I use a laptop computer for work. Are laptops covered by the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations?
Regulation 1 (4) (d) of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 states: “Nothing in these Regulations shall apply to or in relation to portable systems not in prolonged use.” However, if portable equipment is used as a significant part of a users normal work, then this would be covered by the Regulations along with other forms of DSE. It should be recognised that laptops should not be used when there is a realistic alternative. Laptops are not designed for prolonged use. Their smaller design makes them far less comfortable to use than conventional equipment and their portable nature means they are frequently used in non user-friendly environments, e.g. hotel rooms and trains, where it is difficult to adopt a comfortable working position. Any worker using DSE at home as a significant part of their normal daily work is subject to the Regulations. A workstation assessment would therefore need to be carried out and a laptop would not be appropriate or suitable und
