Exam Pass Notes

Download (Word)

Use these notes to focus revision before the final assessment. The exam checks practical knowledge of DSE and ergonomic risks in care settings.

Core messages

• DSE includes more than desktop computers: PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones and touchscreens all count as display screen equipment.
• Formal DSE users: in Great Britain the DSE Regulations apply to people who use display screens daily as part of normal work for continuous periods of an hour or more. Northern Ireland applies separate but similar DSE regulations and HSENI guidance.
• Short use still matters: brief or occasional screen use may not trigger the regulations, but poor posture, repetition and discomfort should be addressed.
• Employer duties for DSE users: assess workstations, reduce risks, plan breaks or task changes, provide eye tests on request, and give training and information.
• Assessment review points: new workstation, new user, changed task, changed layout or equipment, hot-desking, or reported pain or discomfort.
• Good setup basics: screen readable without leaning; screen and keyboard directly in front; shoulders relaxed; keyboard and mouse close; chair adjusted; workspace clear.
• Laptop principle: for prolonged work raise the screen and use a separate keyboard and mouse where possible.
• Mobile-device principle: avoid sustained looking down, tight gripping, thumb overuse and entering data while walking or supervising unsafe situations.
• Visual comfort: control glare, lighting and reflections; keep screens clean; adjust brightness, contrast and text size.
• Breaks: short, regular breaks or changes of activity are usually better than a single long break later in the shift.
• Upper limb symptoms: aching, tingling, numbness, weakness, stiffness, burning, swelling or reduced movement should be reported early.
• Care-setting angle: shared workstations, eMAR trolleys, digital care records and e-learning are common ergonomic risk points.

Remember the staff action sequence

• Adjust: change the chair, screen, keyboard, mouse, device angle, lighting or workspace where you can.
• Vary: change posture, take short movement breaks or switch tasks before discomfort builds.
• Report: describe symptoms, triggers, workstation issues and what has already been tried.
• Follow up: if discomfort continues, request a review rather than accepting it as normal.

For the exam, remember: screens are part of care work, correct setup reduces risk, regular movement helps, report symptoms early, and shared equipment must be adjustable.