EN ISO 9241-5:2024
(Main)Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements (ISO 9241-5:2024)
This document specifies ergonomic guiding principles which apply to the user requirements, design and procurement of workstation equipment for using interactive systems with visual displays.
In particular, the general principles and requirements specified in this document apply to the standards specifying technical design of furniture and equipment constituting the workplace. They are intended for use by product and workstation designers and implementers.
Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 5: Anforderungen an Arbeitsplatzgestaltung und Körperhaltung (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Dieses Dokument legt ergonomische Leitsätze hinsichtlich der Nutzungsanforderungen sowie der Gestaltung und Beschaffung von Arbeitsstationen für die Benutzung von interaktiven Systemen mit optischen Anzeigen fest.
Insbesondere sind die allgemeinen Grundsätze und Anforderungen, die in diesem Dokument festgelegt sind, auf die Standards, die die technische Gestaltung der Möbel und der Ausstattung des Arbeitsplatzes spezifizieren, anzuwenden. Sie wenden sich an Gestalter von Produkten und Arbeitsstationen sowie an Personen, die solche Arbeitsstationen einrichten.
Ergonomie de l’interaction homme-système - Partie 5: Aménagement du poste de travail et exigences relatives aux postures (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Le présent document spécifie les principes ergonomiques directeurs qui s’appliquent aux besoins des utilisateurs, à la conception et à l’achat de matériel pour les postes de travail utilisant des systèmes interactifs avec écrans de visualisation.
Les principes et exigences d’ordre général énoncés dans le présent document s’appliquent en particulier aux normes spécifiant la conception technique du mobilier et du matériel constituant le poste de travail. Ils ont vocation à être utilisés par les concepteurs des produits et des postes de travail, ainsi que les personnes responsables de leur mise en œuvre.
Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 5. del: Ureditev delovnega mesta in zahteve za položaj telesa (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Ta dokument določa ergonomska vodilna načela, ki se uporabljajo za zahteve uporabnikov, načrtovanje in nabavo opreme delovnega mesta za uporabo interaktivnih sistemov z vizualnimi zasloni.
Splošna načela in zahteve, določeni v tem dokumentu, se uporabljajo zlasti za standarde,
ki določajo tehnično zasnovo pohištva in opreme na delovnem mestu. Namenjeni so načrtovalcem ter ponudnikom izdelkov in delovnih mest.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST EN ISO 9241-5:2001
Ergonomija medsebojnega vpliva človek-sistem - 5. del: Ureditev delovnega mesta
in zahteve za položaj telesa (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 5: Workstation layout and postural
requirements (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Ergonomische Anforderungen für Bürotätigkeiten mit Bildschirmgeräten - Teil 5:
Anforderungen an Arbeitsplatzgestaltung und Körperhaltung (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Ergonomie de l’interaction homme-système - Partie 5: Aménagement du poste de travail
et exigences relatives aux postures (ISO 9241-5:2024)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 9241-5:2024
ICS:
13.180 Ergonomija Ergonomics
35.180 Terminalska in druga IT Terminal and other
periferna oprema IT peripheral equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN ISO 9241-5
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2024
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.180; 35.180 Supersedes EN ISO 9241-5:1999
English Version
Ergonomics of human-system interaction - Part 5:
Workstation layout and postural requirements (ISO 9241-
5:2024)
Ergonomie de l'interaction homme-système - Partie 5: Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion - Teil 5:
Aménagement du poste de travail et exigences Anforderungen an Arbeitsplatzgestaltung und
relatives aux postures (ISO 9241-5:2024) Körperhaltung (ISO 9241-5:2024)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 August 2024.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 9241-5:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 9241-5:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159
"Ergonomics" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 122 “Ergonomics” the secretariat of
which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2025, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 9241-5:1999.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 9241-5:2024 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 9241-5:2024 without any
modification.
