Minimum monitor screen size regulations

[MrLudwig]

Hi,

 

 

Does anyone know of the regulations governing the minimum screen size of monitors in schools and where I can find them?

 

I've searched the Edugeek forums and the BECTA site without success and tried contacting BECTA directly, but they just pointed me to my LA. Before I contact them and spend the next few hours being passed from one person to the next I thought I'd try posting here.

 

 

Thanks for any help.

[jsnetman]

I would of thought there is no minimum, if there was that would rule out PDA's and netbooks and all sorts of small gadgets.

[ICT_GUY]

15" ? Or are on about the mini notebooks of 10" or less? I am unaware of legislation stating a minimum size, but all VDU's have to be of sufficient size not to strain the users eyes.

[localzuk]

There isn't a rule about screen size, else, as jsnetman says, it'd rule out PDA devices, netbooks, and the like.

 

Screens should be chosen to be the right size for the right job. So, you wouldn't propose putting a 7" screen in if the person is going to be typing at it for 6+ hours a day etc...

[MrLudwig]

Thanks for the replys everyone.

 

I wasn't aware of any regulations, but our Head of ICT was sure there was and wanted clarification on what they were exactly.

 

Thanks for your help.

[cookie_monster]

Not as far as I'm aware. I know that organisations and LA's tend to specify font sizes for documents and web site content is it possible that the teacher is confusing this with screen resolution?

[enjay]

As Localzuk says, it is more about appropriateness for purpose than a hard-and-fast rule on size - a 7" Netbook is ideal for data collection on a field trip, but I'm not about the replace the Head's PA's desktop with one! H&S states that someone must be able to work comfortably (or words to that effect), so screen size/resolution would come into that, especially for people with eye problems or photo-sensitive epilepsy. I do recall there is something in there about screen height relative to eye level, which would preclude spending all day on a laptop, though.

[mjs_mjs]

i have an old hp manual with what i deam to be a good guide to it, i'll scan it in when i get home and post it up.

[penfold]

Thanks for the replys everyone.

 

I wasn't aware of any regulations, but our Head of ICT was sure there was and wanted clarification on what they were exactly.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Not to be too blunt here, but if your head of ICT is sure then ask him to provide you with were he got the regulations from rather than spend hours/days trying to find an answer.

 

I'm of the same opinion as everyone else that the screen should be "fit for purpose" and the employer is also required to provide reasonable adjustment if there is any problems when using equipment which may be causing headache/eye strain etc. But this doesn't mean there are fixed mimum guide lines for size of monitors etc, but rather that the employer will look to address any issues users have when using equipment. Or at least thats my understanding...

Edited May 5, 2010 by penfold

[Busybub]

Thanks for the replys everyone.

 

I wasn't aware of any regulations, but our Head of ICT was sure there was and wanted clarification on what they were exactly.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Display screen equipment regulations?:

 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) - Regulations and guidance

 

"The Regulations apply where staff habitually use VDUs as a significant part of their normal work. Other people, who use VDUs only occasionally, are not covered by the requirements in the Regulations (apart from the workstation requirements). However, their employers still have general duties to protect them under other health and safety at work legislation."