For a free go at the online risk assessment tool follow the link:
http://www.qservices.co.uk/she/index.asp
www.she.ltd.uk
Friday 26 June 2009
safe environment June 09
PAT TESTING/ FREE RISK ASSESSMENTS/ ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT HELP/ SAFETY ADVICE
In this issue
facelift
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
FREE DSE assessment
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) what you need to know
myth
climate change
environmental tip of the month
HSE facelift
The Health and Safety Executive have updated their website. A fresh face and a new look. Why not have a look, follow the link. Its mission statement on is "Our job is to prevent death, injury and ill-health to those at work and those affected by work activities."
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessments
DSE: display screen equipment means any alphanumeric or graphic display screen. Work Stations are any assembly including the screen, keyboard, other parts of the computer and its accessories, the desk, chair and the immediate work environment. The main risks that may arise in work with DSE are from Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain or upper limb disorders ; Visual fatigue; and Mental stress. The risks to individual users are low but can be significant if good practice is not followed.
.
The computer user is at risk. This is an individual who is defined as a display screen user or operator. Risk is dependent on the nature and extent of their use of the equipment. The likelihood of risk factors associated with DSE use is related to the frequency, duration, intensity and pace of spells of continuous use. DSE users are classified as those who: use DSE daily and who use DSE continuous, have to transfer information quickly , high levels of attention and concentration on the Display Screen Equipment, and there work is dependent on DSE use (individuals who have little choice about using it).
Problems will be avoided by ensuring good workplace design, so that individuals can work comfortably, and by ensuring good working practices (like taking frequent short breaks from the VDU).
The employer is responsible to assess work station requirements, assess the work being done, assess the special needs of individuals, ensure workstations meet minimum requirements, plan work, provide information and arrange eye tests for those defined as users.
Short frequent breaks from DSE use (changes in activity) are required to be planned into the work. These short breaks are non-DSE tasks, tasks away from the computer. These tasks need to be planned into the daily routine. Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from the screen, e.g. to do filing or photocopying. Make use of them. Frequent short breaks are better than fewer long ones. It's all about good posture. Don’t sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation).
Why not try our NEW risk assessment web page and as it is in its test stage the Display Screen Equipment assessment is FREE
PAT Portable Appliance Testing
The law states that electrical equipment is required to be properly maintained so as to prevent danger. Inspections and tests are necessary. Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. A system for the inspection and testing of portable appliances has to be established. It is not as simple as getting in someone in once a year to stick a green and white label on a piece of equipment. Did you know that most electrical equipment in offices does not need testing for 24 months at a time*. *Class II IT equipment. In some cases a formal visual inspection is enough. A word of caution when choosing a PAT tester ensure the individual is competent.
WE CAN PROVIDE PAT TESTING. We are currently offering portable appliance testing with our health and safety packages to those smaller firms who cannot afford to bring in a dedicated PAT tester.
HSE's myth of the month
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight a health and safety myth every month. Apparently you can't wear flip flops...During the summer, many of us think about wearing sandals or flip-flops to work to help us stay cool. Despite recent reports to the contrary, health and safety law doesn’t ban them. However... To download the poster follow the link.
Climate change
The UK Climate Projections have been created to help the UK to plan for a changing climate. The Projections contain information on observed and future climate change, based on the latest scientific understanding.
This website will tell you more about the UK Climate Projections, including:
* what they tell us about the future climate of the UK, including maps;
* how they can be used;
* why they are important for the UK; and
how they fit into the wider climate change picture.
For more information follow the link.
Environmental tip of the month
If you spend a lot on paper try a thinner paper, or try printing on both sides, or use scrap paper as a note pad.
For further guaranteed friendly and professional advice on safety health and environmental issues contact us at info@she.ltd,uk or phone 08456 522049 or visit our website at www.she.ltd.uk.
In this issue
facelift
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
FREE DSE assessment
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) what you need to know
myth
climate change
environmental tip of the month
HSE facelift
The Health and Safety Executive have updated their website. A fresh face and a new look. Why not have a look, follow the link. Its mission statement on is "Our job is to prevent death, injury and ill-health to those at work and those affected by work activities."
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessments
DSE: display screen equipment means any alphanumeric or graphic display screen. Work Stations are any assembly including the screen, keyboard, other parts of the computer and its accessories, the desk, chair and the immediate work environment. The main risks that may arise in work with DSE are from Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain or upper limb disorders ; Visual fatigue; and Mental stress. The risks to individual users are low but can be significant if good practice is not followed.
.
The computer user is at risk. This is an individual who is defined as a display screen user or operator. Risk is dependent on the nature and extent of their use of the equipment. The likelihood of risk factors associated with DSE use is related to the frequency, duration, intensity and pace of spells of continuous use. DSE users are classified as those who: use DSE daily and who use DSE continuous, have to transfer information quickly , high levels of attention and concentration on the Display Screen Equipment, and there work is dependent on DSE use (individuals who have little choice about using it).
Problems will be avoided by ensuring good workplace design, so that individuals can work comfortably, and by ensuring good working practices (like taking frequent short breaks from the VDU).
The employer is responsible to assess work station requirements, assess the work being done, assess the special needs of individuals, ensure workstations meet minimum requirements, plan work, provide information and arrange eye tests for those defined as users.
Short frequent breaks from DSE use (changes in activity) are required to be planned into the work. These short breaks are non-DSE tasks, tasks away from the computer. These tasks need to be planned into the daily routine. Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from the screen, e.g. to do filing or photocopying. Make use of them. Frequent short breaks are better than fewer long ones. It's all about good posture. Don’t sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation).
Why not try our NEW risk assessment web page and as it is in its test stage the Display Screen Equipment assessment is FREE
PAT Portable Appliance Testing
The law states that electrical equipment is required to be properly maintained so as to prevent danger. Inspections and tests are necessary. Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. A system for the inspection and testing of portable appliances has to be established. It is not as simple as getting in someone in once a year to stick a green and white label on a piece of equipment. Did you know that most electrical equipment in offices does not need testing for 24 months at a time*. *Class II IT equipment. In some cases a formal visual inspection is enough. A word of caution when choosing a PAT tester ensure the individual is competent.
WE CAN PROVIDE PAT TESTING. We are currently offering portable appliance testing with our health and safety packages to those smaller firms who cannot afford to bring in a dedicated PAT tester.
HSE's myth of the month
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight a health and safety myth every month. Apparently you can't wear flip flops...During the summer, many of us think about wearing sandals or flip-flops to work to help us stay cool. Despite recent reports to the contrary, health and safety law doesn’t ban them. However... To download the poster follow the link.
Climate change
The UK Climate Projections have been created to help the UK to plan for a changing climate. The Projections contain information on observed and future climate change, based on the latest scientific understanding.
This website will tell you more about the UK Climate Projections, including:
* what they tell us about the future climate of the UK, including maps;
* how they can be used;
* why they are important for the UK; and
how they fit into the wider climate change picture.
For more information follow the link.
Environmental tip of the month
If you spend a lot on paper try a thinner paper, or try printing on both sides, or use scrap paper as a note pad.
For further guaranteed friendly and professional advice on safety health and environmental issues contact us at info@she.ltd,uk or phone 08456 522049 or visit our website at www.she.ltd.uk.
Wednesday 3 June 2009
HSE website has changed
The HSE's website has been improved. Go and have a look at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm
www.she.ltd.uk
http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm
www.she.ltd.uk
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