International
Standard
ISO 9241-5
Second edition
Ergonomics of human-system
2024-08
interaction —
Part 5:
Workstation layout and postural
requirements
Ergonomie de l’interaction homme-système —
Partie 5: Aménagement du poste de travail et exigences relatives
aux postures
Reference number
ISO 9241-5:2024(en) © ISO 2024
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
© ISO 2024
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
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Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Guiding principles . 4
4.1 General considerations.4
4.2 Versatility and flexibility .4
4.3 Fit .5
4.4 Postural change .5
4.5 User information .5
4.6 Maintainability-adaptability .5
5 Design requirements and recommendations . 6
5.1 General .6
5.2 Postures .6
5.2.1 Design reference posture(s) .6
5.2.2 Sitting postures .7
5.2.3 Standing and sit and stand postures .7
5.2.4 Intermediate postures between sitting and standing — Semi-standing .7
5.3 Ease of adjustment .9
5.4 Support surfaces .10
5.4.1 General recommendations .10
5.4.2 Clearances under worksurfaces .10
5.4.3 Viewing distances and angles of view .11
5.4.4 Finish of the worksurface . 12
5.4.5 Safety and stability aspects of workstations . 13
5.4.6 Energy loss to contact surfaces . 13
5.5 Work chair . 13
5.5.1 General considerations . 13
5.5.2 Parameters related to fit . 13
5.5.3 Dynamic aspects of seating .14
5.5.4 Back support . 15
5.5.5 Arm support . 15
5.6 Additional support elements . .16
5.6.1 Document holders .16
5.6.2 Footrest .16
5.6.3 Support for the hands, wrists and forearms .17
5.6.4 Workstations with monitor arm .17
5.7 Layout of workstations within the workspace .18
5.7.1 General considerations .18
5.7.2 Cable management . .18
6 Conformity . .18
7 Measurement . 19
7.1 Support surfaces .19
7.2 Safety and stability aspects of workstations .19
7.3 Seat height .19
7.4 Castors .19
7.5 Layout of workstations within the workspace .19
Annex A (informative) Anthropometric data needed for workstation design and selection .20
Bibliography .27
iii
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 4,
Ergonomics of human-system interaction, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 122, Ergonomics, in accordance with the Agreement on technical
cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 9241-5:1998), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— Expansion and correction of Clause 3.
— Additional information added to Clause 4.
— Additional requirements and recommendations given in Clause 5.
— Revision of Annex A.
A list of all parts in the ISO 9241 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to promote and enhance performance and comfort while minimizing risks
to users’ safety and health. Users of interactive systems typically adopt a range of postures, such as seated
with leaning, upright or reclining torso, standing or a combination of both. Workplaces which accommodate
such usage can encourage movement, promote comfort and reduce physical, mental and visual problems.
This document is intended for use by product and workstation designers and implementers.
v
International Standard ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
Ergonomics of human-system interaction —
Part 5:
Workstation layout and postural requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies ergonomic guiding principles which apply to the user requirements, design and
procurement of workstation equipment for using interactive systems with visual displays.
In particular, the general principles and requirements specified in this document apply to the standards
specifying technical design of furniture and equipment constituting the workplace. They are intended for
use by product and workstation designers and implementers.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9241-11:2018, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 11: Usability: Definitions and concepts
ISO 9241-302:2008, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 302: Terminology for electronic visual
displays
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
angle of view
angle between the line of sight and the line orthogonal to the surface of the display at the point where the
line of sight intersects the image surface of the display
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-302:2008, 3.3.5, modified — Definition revised.]
3.2
anthropometric data
data relating to the study and measurement of the physical dimensions of the human body
3.3
armrest
support for the lower arms
3.4
back rest
part of a work chair which provides support for the back
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
3.5
castor
wheeled component on the bottom of furniture to facilitate appropriate movement on the floor surface
3.6
design reference posture
posture specified for the purpose of workstation design to define relative positions and dimensions
3.7
deviation
alteration from the neutral position
3.8
dynamic posture
body position which changes with relative movements of the limbs or other parts of the human body in
relation to one another or with respect to a fixed object (e.g. a workstation)
3.9
extension
movement that increases the angle between two adjacent bones
Note 1 to entry: Dorsal pertains to the back of the hand, and palmar pertains to the palm.
