4.1.1 Health and safety, working with computers

What is the main law covering the use of computer equipment in the workplace according to the document?

• Computer Equipment Safety Act

• Health and Safety at Work Act

• Electronic Display Equipment Regulations

• Workstation Assessment Law

Which of the following is NOT one of the tasks employers need to to do, to ensure the safety of their employees?

• Analyse workstations and assess and reduce risks

• Plan work so that there are breaks or changes of activity

• Arrange and pay for eye tests and glasses

• Provide personal lockers for secure storage of personal items

When should a Digital Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment be completed?

• When a new workstation is set up

• When an employee requests a new chair

• Every month as a routine check

• Only when the company policies change

What minimum requirements must employers ensure that workstations meet?

• Adjustable chairs and natural lighting

• Tilt and swivel monitors and ergonomic keyboards

• Adjustable chairs, suitable lighting, tilt and swivel monitors, and sufficient space for the keyboard, monitor, and paperwork

• High-speed internet connection and privacy screens

Which of the following is guidance from the Health and Safety at Work Act?

(Select all that are appropriate)

• Screen can be moved into position, at or slightly below eye level

• Screen is placed where there is no glare or reflection

• Screen is high resolution with low lag

• Screen has a refresh rate of 55Hz or higher

Which of the following is guidance from the Health and Safety at Work Act?

(Select all that are appropriate)

• Everything on the desk is close at hand

• Forearms are close to horizontal, with hands in a straight line, not bent at the wrist

• The desk must have drawer for pens

• There is space in front of the keyboard; keyboard tilts; mouse is in a suitable position

Which of the following is guidance from the Health and Safety at Work Act?

(Select all that are appropriate)

• Feet should be flat on the floor, or on a footrest if not

• Thighs are horizontal

• Chair is adjustable, including the height and the backrest

• Chairs have a five-point base for stability

Which of the following is guidance from the Health and Safety at Work Act?

(Select all that are appropriate)

• Clearance under the desk for legs, legs do not touch desk

• Desk matches the carpet, avoiding colour clashes

• Chair should not squeak

• Space under the desk, the floor is not cluttered

According to the regulations, how often should employees take breaks from working with Display Screen Equipment (DSE)?

• Every hour for 5-10 minutes

• Every 20 minutes for 5 minutes

• Every 2 hours for 15 minutes

• The regulations do not define a specific time

Answer explanation

It is better to have a 5–10 minute break every hour, rather than the traditional tea break of 20 minutes and lunch break of 1 hour.

What are the potential effects of using DSE for a long time without a break?

• Tired eyes, discomfort, temporary short-sightedness, headaches

• Permanent damage to eyes

• Loss of hearing, nausea, dizziness

• Memory loss, permanent eye damage, sleep disorders