Posted By andy.c. Good morning all, Firstly can check i have got the basics of the previous 2 threads correct. Users can request an eye / eye sight test for which the cost is borne by the employer. If the test shows that use can temporarily affect sight / health and correction is needed for DSE use only the cost of the correction is again borne by the employer. If the test discovers a natural deterioration of sight then the cost of correction is borne by the employee. Finally current thinking is that there is no direct correlation between DSE use and permanent eye damage. Sorry about that but a learning curve for me, on to the question. As i believe the DSE regs cover all display screens, i have been told the regs do not cover hand held scanners for picking operations or computer terminals on FLT,s firstly is this correct, I suspect not if i have read the citation 1,(2)a correctly and secondly if they are covered how can i perform dse assessments on something which is handheld many thanks Andy

Posted By Martyn Hendrie The regulations define a "user" as "an employee who habitually uses display screen equipment as a significant part of his normal work" The guidance then goes on to describe Definite users as people like: Typists; Data Input operators (e.g call centres); News Editors; Air Traffic Controllers; Graphic Designers; Financial Dealer Possible Users as people like: Banks tellers; ; Airline check in operators Not users as people like: Receptionists; Managers (who have control over when and for how long they use the equipment) Hope this helps

Posted By FAH Hi Andy This topic really is generating interest! We've now slipped into discussing 2 different aspects of DSE on the same thread again - oh well! The actual UK DSE Regs do not help in defining your organisations particular definition of a "DSE User". The Guidance in L26 that so many quote so happily cannot be relied upon as that is all it is & Courts will interpret it it in their own way - but that applies to any h&s topic.. For instance, the original HSE guidance suggested that laptops could be ignored; & mobile devices like phones that are mini-laptops weren't even around but are so common now. To address the topics raised on this thread you must start with the definition of DSE in Reg 1[2][a] and then go to Reg1[2][d] for user - which uses the term "habitually". Consequently each individual employer should have a robust definition of what they consider to be a DSE "user" and "non-user" in their workplace & it should cover all activities that require employees to work at "any alphanumeric or graphic display screen, regardless of the process involved". This will include those who might use voice activated devices, sight activated devices any any other process by which the individual interacts with the display screen. I suppose that means that from a legal technical point of view a blind person cannot be a DSE user - but Ill be happy to be corrected. I always recommend starting from the stand-point that it is normally far more cost-effective to include all as "users" as this immediately removes the potentially very expensive defences that must arise when challenged by someone categorised as a "non-user" but think it's wrong. Even worse if they bring a civil claim as a "non-user"!!! Frank Hallett

Posted By Brando We use hand scanners and arm mounted scanners. I work in distrubution at the moment and neither are considered DSE. They may be worn for a shift but the time "used" is not actually that high. Operatives tend to over estinmated how much time they actaully spend looking at the sceen and pressing the buttons. I've seen some highly variable company definitions of a "user". One company I worked for said you had to use the equipment ( PC ) for 3 hours each day another 1 hour. Use being data input or looking at the screen - not just having the thing turned on. Brando

Posted By Phil Rose Andy - yes users can request an eye / eye sight test for which the employer is obliged to pay for. The provision of corrective specs has nothing NOTHING AT ALL to do with temporary effects on eyesight or natural deterioration. As has been previously stated - the optician/optometrist decides whether 'VDU specs' are required, and this is based on whether the viewing distance falls into the intermediate range. Nothing to do with temporary, natural deterioration etc. If you don't have access to L36, try INDG36 which is a good summary and is FREE on HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.pdf Hope this helps clear up a couple of points Phil