ASTM E1660-95a(2018)

Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Support for Office Work

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Each Facility Rating Scale (see Fig. 1 through Fig. 6) in this classification provides a means to estimate the level of serviceability of a building or facility for one topic of serviceability and to compare that level against the level of any other building or facility.  
4.2 This classification can be used for comparing how well different buildings or facilities meet a particular requirement for serviceability. It is applicable despite differences such as location, structure, mechanical systems, age, and building shape.  
4.3 This classification can be used to estimate the amount of variance of serviceability from target or from requirement, for a single office facility, or within a group of office facilities.  
4.4 This classification can be used to estimate the following:  
4.4.1 Serviceability of an existing facility for uses other than its present use.  
4.4.2 Serviceability (potential) of a facility that has been planned but not yet built.  
4.4.3 Serviceability (potential) of a facility for which remodeling has been planned.  
4.5 Use of this classification does not result in building evaluation or diagnosis. Building evaluation or diagnosis generally requires a special expertise in building engineering or technology and the use of instruments, tools, or measurements.  
4.6 This classification applies only to facilities that are building constructions, or parts thereof. (While this classification may be useful in rating the serviceability of facilities that are not building constructions, such facilities are outside the scope of this classification.)  
4.7 This classification is not intended for, and is not suitable for, use for regulatory purposes, nor for fire hazard assessment nor for fire risk assessment.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers pairs of scales for classifying an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the capability of an office facility to meet certain possible requirements for performance to support typical office work.  
1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair of scales, shown in Fig. 1 through Fig. 6,  are for classifying one topic of serviceability. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement Scale (see Fig. 1 through Fig. 6) summarizes one level of serviceability on that topic, which occupants might require. The matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale (see Fig. 1 through Fig. 6) is a translation of the requirement into a description of certain features of a facility which, taken in combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that level of required serviceability.  
FIG. 1 Scale A.1.1 for Photocopying  
FIG. 1 Scale A.1.1 for Photocopying (continued)  
FIG. 1 Scale A.1.1 for Photocopying  (continued)  
FIG. 2 Scale A.1.2 for Training Rooms, General  
FIG. 2 Scale A.1.2 for Training Rooms, General (continued)  
FIG. 2 Scale A.1.2 for Training Rooms, General (continued)  
FIG. 3 Scale A.1.3 for Training Rooms for Computer Skills  
FIG. 3 Scale A.1.3 for Training Rooms for Computer Skills (continued)  
FIG. 4 Scale A.1.4 for Interview Rooms  
FIG. 4 Scale A.1.4 for Interview Rooms (continued)  
FIG. 5 Scale A.1.5 for Storage and Floor Loading  
FIG. 5 Scale A.1.5 for Storage and Floor Loading (continued)  
FIG. 6 Scale A.1.6 for Shipping and Receiving  
FIG. 6 Scale A.1.6 for Shipping and Receiving  (continued)  
1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Fig. 1 through Fig. 6) are indicative and not comprehensive. They are for quick scanning to estimate approximately, quickly, and economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the needs of one or another type of occupant group over time. The entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an office facility is performing.  
1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been plan...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2018
• ICS: 35.260 - Office machines
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.25 - Whole Buildings and Facilities

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1660-95a(2012) - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Support for Office Work
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1679-13 - Standard Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility, and for Determining What Serviceability is Provided or Proposed
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1679-95(2012) - Standard Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1679-95(2005) - Standard Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1334-95(2005) - Standard Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E631-93a(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 28-Jul-2000
• Refers: ASTM E1679-95(1999) - Standard Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Refers: ASTM E1334-95(1999) - Standard Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or Building-Related Facility
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Referred By: ASTM E1765-16(2023) - Standard Practice for Applying Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to Multiattribute Decision Analysis of Investments Related to Projects, Products, and Processes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Referred By: ASTM E1700-16 - Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Structure and Building Envelope<rangeref></rangeref >
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018

Overview

ASTM E1660-95a(2018), Standard Classification for Serviceability of an Office Facility for Support for Office Work, provides a framework for estimating and comparing the serviceability of office facilities. Developed by ASTM International, this standard enables facility managers, architects, building owners, and planners to assess how effectively an office environment supports typical office work across several functional areas like photocopying, training, interviews, storage, and shipping/receiving.

The classification uses pairs of scales to translate occupant requirements into facility features, facilitating an objective, standardized comparison of serviceability levels among different office buildings or spaces. Importantly, this tool is designed for rapid, practical evaluations rather than comprehensive engineering assessments or regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

Core areas addressed by ASTM E1660-95a(2018) include:

• Serviceability Definition: The ability of an office facility to meet requirements for supporting office functions and occupants' needs.

• Scope of Application: The standard applies to building constructions or their parts, facilitating comparisons regardless of location, structure, mechanical systems, age, or shape.

• Classification Scales: Six topic-based scales address serviceability for:

  • Photocopying facilities
  • General training rooms
  • Training rooms for computer skills
  • Interview rooms
  • Storage and floor loading
  • Shipping and receiving areas

• Facility Rating Scales: For each topic, an Occupant Requirement Scale summarizes levels of serviceability. The Facility Rating Scale links these requirements to physical features found in the facility, enabling a quick estimate of likely serviceability.

• Intended Use: The classification is for estimation and comparison, not detailed performance evaluation or regulatory inspection.