Note 2 to entry: Hand extension is the movement of the hand in the dorsal direction.
Note 3 to entry: Neck extension (cervical extension) is the movement of the head backward.
3.10
flexion
movement that decreases the angle between two adjacent bones
Note 1 to entry: Palmar pertains to the palm of the hand.
Note 2 to entry: Hand flexion is the movement of the hand in the palmar direction.
Note 3 to entry: Neck flexion is the movement of lowering the chin down to the chest.
3.11
gloss
mode of appearance by which reflected highlights of objects are perceived as superimposed on the surface
due to the directionally selective properties of that surface
[SOURCE: CIE S 017:2020, 17-24-080]
3.12
gloss unit
measure for quantifying the gloss of a surface
3.13
intended user population
people for whom the design is intended, specified according to relevant characteristics
Note 1 to entry: Relevant characteristics include, for example, the skill level or physical characteristics, such as
anthropometric dimensions, of these people. Gender and age can be related to variations in these characteristics. In
addition to these intrinsic characteristics, extrinsic factors (e. g. cultural differences) can also be relevant.
3.14
interactive system
combination of hardware and/or software and/or services and/or people that users interact with in order to
achieve specific goals
Note 1 to entry: This includes, where appropriate, packaging, user documentation, online and human help, support
and training.
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-11:2018, 3.1.5]
3.15
kyphosis
convex curvature of the thoracic spine
3.16
line-of-sight angle
angle between a horizontal line and the visual axis of the eye
Note 1 to entry: The visual axis of the eye is the line connecting the point of fixation and the centre of the pupil.
3.17
lordosis
concave curvature of the spine
3.18
lumbar
region of the back between the thorax and the pelvis
3.19
popliteal
of or pertaining to the back of the knee
3.20
posture
overall position of the body, or body parts in relation to each other, with respect to the workplace and its
components
3.21
reference plane
surface designed to support the feet
Note 1 to entry: If not otherwise indicated, the reference plane is the ground. Any other level higher or lower than
ground level may be used as a reference plane for the calculation of the height of support surfaces.
3.22
static posture
adoption of a body position which is fixed over time and where there is muscle contraction without motion
3.23
task analysis
analytical process employed to determine the specific behaviours required of people when operating
equipment or doing work, including the identification of the information and controls required to accomplish
those behaviours or tasks
Note 1 to entry: The task analysis is not a risk assessment of the workplace according to legal requirements.
3.24
workplace
arrangement of resources allocated to one person to complete a task
3.25
workspace
volume of space allocated to one or more persons in the work system to complete a work task
3.26
worksurface
surface on which equipment and task materials are used
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
3.27
workstation
assembly comprising display equipment, with or without a central processing unit, which can be provided
with either or all of the following:
— keyboard;
— input device;
— software determining the operator–machine-interface
and includes optional accessories, peripherals and the immediate work environment
4 Guiding principles
4.1 General considerations
Workplace design should be based on the task requirements. Therefore, it should be preceded by an analysis
of the tasks that it is to support. Such an analysis should give information about the different tasks and
subtasks which are performed and about the use of related equipment. It should also identify the relative
priority given to different information sources within the user’s task, with respect to placement of displays,
equipment location and job aids. For example, in many data-entry tasks, viewing of the hard copy has
greater priority than viewing of the display. For many other tasks, the visual display is the main source of
information and needs to be placed accordingly.
The task analysis should take into account:
a) major tasks and their interrelationships: frequency, importance, position of visual objects, duration and
type of use of all associated equipment and their interrelationships;
b) the position and use of the hands: implications for posture, reach and device manipulation by the relative
positioning of the equipment and task materials, frequency, duration and complexity of movements.
Task analysis should also reference type of work, for example individual or collaborative, as well as whether
it is a shared workspace.
For the design and selection of workplaces, the following five interrelated principles apply:
— versatility-flexibility;
— fit;
— postural change;
— user information;
— maintainability-adaptability.
