ted
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Posted By Tony Brunskill
Would they fall within the definition of a user?
TB
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Posted By MICK MEAD, CMIOSH
This is going to depend (in part) whether the pda is in "prolonged use". The regs do not include portable equipment unless in prolonged use.
If the pda is going to be used for any longer than it takes to enter a few numbers or whatever, you could see that as prolonged. Given the many useful features on a modern pda, it may be that their useage increases.
HOWEVER - you should still assess the risks of using the pda. Will they be walking along while entering data & hence be at heightened risk of trips, traffic etc? Using a thin stylus for long periods could bring a risk of hand cramps or other discomfort.
Do the people get prescription safety glasses for other tasks?
Does this help?
Mick
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Posted By holmezy
Ted,
much as I enjoyed our fishing expedition, I think you are wrong by saying "all" display screens are covered. Things like screens on info boards, typewriters, cash tills, atm machines arnt.......
Happily sitting by the riverbank waiting for the next big fish....
Have a good weekend all...
beer time
holmezy
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Posted By Edward Shyer
Hi Holmzey,
Regulation 1(2)(a) of the DSE regs is where it states "any" not "all" it goes on to state further down reg 1 what is not included.
The originator actually states what type of equipment is being used and this does fall within the regs if in prolonged use (as someone mentions)which will then entitle the user to free eye tests.
Good to see you have been fishing and enjoying your beer wish I could join you? hope you had good look But alas I'm still waiting for the big bite, still got my beer.
Regards
Ted
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Posted By Ken Taylor
I seem to recall that use of a display screen has to be significant and habitual in order to make an employee an official 'user'. You need to check the published HSE guidance to the Regulations (L26)to decide on this.
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Posted By holmezy
Ken,
whats your idead of "significant and habitual"?
Thats the bit I'm struggling with. Just put a stop to my firm paying for everyones normal test and glasses staing the companies position re dse and specific prescriptions. Everyone is now claiming to be "habitual and significant". I consider significant to be over 4 hrs a day actually looking at the screen, not occasionally glancing at it whilst at the desk.I would think data inputters, call centre types fall into this catagory but not normal office bound people.
Any thoughts...anyone...
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Posted By Ken Taylor
You need to read the HSE guidance document (including the examples given) and then make an informed decision that will, hopefully, stand up to scrutiny. Some employers will decide that it's easier to include everyone with DSE whereas others will consult employees and their unions/representatives to endeavour to agree a schedule of occupations or persons that meet the vague legal criteria. The nature of laptop and handheld type equipment is such that it is unlikely to be suitable for prolonged and regular use due to size and the proximity of the screen to the keys - without the addition of docking stations and the like. There has been considerable discussion on this subject here before so it would be worth looking this up in the archive.
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Posted By darren booth
while doing my gen cert, the term "user" was described by a tutor ( for our uneducated ears ) as someone who would spend the majority of their working day looking at a display. he did have a more precise definition, but i cant remember it! your risk assessment will show whether or not the time spent inputting data will qualify the persons as a user.
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Posted By Ken Taylor
Whilst those who meet your former tutor's definition will be included as 'users', Darren, there will be others who spend less than most of their day screen-watching who will meet the HSE guidance. It is important to consult this guidance in coming to a conclusion.
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Posted By NeilM Poyznts-Powell
Hi Simon,
As far as I am aware a PDA, as is the case for an undocked laptop, will never meet the requirements of the DSE Regs. Therefore, the user of the equipment is not a 'DSE User, as legally defined and as such would not be entitled to the eyesight tests etc required by the DSE Regs.
However, as previously mentioned this does not preclude the requirement for the work to be assessed under the Management Regs with suitable controls put in place as required.
Regards,
Neil
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Posted By anon1234
NeilM,
not sure that just because the equipment does not comply with the regs then someone who operates it is not a user.
PDA's and laptops are DSE equipment and therefore the requirements of the regs apply - however what can be done may be limited other than ensuring that usage is kept to a minimum.
See no reason if the persons are classed as users that thye should not have eye tests
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Posted By NeilM Poyznts-Powell
Sorry my info wasn't clear. What I meant to get across was that an employer would never be able to comply with the requirements of DSE Regs by the nature of the equipment.
Also, would someones use of a PDA realistically fulfill the criteria needed to become a 'DSE User'. Especially, given the amount of time they would spend using it. I would think the entry of data into the PDA is incidental to their function not a significant part of it.
Regards,
Neil
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