SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies requirements and provides recommendations for the design, equipment and operation of interpreting hubs for simultaneous interpreting. This document also ensures the usability and accessibility of interpreting hubs for all interpreters.; This document builds upon ISO 20109 and ISO 24019, which both contain requirements and recommendations regarding the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting.

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 06-Oct-2024
• Publication Date: 17-Jun-2026
• ICS: 91.040.10 - Public buildings
• Technical Committee: IDT - Information, documentation, language and terminology
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 08-Jun-2026
• Due Date: 13-Aug-2026
• Completion Date: 18-Jun-2026
• Ref Project: EN ISO 17651-3:2026 - Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreters’ working environment - Part 3: Requirements and recommendations for interpreting hubs (ISO 17651-3:2026)

• Refers: SIST EN 17037:2019+A1:2023 - Daylight in buildings
• Effective Date: 22-Apr-2026
• Refers: oSIST ISO/DIS 24019:2021 - Simultaneous interpreting delivery platforms -- Requirements and recommendations
• Effective Date: 22-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST ISO 21542:2022 - Building construction - Accessibility and usability of the built environment
• Effective Date: 22-Apr-2026

SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026 is the Slovenian standard published by SIST for interpreting hubs used in simultaneous interpreting. It specifies requirements and recommendations for the design, equipment and operation of interpreting hubs, with attention to usability and accessibility for all interpreters. It is intended for interpreters, technical support teams, venue planners and buyers who need a clear basis for setting up or assessing these working environments.

What does SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026 specify?

SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026 covers interpreting hubs for simultaneous interpreting, including purpose-built hubs and temporary ad hoc hubs. It brings together the room, booth, ICT, equipment, control and support conditions needed for interpreters who are working away from the communicative event and rely on technical support.

The document is organized into clauses on scope, normative references, terms and definitions, facilities, purpose-built interpreting hubs, ad hoc interpreting hubs, IT infrastructure, interpreting equipment, image content, technical control and technical support staff, on-site assistance, and amenities for interpreters. It builds on ISO 20109 and ISO 24019, which provide equipment and platform requirements used throughout the document.

What are the key requirements of SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026?

Facilities and access

Clause 4 requires interpreting hubs to be located in premises suitable for interpreting, with a layout and people flow that support accessibility and usability in line with ISO 21542. In practice, this means the hub should be placed where interpreters can reach it safely, work without disturbance, and move easily between booths, support areas and services.

The same clause requires the hubs to be away from sources of disturbance such as kitchens and passageways, and it calls for consultation with people who understand interpreter workplaces and the related equipment. That matters because poor siting or weak planning can raise noise, reduce concentration and create avoidable operational problems.

Clause 4 also requires safe, lit access to booths and says at least 10 % of booths, rounded up, shall be accessible to persons with a disability. For a buyer or venue manager, this is the accessibility baseline to check when planning capacity.

Purpose-built hub booths

Clause 5 sets the core expectations for purpose-built hub booths. Spoken language hub booths shall allow interpreters to sit side by side with enough table space for documents and electronic devices, and their construction and services shall align with the requirements referenced from ISO 17651-1 and ISO 20109.

The clause also gives detailed expectations for windows, daylight, viewing distance and visibility between interpreters. In practice, the hub should let interpreters see each other when they work on the same event, while avoiding glare, reflections and eye strain. This is important because visual contact supports team working and reduces the effort needed to coordinate during live interpreting.

Clause 5 also links the booth shell and the surrounding enclosed area to sound insulation requirements, and it requires anti-glare glass and careful window design. For decision-makers, that means the acoustic and visual design of the room is not optional - it is part of the working environment.

Signed language and ad hoc hubs

Clause 5.2 requires dedicated workspaces for signed language interpreting, designed in line with ISO 17651-1 and ISO 17651-4. It also adds video display requirements based on ISO 20109, which reflects the need for clear visual access to the signer and to any other displayed content.

Clause 6 covers ad hoc interpreting hubs used temporarily for one communicative event. These setups may use permanent or mobile booths, but mobile booths must meet and be set up according to ISO 17651-2, and signed language booths must comply with ISO 17651-4. For practice, this means a temporary installation still has to meet the same working logic as a fixed hub, especially when it is used for different sessions or groups.

Clause 6 also adds a sound-insulation requirement between groups of mobile booths and calls for empty volume around and above the booths. That helps limit cross-talk and noise leakage when several interpreting sessions run in parallel.

IT infrastructure and control

Clause 7 requires dedicated IT infrastructure for interpreting hubs. The infrastructure must support uninterrupted service when the event needs it, and the WAN must include redundancy with at least two internet service providers plus failover capability.