Clause 4 provides general principles and guidelines underlying the requirements and recommendations
given in Clause 5.
4.2 Versatility and flexibility
Workstations should enable the intended user population to perform a range of tasks comfortably and
efficiently. In addition, workstation design should be appropriate for the range of tasks to be performed at
the workstation, taking into account user characteristics (e.g. keyboard skills, anthropometric variation and
user preferences). It should also be dependent upon usage times, such that the longer the time spent at the
interactive system, the more important is the observance of good workstation design.
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
4.3 Fit
Selection and design of furniture and equipment necessitates a fit to be achieved between a range of
task requirements and the needs of users. The concept of fit concerns the extent to which furniture and
equipment (e.g. work chairs, worksurfaces, visual display units, input devices) can accommodate individual
users’ needs.
Good fit is needed for the intended user population, including users sharing workstations and users with
special needs. Fit can be accomplished by furniture built for a specified use (or user) or provided in a range
of sizes and forms or by adjustability and combinations thereof.
Since workstations cannot be custom-made for individual users, except under special circumstances, some
alternative forms of ensuring a good fit are needed. The extent to which the workstation provides a good fit
between the requirements of users and their work should be of primary consideration.
There is an important limitation regarding the fit estimates achieved when using percentile values to define
th th
workspace parameters; for example, the use of 5 to 95 percentile anthropometric values as suggested
th th
in 5.4.2. The range between the minimal 5 percentile value and the maximal 95 percentile value always
accommodates at least 90 % of the intended users for that single dimension. However, combining two or
more dimensions defined by percentile values generally reduces the percentage of users accommodated. For
example, a chair seat has dimensions of height, length and width. Each dimension can accommodate 90 %
of the users separately, but the actual fit or accommodation on all three variables at the same time is almost
always less than 90 %, theoretically ranging approximately between 70 % and 90 %. For further discussion
of the limitations of percentile values in multivariate designs, see Reference [11]. For an introduction to
some multivariate techniques used to estimate multivariate fit, see ISO/TR 9241-514.
4.4 Postural change
Postural change concerns the extent to which the user can move between various postures.
Postural change facilitates user performance and comfort and avoids biomechanical stress and fatigue.
NOTE Postures adopted by users and the need for changes in posture are markedly influenced by work
organization and, in particular, task requirements.
The organization of the workspace and the furniture utilised should encourage active postural changes and
movement.
4.5 User information
Users should be informed why and how the furniture and other devices (e.g. support for the visual display
unit) should be adjusted.
Where specific skills are required for achieving a comfortable and efficient workplace, adequate user
information and training in such skills should be provided. For example, in adjusting work chair or
worksurface heights or finding a satisfactory viewing distance. The design of furniture should be intuitive
and minimize the need for training and for user information.
Guidance and training on these factors should be given to users to ensure that they are fully acquainted with
the design and functioning of the workplace and feel competent and confident to use the workplace properly.
In particular, training should ensure that users are familiar with the mechanisms of adjustment and how to
decide when furniture adjustment is needed for the individual user and task.
4.6 Maintainability-adaptability
Requirements for task performance, in addition to workplace design, should also take into account factors
such as maintenance, accessibility and the ability of the workplace to adapt to changing requirements.
Workstation designers should take into account whether access for maintenance can be accomplished easily
and how disruption to ongoing task performance can be minimized.
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
Workstation design should also facilitate the adaptation of furniture and equipment in response to changing
requirements and circumstances.
5 Design requirements and recommendations
5.1 General
Clause 5 contains requirements and recommendations for the configuration of workstations that facilitate
comfortable and efficient operation. Subclauses 5.2 to 5.7 identify the parameters aimed at accommodating
an individual user in terms of performance requirements, body clearance, acceptable and preferred postures
and comfort.
The main factors in determining appropriate workstation arrangements are seat and worksurface, line-
of-sight angle, worksurface and keyboard height, knee clearance, forearm inclination, arm abduction and
elbow height.
