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School of Computing Science

Display Screen Assessment

Please complete this form and submit using button at bottom left. If you require further information, see the University Display Screen Regulations website.
 

Name:

Hostname:

Room:

Date:

  

Risk Factor

Guidance

Yes when checked

Action Required

1) Is the Screen Image clear?
Are the characters readable? Select a reasonable screen image to use for this test - try a web-site that you know well which also covers a large proportion of the screen with reasonable detail.
Is the screen clean? If not then there are various cleaning agents available but caution will be required in selecting one that is suitable for the screen as some can cause damage.
Is the image free of flicker and movement? If the screen is an SVGA screen (which most of the new PC's are) then use the adjustments to reduce the flicker. If this cannot be done report the screen as possibly faulty.

With NT (and 2000?) Use Control Pannel -> Display -> Settings and select the appropriate mode. Test before you commit to a mode. In most cases the monitor will automatically synchronise. Don't fiddle with any monitor settings. Ask if confused.
Are the Brightness and/or contract adjustable? If the screen is an SVGA screen this will be so. If the screen is older or is a TV based system this may note be applicable. In either case they should be comfortable for the normal user.
Does the screen swivel and tilt? This should be so for all modern PC's. If the screen does not then -
Is the angle comfortable and suitable for the use made of it?
Is it necessary to obtain an independent tilt device?
Is the screen free from glare and reflections? This may vary for different users at the same PC. The PC should be set up for the normal users for this test.
If glare or reflections are found then try to isolate where they are coming from by :
Using a mirror in front of the screen.
Moving desk lamps and blinds.
If these do not work and you are unable to identify the source then get assistance.

2) Is the keyboard comfortable?
Is the keyboard separate from the screen and tiltable? Tilt need not be built in so long as the keying position is appropriate and can be made comfortable for the normal user.
Some keyboards are not separate from screens. If these are to be used for long periods consideration should be given to replacement of the equipment in favour of a new machine.
Can you find a comfortable keying position? Is the user keying properly?
Hands shouldn't be bent up at the wrist.
Is the user applying a 'soft' touch on the keys?
Is the user over stretching their fingers?
Is there enough space to rest hands in front of the keyboard? Can the screen be pushed back?
or other materials be cleared from the work surface?
Is the keyboard glare free and the characters easily readable? If not then the keyboard may need moving, cleaning or even replacing.

3) Does the furniture fit the work and the User?
Is the work surface large enough for the documents, monitor, keyboard etc.? Can 'clutter' be removed?
Can Printers, the main Computer box, stacks of files etc. be moved elsewhere?
Is the user having to make repeated awkward movements?
Is the work surface free from glare? If not then consider using mats or coverings.
Is the chair suitable? Is it stable?
Does it adjust to the correct height for the normal user?
Does it swivel?
Does the seat back adjust to offer support to the user?
Is the user comfortable? Is the user sitting properly?
Are their arms horizontal?
Are their eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the screen?
Are their feet flat on the floor?
Is a footrest required?
Is their back straight and shoulders relaxed?
Is the user leaning too far forward or too far back?
are the arms of the chair (if there are any) obstructing the user?
Are there obstructions under the desk that need to be removed?

4) Is the environment around the workstation reasonably risk-free?
Is there enough room to change position and vary movement? User needs space to 'fidget'.
Will re-organising the office layout help?
Check for obstructions.
Are the levels of light heat and noise acceptable? These are very subjective issues.
Will reorganising the office or moving the workstation materially improve things?
Some types of lighting are much better than others - if you need advice please contact the Safety Office.
Does the air feel comfortable? Some equipment can dry out the air. If this is perceived to be a problem then please contact the Safety Office for further advice.

5) Is the software user-friendly?
Can you comfortably use the software? This include the software design, training given to the user, and the selection of packages for tasks.

6) Are there any other issues that you need to report?
Other Issues If there are general Safety Issues please report them to the Safety Office
Other Issues If there are general estates / maintenance issues please report them to the Estates Office
Other Issues If there are matters of the individuals health or workload these should be addressed internally in the first instance.