If a simultaneous interpreting delivery platform with soft consoles is used, Clause 7 also requires an individual wired internet connection for each interpreter workstation. This is a practical stability requirement: interpreters need reliable connectivity, and shared or weak links can disrupt audio, video and platform control.

The clause also addresses security and confidentiality, while making clear that security settings must not block data transfer. It requires technical support staff to control all systems and connected devices so that quality of service and interoperability are maintained.

Interpreting equipment and image content

Clause 8 requires hard consoles to conform to ISO 20109, and simultaneous interpreting delivery platforms and soft consoles to conform to ISO 24019. It also requires an accessible console for non-sighted interpreters and interpreters with low vision or colour vision differences, and it requires consistent incoming and outgoing audio levels.

Clause 9 defines what interpreters must see on screen: the speaker or signer, relevant room overview, and any visual content. It also requires image quality sufficient for readable content and clear facial detail, with specific framing for signed language interpreting. In practice, this is what allows interpreters to follow the event accurately and to interpret visual information, not only speech.

Technical support and on-site assistance

Clause 10 requires dedicated technical control for each communicative event and on-site technical support staff with the skills to operate the hub. They must monitor incoming audio and video in real time and correct problems such as poor intelligibility, distortion or pixelation. Clause 11 adds that staff must be able to handle technical or facility issues, including access and ventilation.

Clause 12 requires toilets within easy reach and an interpreters’ room nearby for interpreters and technical support staff when not on duty. These are small but important working conditions because they reduce fatigue and help keep the event running smoothly.

What terms does SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026 define?

• Interpreting hub - a facility with booth(s) fully equipped for distance interpreting and managed by technical support staff.
• Distance interpreting - interpreting of a speaker or signer who is in a different location from the interpreter, enabled by ICT.
• Simultaneous interpreting delivery platform (SIDP) - a virtual environment that manages audio and video signals between speakers or signers, distant interpreters and the audience.
• Hub booth - a booth structurally integrated into a purpose-built interpreting hub.
• Hard console - an interpreter interface with physical controls for listening and speaking.
• Soft console - an interpreter interface that runs on a computer or portable IT device and uses onscreen controls.
• Cognitive load - the amount of mental effort an interpreter exerts when working in a given environment.

Who uses SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026?

SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026 is used by conference interpreting providers, venue designers, technical support teams, equipment suppliers and accessibility specialists. It helps them specify rooms, choose booth and platform equipment, plan cabling and network resilience, and check whether interpreters can work safely and effectively.

It is also relevant to public building planners and buyers who need to procure or assess interpreting facilities for events with remote or hybrid participation. The document is especially useful when the event involves purpose-built hubs, temporary ad hoc hubs, or signed language interpreting.

Which standards are used with SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026?

Standard	What it contributes
ISO 9241-303	Requirements for electronic visual displays, used for glare and visual comfort concerns
ISO 16283-1	Field measurement method for airborne sound insulation in buildings
ISO 17651-1:2024	Requirements and recommendations for permanent booths
ISO 17651-2	Requirements and recommendations for mobile booths
ISO 17651-4:-	Requirements and recommendations for signed language interpreting
ISO 20109:2025	Requirements for simultaneous interpreting equipment
ISO 21542	Accessibility and usability of the built environment
ISO 24019	Requirements and recommendations for simultaneous interpreting delivery platforms
EN 17037:2018+A1:2021	Daylight guidance used for hub booth daylight conditions
ISO 717-1	Sound insulation rating referenced for mobile booth separation
ISO 20539:2023	Vocabulary used for several defined terms
ISO 23155:2022	Source of the definition of cognitive load

What does the SIST EN ISO 17651-3:2026 document contain?

The document contains clause-by-clause requirements and recommendations for room layout, booth design, sightlines, daylight, acoustics, IT networking, equipment selection, image presentation, staffing and support. It also includes notes and examples that help the reader understand how the requirements work in practice, such as display arrangement guidance and monitoring tasks for technical staff.