Furniture, equipment and work environment may be designed for use in the seated or standing position
and where sitting and standing alternate. Workstations must be capable of supporting several tasks (e.g.
screen viewing, keyboard input, non-keyboard input device usage, writing). Workstations should therefore
be designed with such functions in mind. Work organization, job content and furniture design should
encourage user movement. Prolonged static sitting posture should be minimized and continuous voluntary
adjustments of the posture should be able to be made.
5.2 Postures
5.2.1 Design reference posture(s)
Requirements in relation to comfort and performance necessitate a design reference posture aligned with
anthropometric data. While empirical evidence has indicated that certain postures can be comfortable for
users carrying out certain tasks over short periods, they are not the optimum posture.
The following reference posture should be used for the seated position (see Annex A):
a) the thighs positioned approximately horizontally and the lower legs vertically; the seat height should be
at, or a little below, the popliteal height of the user;
b) the upper arms hanging vertically with the forearms horizontal;
c) no deviation or extension of the wrists;
d) an erect spine;
e) the sole of the foot making an angle of 90° with the lower leg;
f) no twisting of the upper torso;
g) the line of sight between horizontal and 35° below the horizontal; the design reference posture is shown
in Figure 1.
NOTE 1 The distance between the forearms and the thighs depends on body dimensions and body proportions
and varies widely between humans. For a substantial percentage of persons, it is smaller than the distance shown in
Figure 1.
The line of sight in the relaxed seated position is inclined approximately by 35° below the horizontal (see
Figure 1). The optimum position for the most important visual display is within ±15° in the vertical and
horizontal direction from the line of sight. If more than one display or a large display is employed, the
optimum position should be taken in line with the most relevant display or image.
NOTE 2 Placing a visual display in this position can cause glare problems if certain types of luminaires are used.
In the standing position, the inclination of the line of sight is about 30° (see Figure 2).
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
5.2.2 Sitting postures
The purpose of well-designed seating is to provide stable support which allows movement, comfort and task
accomplishment. The workstation design should allow dynamic sitting (see 5.5.3).
5.2.3 Standing and sit and stand postures
The standing posture is recommended if it can alternate with a sitting position for low back pain prevention.
This can be achieved if the workplace comprises either workstations or worksurfaces for sitting and
standing postures or an adjustable workstation that can accommodate the same person in the seated and
standing position (see Figure 3).
For chairs used at sit and stand workstations, stability aspects apply in both the seated and standing
positions.
5.2.4 Intermediate postures between sitting and standing — Semi-standing
Sitting and standing postures are not the only alternatives users can take when working at adjustable
workstations. A semi-standing posture is one between sitting and standing, where the seat and worksurface
are slightly higher than normal. This elevates the person to a height where their pelvis is in a higher position
to their knees and allows for the pelvis to be anteriorly rotated. In this position, a user’s weight is distributed
between their buttocks and feet, while their feet are flat on the floor. Typically, in this posture, the angle
between the trunk and thigh is 128° ± 7° (see Reference [8]).
The seat should accommodate such positions by sloping, flexing or moving, so as to not pinch or cause
irritation to the backs of the users’ legs. When working in a semi-standing posture, pelvis and spine can
find a more neutral position, where less lumbar support is needed to maintain a stable upright position.
Additionally, as some extra weight is borne through the legs in a semi-standing posture, users can increase
movement in the lower body as a result.
An elevated worksurface is also needed in order to move either the work or visual display, or both, to an
appropriate height and to prevent slouching.
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
Key
1 horizontal
NOTE This posture serves solely for design purposes; it is not the optimum posture for sedentary work. The
striped area (±15º) marks the optimum position for placing the most important visual items.
Figure 1 — Design reference posture for sitting position
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
Key
1 horizontal
NOTE This figure shows one way in which a workstation can support the postural change. The striped area (±15º)
marks the optimum position for placing the most important visual items.
Figure 2 — Design reference posture for standing position
Figure 3 — Sit and stand posture and postural change support
5.3 Ease of adjustment
Ease of adjustment is not the ultimate goal of a design process. Eliminating the need for active intervention
by the user should be considered. If this is not feasible, a substitution by simpler control mechanisms should
be considered. Appropriate engineering of adjustment controls is needed if both fail.
