Ergonomics of the physical environment: International ergonomics standards concerning speech communication, danger signals, lighting, vibration and surface temperatures

Abstract

This paper considers standards relevant to environmental ergonomics, and includes those that have been, or are likely to be, produced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), under ISO TC 159 SC5 ‘Ergonomics of the physical environment’ and working groups of CEN TC 122 ‘Ergonomics’. It includes descriptions of standards concerned with speech communication in noisy environments, visual and auditory danger signals, lighting, vibration, skin contact with hot surfaces and others. It is noted that for historical and organizational reasons, some standards relevant to this area are not developed by ergonomics standards committees. The ergonomist can use international standards to ensure use of the best available data and internationally accepted methods. Standards will not determine workplace design but can provide a useful ‘starting point’ for successful design.