What do I need to know about workstation equipment?

What is workstation equipment?

‘Workstation’ means an assembly comprising of:

• all peripheral items to it (such as mouse, keyboard, phone, document holder)
• workstation chair
• desk
• and the immediate environment.

These criteria apply to workstations used in the workplace and those used by employees working from home or at another employer's premises.

How do I order workstation equipment?

If you require additional or alternative workstation equipment this must be discussed with and approved by your line manager.

Any requests for specific workstation equipment related to the use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) will require a Risk Assessment to determine if the request is justified. If the assessment confirms the requirement, Health and Safety may recommend suitable equipment for your Line Manager to order. If you subsequently leave the University, the equipment will be redistributed to others or removed to store.

Additional items can be ordered from IT Services with your managers authorisation.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) loans

The Health and Safety team operate a ‘loan scheme’ for DSE and ergonomic equipment required following a DSE assessment. This is intended to allow the user to trial equipment for a period to determine suitability before any purchases are made. The loan stock will be made up of various equipment including ergonomic mice, and keyboards.

Equipment will be loaned to the employee for a four-week period after which the equipment must be returned to the Health and Safety team, unless an extension to the loan period is agreed.

If the loan equipment is found to be beneficial for the employee the DSE Assessor will be given details of how they can purchase the equipment. The finance department will require authorisation from Health and Safety to approve the spend.

Can I take my workstation equipment home?

University equipment should not be removed from the campus or other University properties.

Can I have my own workstation equipment in a hot desk area as I have a chronic condition?

This is possible but we would need to ensure that the area is assigned appropriately via your Line Manager, the recommendation is that where possible specialist desk equipment is stored in an appropriate storage facility (such as a locker).

How do I order furniture?

Any furniture repairs should be reported to the Facilities Helpdesk helpdesk@1stdegreefacilities.co.uk