M/516 - Interpretation Services
Request addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for standardisation activities regarding facilities and equipment for interpretation services
Mandate M/516 requests CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI to develop standardisation activities related to facilities and equipment for interpretation services. The goal is to establish common standards that ensure quality and interoperability in interpretation settings, covering both technical equipment and service environments. This mandate supports the improvement of professional interpretation through harmonised solutions across Europe. The decision regarding the approval or disapproval of the mandate is recorded under CEN/BT C45/2013.
Purpose
This mandate aims to request the European standardisation organisations CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI to carry out standardisation activities related to facilities and equipment used in interpretation services. The goal is to ensure harmonised and high-quality interpretation services across the EU.
Standardisation request
The request specifically addresses the development of standards that cover:
- Facilities for interpretation services, including design and technical requirements.
- Equipment used in interpretation services, likely covering hardware and technology that ensure effective and reliable interpretation.
These activities are intended to promote interoperability, accessibility, and consistent quality in interpretation services throughout member states.
Expected deliverables
While the specific deliverables are not detailed in the metadata, they typically include:
- Harmonised European standards for interpretation service facilities.
- Technical specifications for interpretation equipment.
- Possibly guidelines or best practices to support standard implementation.
These deliverables will serve as references for service providers, manufacturers, and regulators.
Context
The mandate was addressed as part of a formal decision process referenced as CEN/BT C45/2013. Interpretation services are crucial for multilingual communication in the EU, supporting inclusiveness and equal access to information. Standardisation in this field contributes to improving the quality and availability of such services across Europe. The involvement of CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI reflects the need for coordinated efforts covering construction standards, electrical/electronic standards, and telecommunication standards related to interpretation.
Standardisation work covers facilities and equipment used for interpretation services, focusing on ensuring quality, safety, and interoperability in interpreting environments and tools used across various sectors requiring language interpretation.
General Information
This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the design of permanent booths for simultaneous interpreting in new or existing buildings. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters.
This document is to be used in conjunction with ISO 20109, which contains requirements and recommendations for the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting. For requirements and recommendations for permanent booths which do not have a direct view of the room in which a communicative event takes place, see ISO 17651-3.[1]
[1] Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 17651-3-2:2024.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the design, use and siting of mobile booths for simultaneous interpreting. The main features of mobile booths that distinguish them from permanent booths are that they can be dismantled, moved and set up in a room. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters.
This document is to be used in conjunction with ISO 20109, which contains requirements and recommendations for the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting. For requirements and recommendations for mobile booths which do not have a direct view of a room, see ISO 17651-3.[1]
[1] Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 17651-3.2:2024.
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the design, use and siting of mobile booths for simultaneous interpreting. The main features of mobile booths that distinguish them from permanent booths are that they can be dismantled, moved and set up in a room. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters.
This document is to be used in conjunction with ISO 20109, which contains requirements and recommendations for the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting. For requirements and recommendations for mobile booths which do not have a direct view of a room, see ISO 17651-3.[1]
[1] Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 17651-3.2:2024.
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the design of permanent booths for simultaneous interpreting in new or existing buildings. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters.
This document is to be used in conjunction with ISO 20109, which contains requirements and recommendations for the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting. For requirements and recommendations for permanent booths which do not have a direct view of the room in which a communicative event takes place, see ISO 17651-3.[1]
[1] Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 17651-3-2:2024.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 20108:2017 sets out requirements for the quality and transmission of sound and image input to interpreters and specifies the characteristics of the audio and video signals. The components of typical interpreting systems are specified in ISO 20109. Together with either permanent (see ISO 2603) or mobile (see ISO 4043) booths, these interpreting systems form the interpreters' working environment. In addition to setting out the requirements for on-site interpreting, where participants (speakers and members of the audience) and interpreters are at the same location, ISO 20108:2017 specifies requirements for different varieties of distance interpreting situations in which the interpreters are not at the same location as one or more of the conference participants.
ISO 20108:2017 also addresses the work of manufacturers and providers of simultaneous interpreting equipment and technical staff.
In conjunction with either ISO 2603 or ISO 4043, ISO 20108:2017 and ISO 20109 provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths, the conference room and the distant site(s).
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 20108:2017 sets out requirements for the quality and transmission of sound and image input to interpreters and specifies the characteristics of the audio and video signals. The components of typical interpreting systems are specified in ISO 20109. Together with either permanent (see ISO 2603) or mobile (see ISO 4043) booths, these interpreting systems form the interpreters' working environment. In addition to setting out the requirements for on-site interpreting, where participants (speakers and members of the audience) and interpreters are at the same location, ISO 20108:2017 specifies requirements for different varieties of distance interpreting situations in which the interpreters are not at the same location as one or more of the conference participants.
ISO 20108:2017 also addresses the work of manufacturers and providers of simultaneous interpreting equipment and technical staff.
In conjunction with either ISO 2603 or ISO 4043, ISO 20108:2017 and ISO 20109 provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths, the conference room and the distant site(s).
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 2603:2016 provides requirements and recommendations for building and renovating permanent booths for simultaneous interpreting in new and existing buildings. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters, including those with special needs.
It is applicable to all types of permanent booths, using built-in or portable equipment.
In conjunction with either this document or ISO 4043, ISO 20108 and ISO 20109 provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths.
- Standard18 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 4043:2016 provides requirements and recommendations for the manufacturing of mobile simultaneous interpreting booths. The main features of mobile booths that distinguish them from permanent simultaneous interpreting booths are that they can be dismantled, moved and set up in a conference room not equipped with permanent booths. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters, including those with special needs.
Requirements for the use and siting of mobile booths are described in Annex A.
In conjunction with either ISO 2603 or this document, ISO 20108 and ISO 20109 provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths.
- Standard19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 20109:2016 specifies requirements for equipment used for simultaneous interpreting.
Accessibility requirements are defined in Annex A.
Requirements for booths furniture are defined in Annex B.
Requirements on the system operation are defined in Annex C.
In conjunction with either ISO 2603 or ISO 4043, ISO 20108 and this document provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths.
- Standard25 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 20109:2016 specifies requirements for equipment used for simultaneous interpreting.
Accessibility requirements are defined in Annex A.
Requirements for booths furniture are defined in Annex B.
Requirements on the system operation are defined in Annex C.
In conjunction with either ISO 2603 or ISO 4043, ISO 20108 and this document provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths.
- Standard25 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 2603:2016 provides requirements and recommendations for building and renovating permanent booths for simultaneous interpreting in new and existing buildings. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters, including those with special needs.
It is applicable to all types of permanent booths, using built-in or portable equipment.
In conjunction with either this document or ISO 4043, ISO 20108 and ISO 20109 provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths.
- Standard18 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
ISO 4043:2016 provides requirements and recommendations for the manufacturing of mobile simultaneous interpreting booths. The main features of mobile booths that distinguish them from permanent simultaneous interpreting booths are that they can be dismantled, moved and set up in a conference room not equipped with permanent booths. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of booths for all interpreters, including those with special needs.
Requirements for the use and siting of mobile booths are described in Annex A.
In conjunction with either ISO 2603 or this document, ISO 20108 and ISO 20109 provide the relevant requirements both for the quality and transmission of sound and image provided to interpreters and for the equipment needed in the booths.
- Standard19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/516 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Request addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for standardisation activities regarding facilities and equipment for interpretation services". Request addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for standardisation activities regarding facilities and equipment for interpretation services There are 12 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.