Blackberry handsets can be covered by the DSE Regulations. However, whether an individual using the blackberry is classified as a user is dependant on the duration of their use.
While there are no hard-and-fast rules on what constitutes 'prolonged' use, portable equipment (including Blackberry handsets) that is continuously in use by a DSE user for the majority of their working hours, would be covered by the DSE Regulations. While some of the specific minimum requirements in the Schedule may not be applicable to portable equipment in prolonged use, employers should still conduct a risk assessment.
A user is described in Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 as:
- an individual who uses Blackberry devices on a daily basis continuously should be regarded as users or operators. This will include the majority of those whose job mainly involves, for example, DSE based data input or sales and order processing.
Where use is less continuous or frequent, other factors connected with the job must be assessed.
It will generally be appropriate to classify the person concerned as a user or operator if they:
- normally use DSE for continuous or near-continuous spells of an hour or more at a time; and
- use DSE in this way more or less daily; and
- have to transfer information quickly to or from the DSE; and
- need to apply high levels of attention and concentration; or
- are highly dependent on DSE or have little choice about using it;
- or need special training or skills to use the DSE
If you need any assistance with your risk assessments, Sypol’s Safety Team will help you reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, back and eyesight problems. We can help you with your DSE risk assessments, DSE user training and information, and DSE assessor training and information.