It uses referenced measurement and assessment methods where needed, including daylight guidance, sound insulation measurement, and equipment conformance to ISO 20109 and ISO 24019. For users, that means the document is not only about room planning - it also points to the technical checks needed to confirm that a hub is fit for simultaneous interpreting.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Simultano tolmačenje - Delovno okolje tolmačev - 3. del: Zahteve in priporočila za
tolmaške studie (ISO 17651-3:2026)
Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreter’s working environment - Part 3: Requirements and
recommendations for interpreting hubs (ISO 17651-3:2026)
Simultandolmetschen - Arbeitsumfeld des Dolmetschers - Teil 3: Anforderungen an und
Empfehlungen für Dolmetsch-Hubs (ISO 17651-3:2026)
Interprétation simultanée - Environnement de travail de l'interprète - Partie 3 : exigences
et recommandations pour les pôles d'interprétation (ISO 17651-3:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 17651-3:2026
ICS:
91.040.10 Javne stavbe Public buildings
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 17651-3
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 91.040.10
English Version
Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreters' working
environment - Part 3: Requirements and
recommendations for interpreting hubs (ISO 17651-
3:2026)
Interprétation simultanée - Environnement de travail Simultandolmetschen - Arbeitsumfeld des
des interprètes - Partie 3: Exigences et Dolmetschers - Teil 3: Anforderungen an und
recommandations pour les hubs d'interprétation (ISO Empfehlungen für Dolmetsch-Hubs (ISO 17651-
17651-3:2026) 3:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 March 2026.

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
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 17651-3:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 17651-3:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37
"Language and terminology" in collaboration with CCMC.
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 September 2026, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2026.
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.
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 17651-3:2026 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 17651-3:2026 without any
modification.
International
Standard
ISO 17651-3
First edition
Simultaneous interpreting —
2026-03
Interpreters’ working
environment —
Part 3:
Requirements and
recommendations for interpreting
hubs
Interprétation simultanée — Environnement de travail des
interprètes —
Partie 3: Exigences et recommandations pour les hubs
d’interprétation
Reference number
ISO 17651-3:2026(en) © ISO 2026

ISO 17651-3:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
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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Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
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Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 17651-3:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Facilities . 4
4.1 General .4
4.2 Siting and visibility .4
4.3 Accessibility .4
5 Purpose-built interpreting hubs . 4
5.1 Spoken language hub booths .4
5.2 Signed language hub booths .5
6 Ad hoc interpreting hubs . 5
7 IT infrastructure . 6
7.1 General .6
7.2 Power .6
7.3 Network equipment and data transmission.6
7.3.1 Wide area network (WAN) .6
7.3.2 Local area network (LAN) .6
7.3.3 Additional data connections .6
7.3.4 Security . . .7
7.4 Control .7
8 Interpreting equipment . 7
9 Image content . 7
10 Technical control and technical support staff . 8
11 On-site assistance . 8
12 Amenities for interpreters . 8
12.1 Toilets .8
12.2 Interpreters’ room .8
Bibliography . 9

iii
ISO 17651-3:2026(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.
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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 37, Language and terminology, Subcommittee
SC 5, Translation, interpreting and related technology, in collaboration with the European Committee
for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/SS A07, Translation and Interpretation services, in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
A list of all parts in the ISO 17651 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 17651-3:2026(en)
Introduction
In light of the surge in distance interpreting, new working environments for simultaneous interpreting have
developed.
This document concerns purpose-built and ad hoc interpreting hubs which allow interpreters to provide
simultaneous interpreting when they are at a location other than that of all participants of a communicative
event without a direct view of the proceedings and where technical support is provided.
Interpreting is an activity that requires high levels of concentration; therefore, the working environment
should minimize factors which add to cognitive load.
This document addresses the following:
a) distinct workplace requirements as compared to booths with a direct view of the communicative event;
b) dedicated information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and technical control;
c) communication between interpreters, and between interpreters and technical support staff.
This document complements ISO 17651-1, ISO 17651-2 and ISO 17651-4.

v
International Standard ISO 17651-3:2026(en)
Simultaneous interpreting — Interpreters’ working
environment —
Part 3:
Requirements and recommendations for interpreting hubs
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements and provides recommendations for the design, equipment and
operation of interpreting hubs for simultaneous interpreting. This document also ensures the usability and
accessibility of interpreting hubs for all interpreters.
This document builds upon ISO 20109 and ISO 24019, which both contain requirements and recommendations
regarding the equipment necessary for simultaneous interpreting.
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 9241-303, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 303: Requirements for electronic visual displays
ISO 16283-1, Acoustics — Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Part 1:
Airborne sound insulation
ISO 17651-1:2024, Simultaneous interpreting — Interpreters’ working environment — Part 1: Requirements
and recommendations for permanent booths
ISO 17651-2, Simultaneous interpreting — Interpreters’ working environment — Part 2: Requirements and
recommendations for mobile booths
1)
ISO 17651-4:— , Simultaneous interpreting — Interpreters’ working environment — Part 4: Requirements and
recommendations for signed language interpreting
ISO 20109:2025, Simultaneous
...