Applications

Practical value and use cases of ASTM E1660-95a(2018) include:

• Benchmarking and Comparison: Compare multiple office buildings or areas to determine which best meets occupant requirements for specific support functions.

• Preliminary Serviceability Assessment: Quickly estimate how well an existing office facility, newly designed space, or planned renovation will support typical office work functions.

• Planning and Decision-Making: Support facility planning, space programming, and resource allocation, especially when selecting among existing properties or planning new developments.

• Facility Adaptation: Assess how an office structure may serve alternative or future uses, as requirements and business functions evolve.

• Portfolio Management: Apply consistent measures to evaluate serviceability variance across groups of office facilities within an organization.

Note: This standard is not intended for regulatory approval, fire risk assessment, or detailed technical evaluation.

Related Standards

ASTM E1660-95a(2018) is aligned with and references several related standards to ensure consistency in terminology and methodology:

• ASTM E631 - Terminology for Building Constructions, providing foundational definitions applied within E1660.
• ASTM E1679 - Practice for Setting Requirements for Serviceability of Buildings.
• ASHRAE Standards 55 and 62 - Covering thermal environmental conditions and indoor air quality.
• ISO 6240 - International performance standards context for building assessment.

Additionally, the scales of ASTM E1660 are meant to be used in conjunction with (the now withdrawn) ASTM E1334, which details practices for rating building serviceability.

Conclusion

ASTM E1660-95a(2018) delivers a practical, standardized approach to classifying and comparing the serviceability of office facilities for supporting office work. By focusing on occupant needs and translating those to building features, it empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions about facility use, improvement, and planning. This helps optimize productivity, ensure appropriate resource allocation, and maintain high standards in office environments. For detailed guidance, reference the full ASTM E1660 standard and associated documents from ASTM International.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E1660 −95a (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Classification for
Serviceability of an Office Facility for Support for Office
1,2
Work
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1660; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope serviceability score. That information is found in Practice
E1334. The scales in this classification are complimentary to
1.1 This classification covers pairs of scales for classifying
and compatible with Practice E1334. Each requires the other.
an aspect of the serviceability of an office facility, that is, the
capability of an office facility to meet certain possible require- 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
ments for performance to support typical office work. standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.2 Within that aspect of serviceability, each pair of scales,
1.6.1 Exception—Inch-pound units are used in Fig. 6.
shown in Fig. 1 through Fig. 6, are for classifying one topic of
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
serviceability. Each paragraph in an Occupant Requirement
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Scale (see Fig. 1 through Fig. 6) summarizes one level of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
serviceability on that topic, which occupants might require.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
The matching entry in the Facility Rating Scale (see Fig. 1
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
through Fig. 6) is a translation of the requirement into a
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
description of certain features of a facility which, taken in
combination, indicate that the facility is likely to meet that
2. Referenced Documents
level of required serviceability.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 The entries in the Facility Rating Scale (see Fig. 1
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
through Fig. 6) are indicative and not comprehensive.They are
E1334 Practice for Rating the Serviceability of a Building or
for quick scanning to estimate approximately, quickly, and
Building-Related Facility (Withdrawn 2013)
economically, how well an office facility is likely to meet the
E1679 Practice for Setting the Requirements for the Service-
needs of one or another type of occupant group over time. The
ability of a Building or Building-Related Facility, and for
entries are not for measuring, knowing, or evaluating how an
Determining What Serviceability is Provided or Proposed
office facility is performing.
2.2 ASHRAE Standards:
1.4 This classification can be used to estimate the level of
ASHRAE Standard 55 Thermal Environmental Conditions
serviceability of an existing facility. It can also be used to
for Human Occupancy
estimate the serviceability of a facility that has been planned
ASHRAE Standard 62 Ventilation forAcceptable IndoorAir
but not yet built, such as one for which single-line drawings
Quality
and outline specifications have been prepared.
2.3 ISO Standard:
1.5 This classification indicates what would cause a facility ISO 6240 International Standard, Performance Standards in
to be rated at a certain level of serviceability but does not state
Building—Contents and Presentation
how to conduct a serviceability rating nor how to assign a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.25 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
on Whole Buildings and Facilities. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved March 1, 2018. Published March 2018. Originally The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1660 – 95a (2012). www.astm.org.
DOI: 10.1520/E1660-95AR18. Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Portions of this document are based on material originally prepared by the Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
International Centre for Facilities (ICF) and copyright 1993 by ICF and Minister of 30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
Public Works and Government Services Canada. Their cooperation in the develop- Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
ment of this standard is acknowledged. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1660−95a (2018)
FIG. 1 Scale A.1.1 for Photocopying
3. Terminology environment; or it may be a construction that is not a building.
The term encompasses both the physical object and its use.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.2 facility serviceability—the capability of a facility to
3.1.1 facility—a physical setting used to serve a specific
purpose. E631 perform the function(s) for which it is designed, used, or
required to be used. E631
3.1.1.1 Discussion—A facility may be within a building, a
whole building, or a building with its site and surrounding 3.1.2.1 Discussion—The scope of this performance is of the
E1660−95a (2018)
FIG. 1Scale A.1.1 for Photocopying (continued)
facility as a system, including its subsystems, components and 3.1.4 For standard definitions of additional terms applicable
materials and their interactions, such as acoustical, to this classification, see Terminology E631.
hydrothermal, air purity, and economic; and of the relative
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
importance of each performance requirement.
3.2.1 convenience copiers—medium-size ph
...