Last reviewed on 16 February 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 41639

Read guidance from HSE on best practice, and see examples of display screen equipment (DSE) policies from schools and LAs.

Display screen equipment (DSE) policies are non-statutory. You're not legally required to have one, but it's a good idea if your staff regularly use DSE. 

Read guidance on the use of DSE

Any employee who habitually uses DSE in the workplace is considered a 'user'.

Regular users have the right to eye tests on request, and special spectacles if needed.

This is according to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (see sections 1 and 5). 

Good practice guidelines from HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that:

  • Forearms should be approximately horizontal and the user’s eyes should be the same height as the top of the screen
  • Excess pressure from the edge of seats on the backs of legs and knees should be avoided
  • A computer mouse should be within easy reach, so it can be used with a straight wrist
  • Individual characters on screens should be sharp, and in focus, without flickering