Work with display screen equipment

Standards that specify product requirements are subject to Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The Display Screen Equipment Directive (90/270/EEC), on the other hand, falls within the scope of Article 153 of the TFEU, which deals with workers' health and safety. Nonetheless, the Annex to the Display Screen Equipment Directive does contain minimum requirements for technical characteristics of the working environment and work equipment.  

For many years, it has been normal practice to do without glossy surfaces at VDT workstations, because glare from such surfaces is perceived as unpleasant or can reduce visual performance.

The standard EN ISO 9241 Ergonomics of human-system interaction demands that “The design of the visual display screen and surrounding area of the product housing shall not contribute to disturbing glare by the environmental lighting.”. In this respect, it says: “Matt surfaces typically do not produce glare, whereas glossy surfaces can, depending on design aspects such as shape, colour, size and environmental lighting conditions”.

Do you have any questions on this topic, or need support? If so, please contact Dr Beate Schlutter.