Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
SI 1992/2792•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 2 December 1992
- Enforcing Body
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Maximum Penalty
- Unlimited
- Jurisdiction
- England, Wales, Scotland
- Citation
- SI 1992/2792
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2792) aim to protect the health of employees who habitually use display screen equipment (DSE) as a significant part of their normal work. These regulations require employers to assess workstations, reduce risks, and provide information and training to DSE users. While the regulations don't explicitly mandate specific safety signage in the same way as, say, fire safety regulations, they indirectly impact signage needs. Employers must ensure users are aware of potential risks associated with DSE use, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and eye strain. This can be achieved through training, but signage can supplement this by reminding users of correct posture, breaks, and adjustment options for their workstations. The regulations cover a broad range of workplaces where DSE is used, including offices, control rooms, and home-based work environments. Compliance ensures a safer and more comfortable working environment, reducing the risk of DSE-related health problems and potential legal liabilities for employers. The regulations necessitate a proactive approach to workstation assessment and risk management, with signage playing a supportive role in reinforcing safe DSE practices.
Key Provisions
ScheduleWorkstation requirementsLighting must not cause glare on screens or signs
Lighting must not cause glare on screens or signs
Schedule - Workstation requirements
Lighting must not cause glare on screens or signs
Signage Requirements
- While not explicitly mandated, signage can be used to reinforce training on correct posture and workstation setup.
- Signage can remind users to take regular breaks from DSE work.
- Signage can indicate the location of adjustable workstation components and how to use them (e.g., chair height adjustment, screen tilt).
- Signage can provide information on reporting DSE-related health concerns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failure to conduct adequate workstation risk assessments.
- Lack of provision of adequate information and training to DSE users.
- Failure to provide adjustable workstations or equipment.
- Ignoring user complaints about DSE-related health problems.
Practical Next Steps
- 1Conduct regular workstation assessments and document findings.
- 2Provide comprehensive DSE training to all users, including practical demonstrations.
- 3Ensure workstations are adjustable and users know how to adjust them.
- 4Encourage users to report any DSE-related health concerns promptly.
- 5Use signage to reinforce key messages from training and promote good DSE practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide specific DSE signage?
Who is covered by these regulations?
What is a workstation assessment?
Official Resources
Related Regulations
Workplace Regulations 1992
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers physical workplace environment including lighting (relevant to sign visibility).
L24Workplace health, safety and welfareView Full DetailsPPE Regulations 1992
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)
Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers PPE provision. Mandatory signs indicate PPE requirements.
L25Personal protective equipment at workView Full DetailsManual Handling Regulations 1992
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers lifting and carrying. Warning signs may indicate heavy loads.
L23Manual handlingView Full DetailsPUWER 1998
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Updated Six Pack regulation for work equipment. Warning signs for dangerous machinery.
L22Safe use of work equipmentView Full Details