Furniture adjustment controls should be convenient and designed so that they encourage correct use
(see 4.5). For the design and placement of controls, the principles described in ISO 6385 apply.
— They should be operable from the usual working position.
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
— They should not need undue force for actuation.
— They should not need any special training or special tools before adjustment can be made.
— Controls should be designed to prevent unintentional actuation.
— Actions of controls should be intuitive.
The following criteria should be considered for placing adjustment controls:
— system engineering factors, e.g. nature and frequency of use;
— placement of the equipment;
— location(s) for the performance of task elements;
— placement of the furniture with relation to walls and partitions;
— ambient environmental conditions;
— placement of additional items (e.g. filing cabinets).
The controls should be designed so as not to pose a safety problem during actuation. When the controls are
not in use, they should not violate the clearance envelopes under worksurfaces specified in 5.4.2.
5.4 Support surfaces
5.4.1 General recommendations
The worksurface should provide support for display and input devices, associated equipment and material,
as well as for the hands and arms of the user.
Support surfaces for displays and input devices and associated equipment and materials should allow
adequate clearance for the user’s anthropometric characteristics and postural changes.
For input device use, the height of the support surface should allow comfortable and efficient posture of the
upper arms, forearms and hands. The furniture should therefore be sufficiently flexible to allow postural
changes and to provide sufficient comfort to conduct the tasks efficiently. The worksurface should be height
adjustable and, when required by the task, tiltable.
For most workstations, it is important to consider a keyboard and a pointing device. ISO 9241-410 defines
a minimum of two keyboards (full-size and compact keyboard). For interactive systems, the keyboard to
be used can range between a numeric pad with some function keys and a full-size keyboard with all four
sections (alphanumeric, numeric, editing and function sections). In addition, a variety of pointing devices
from pucks to touch-sensitive screens are described.
The space requirements for input devices (size, shape and location) depend on the combination selected for
a given task. The design of a workstation for a known task should include sufficient support for all intended
input devices (ease of operation and ease of access). If the intended use of a workstation is unknown, it
should be possible to comfortably use a full-size keyboard and a mouse right and left of it.
5.4.2 Clearances under worksurfaces
For seated and standing work, sufficient vertical, horizontal and lateral clearance between the torso and
lower limbs of users (legroom height, width and depth) and workstation components (e.g. underside of
worksurface, desk drawers, table legs) is needed. The considerations are for:
— postural changes and comfort;
— ease of use of the equipment and associated tasks;
— safety (stability, structural integrity, lack of injury);
ISO 9241-5:2024(en)
— ease of standing and sitting.
These considerations apply to single workstations and combinations of workstations. The main
considerations are for clearance for thighs, knees, lower legs and feet. Furniture designed to accommodate a
specified user population shall achieve fit for the range suitable for the intended user population. This range
can be covered by applying the concept of fit. If fit (in vertical, lateral and horizontal directions) is achieved
th
by adjustable surfaces only, it shall be able to accommodate a minimum range from the 5 percentile female
th
(at the lower setting) to the 95 percentile male (at the upper setting) of the intended user population.
th
While designing non-adjustable furniture as industrial products, the clearance envelope for 95 percentile
males shall be used. Where particularly tall or particularly short individuals are not accommodated by such
requirements, and depending upon task and criticality factors, they can often require other approaches to
fit (e.g. custom built). General guidance is given for information in Annex A.
5.4.3 Viewing distances and angles of view
The user should be able to angle, tilt or swivel the visual display unit in such a way that she or he maintains a
relaxed working posture regardless of the eye height, minimizes accommodative effort and avoids disturbing
reflections and glare. Height adjustment is also preferred (see Figure 4). Adjustability should be achieved by
mechanisms built into the visual display unit or by special device(s) which form part of the furniture or the
display itself. It should not be dependent upon the user propping up the unit with objects such as books or
manuscripts. Mechanisms of adjustment should be intell
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