dse3_2 12/05


Department of Biology and Biochemistry / DSE3.2 Workstation checklist.

All Departmental workers identified as potential 'users' of DSE (display screen equipment) should complete this checklist. (Refer to DSE3.1 to complete the ‘user’ questionnaire.)

Name / Date
Job Title / Room

Please complete this checklist on-screen (using your computer) and delete the appropriate response(s) below;

Do you suffer from any aches or pains whilst working at your workstation? / YES / NO
If you do then please contact for advice and assistance.
As a "user" you will be entitled to ask the Department for an eye test. Would you like one? / YES / NO
N/K Not known
Screen Display / N/A Not applicable
Are the screen characters clear and visible and the text size comfortable to read? / YES / NO
Is the image stable and free from flicker? / YES / NO
Is the screen’s specification suitable for its intended use? / YES / NO / N/K
Is it easy to tilt and swivel the screen? / YES / NO
Can the screen be adjusted for brightness and contrast? / YES / NO / N/K
Is the screen free from glare or reflections? / YES / NO
Keyboard
Is the keyboard separate from the screen and does it tilt (10o-15o)? / YES / NO
Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position? / YES / NO
Is your keyboard technique good enough for the tasks you need to perform? / YES / NO
Are the characters on the keys easily readable? / YES / NO
Mouse, trackball etc.
Is the device suitable for the tasks it is to be used for? / YES / NO
Is the mouse positioned close to you? / YES / NO
Is there support for your wrist and forearm? / YES / NO
Does the device work smoothly at a speed that suits you? / YES / NO
Can you adjust software settings for speed and accuracy of the pointer? / YES / NO / N/A
If you are left-handed is your mouse suitable for left-handed use? / YES / NO / N/A
Desks
Is there sufficient clearance on the underside of your desk for comfort? / YES / NO / N/A
Is the height of your desk sufficient for comfort? / YES / NO / N/A
Is the desk stable during use? / YES / NO / N/A
Does the desk surface have a matt finish? / YES / NO / N/K / N/A
Is the desk deep and wide enough for the work undertaken? / YES / NO / N/A
PTO
Seating and Foot Rests
Does the chair provide adequate support for the back and buttocks? / YES / NO / N/K / N/A
Is the seat pan depth satisfactory? (e.g. 38-47cm) / YES / NO / N/K / N/A
Does the chair have a 5-castor base and is it stable during use? / YES / NO / N/A
Does your chair swivel to allow easy access to the workspace? / YES / NO / N/A
Can the chair be adjusted for height and does the mechanism work? / YES / NO / N/K / N/A
Can the chair backrest be adjusted for height and tilt (38-53 cm) and does this mechanism work? / YES / NO / N/K / N/A
If your feet cannot easily reach the ground when the seat is set at the normal working height, has a footrest been provided? / YES / NO / N/A
Can the footrest be adjusted? / YES / NO / N/A
Document holders
If required, is a document holder provided? / YES / NO / N/A
Is it adjustable in height and tilt? / YES / NO / N/A
Seating position
When seated, are the home keys (F and J) level with your elbows and are your forearms parallel with the desk top or floor? / YES / NO / N/K
Is there enough support for your hands and wrists? / YES / NO / N/A
When looking at the screen are you looking slightly downwards (about 10o -20o)? / YES / NO / N/K
Is there sufficient space to allow you to stretch your legs while seated? / YES / NO / N/A
Workstation environment
Is the lighting in the workplace and at the desk suitable and sufficient in daylight? / YES / NO
Is the lighting suitable and sufficient from artificial sources? / YES / NO
If needed, is there additional lighting on the desk? / YES / NO / N/A
If there are no blinds at the window is this satisfactory? / YES / NO / N/A
Is the noise generated by the printer or other equipment acceptable? / YES / NO / N/A
Is the space in the work area sufficient for the number of persons, equipment and furniture? / YES / NO / N/K
Is there sufficient space for the dissipation of heat from equipment and people? / YES / NO / N/K
Software (the programmes you use)
Is the software suitable and sufficient for the tasks you undertake and want to accomplish? / YES / NO / N/A
Working practices
Can you take periodic breaks away from the keyboard (about 10 minutes in every hour)? / YES / NO / N/K

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’ the workstation does not follow the guidance given by HSE.

If that is the case the action of the Department is required to bring the workstation up to standard on the points highlighted. Further assistance may be requested from .

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.

When completed please return it as an attachment to