Minimum DSE environmental requirements

Space requirements

The workstation shall be dimensioned and designed so as to provide sufficient space for the operator or user to change position and vary movements.

Lighting

Any room lighting or task lighting provided shall ensure satisfactory lighting conditions and an appropriate contrast between the screen and the background environment, taking into account the type of work and the vision requirements of the operator or user. Possible disturbing glare and reflections on the screen or other equipment shall be prevented by co-ordinating workplace and workstation layout with the positioning and technical characteristics of the artificial light sources.

Reflections and glare

Workstations shall be so designed that sources of light, such as windows and other openings, transparent or translucid walls, and brightly coloured fixtures or walls cause no direct glare and no distracting reflections on the screen. Windows shall be fitted with a suitable system of adjustable covering to attenuate the daylight that falls on the workstation.

Noise

Noise emitted by equipment belonging to any workstation shall be taken into account when a workstation is being equipped, with a view in particular to ensuring that attention is not distracted and speech is not disturbed.

Heat

Equipment belonging to any workstation shall not produce excess heat which could cause discomfort to operators or users.

Radiation

All radiation with the exception of the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum shall be reduced to negligible levels from the point of view of the protection of operators’ or users’ health and safety

Humidity

An adequate level of humidity shall be established and maintained.

Display Screen Equipment DSE workstation requirements

 

  • Adequate lighting
  • Adequate contrast, no glare or distracting reflections
  • Distracting noise minimised
  • Leg room and clearances to allow postural changes
  • Window covering if needed to minimise glare
  • Software: appropriate to task, adapted to user, providing feedback on system status, no undisclosed monitoring
  • Screen: stable image, adjustable, readable, glare/reflection-free
  • Keyboard: usable, adjustable, detachable, legible
  • Work surface: with space for flexible arrangement of equipment and documents; glare-free
  • Chair: stable and adjustable
  • Footrest if user needs one