September 18, 2002—BIFMA’s Ergonomics Subcommittee has developed a guideline for office furniture intended for “extensive computer use” by applying the measurable principles and design requirements of ISO 9241 parts 3 (“Visual display requirements”) and 5 (“Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display units”). Copies of the Document G1-2002 are available online.
The companion document, “The Ultimate Test for Fit,” is a useful aid in understanding the complicated world of ergonomics.
The ANSI/BIFMA Safety and Performance Standards are developed by the BIFMA Engineering Committee. The standards are reviewed every five years according to guidelines established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standards are intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers, and users with a common basis for evaluating safety, durability, and the structural adequacy of the specified furniture, independent of construction materials. The standards define specific tests, laboratory equipment to be used, the conditions of test, and the minimum acceptance levels to be used in evaluating these products. Copies of obsolete editions of the various standards are available upon request.
Contact Richard Driscoll, Manager of Technical Services with any comments or questions.
