Serious Risk Warning: Height Adjustable Display Screens in Schools

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued an urgent safety notice concerning motorised height-adjustable display screen mounts used in schools and other educational establishments. These systems, which are often seen in classrooms as interactive whiteboards or AV displays, pose a crushing and collapse hazard, particularly to vulnerable users such as pupils and unsupervised staff.

What’s the Danger?

These wall-mounted systems can weigh up to 150 kg, and unintentional operation can cause them to topple forward or detach from wall fixings. This poses a real threat of entrapment and limbs being crushed between the lower edge of the screen and surrounding furniture or wall surfaces if movement is uncontrolled.

Many of these systems were installed without anti‑collision sensors or force‑limiting safeguards, meaning the mechanism does not stop or reverse when an obstruction is detected.

The HSE notice is explicit: employers, school governors, installers, specifiers, and suppliers all have a legal obligation to assess, maintain, and secure these systems.

What can you do right now if you are in an education setting with one of these mounts:

1. Audit all dynamic display systems

Check if systems are motorised and lack collision detection or automatic stop functions.

2. Restrict control access

Secure remote controls and only allow trained personnel to operate adjustments.

3. Retrofit safeguards where needed

Work with suppliers or competent engineers to add anti-collision or limiters.

4. Document your actions

Record risk assessment outcomes, inspections, and corrective measures as part of your safety audit trail.

5. Train staff

Ensure relevant personnel understand how to operate the mounts safely and recognise risks.

For Installers and Purchasers:

• Follow all manufacturer instructions and use proper fixings

• Prioritise screen mounts with built-in safety mechanisms

• Avoid designs that rely solely on warnings or signage

  
  

For Manufacturers and Suppliers:

• Products must meet the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

• Identify and eliminate hazards through design changes or retrofits

• Provide clear safety documentation, risk warnings, and retrofit options as needed

While the focus is currently on education settings, the same risks exist in any environment using motorised interactive screens, including training rooms, corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and conference venues. The risk applies wherever untrained users may operate mounting systems without sufficient safety controls.

How Ranmoor Health and Safety Can Support You

At Ranmoor, we provide expert support to businesses across sectors, managing interactive AV equipment and dynamic display systems. Our services include:

• On-site and remote risk inspections

• Advice on retrofitting safety features or replacing unsafe installations

• Staff training and access control advisories

• Full documentation support for HSE inspection readiness

If your facility uses motorised display mounts, act now. Don’t wait for an incident. Let our team help you assess and secure your environment.

Contact us today to arrange your safety assessment and recommendations.