Archive for May, 2010

Introduction
The trend has been to simplify the desktop and workstation products, but they can just as complex as seating products. Unlike an office chair, where the specification choice probably add to the properties, a desk or workstation the specification is to eliminate rather decisions. Even with the simplification, it displays a wide range of products and to select differences in size, shape, type of frame, finishes and accessories. Contrary to common perception, human factors (anthropometrics) are as important as she works for chairs and as almost everyone with a visual display unit should be as “user” under the Display Equipment Regulations.
Needs of users
The starting point for each specification is the task analysis. This must be user-centric, the assembly of the workstation and the tools used to the person and task, and not vice versa. Factors that might be considered include: the relative needs for teamwork, privacy and access to other people, the amount that the task involves writing, reading, working with the keyboard and telephone use, the corporate ways of working, characteristics of the service and individual body size and special needs.
be from the task analysis, you should be able to draw general conclusions about the size, shape, arrangement, positioning and individual storage needs to reach for the workstations, such as: Who needs the individual offices, how many teams areas that you need whether they face in or out. For more information on task analysis can be found in BS3044: 1990 – Ergonomic principles in the design and selection of office furniture.
Size
The size of the working surface is the duty and the instruments involved dictates. In one call center, working from a proforma and on-screen keyboard with a telephone and is only a relatively small area of work are required; may, on the other hand, a journalist working with multiple sources of books and paper a large area need to spread things. The choice between a CRT monitor and a flat screen makes a big difference to the depth required. Two important factors are:
The viewing distance to the screen, which for most people in the range 500-700mm;
to allow the clear space under the work surface movement for the feet and legs in the UK, the depth of 600mm and the minimum width of 600mm, although 1,000 mm is preferred.
Height and height adjustment
Since 1987, the amount accepted for a fixed height of 720mm has been writing, but the consensus in Europe is that this current is too low for the population, and this should be 740mm. There is a growing realization that height adjustability desirable for general use. Whether this is for the seating position just standing or sitting only full range / stand depends on working methods (shared workstations adaptation should have), task and personal preferences, for example, many people like to take phone calls standing up. A number of mechanisms available, the costs are proportional to the speed and ease of adjustment.
Cable Management
The main function of a cable management system in order to secure cables to transport equipment. The system should protect cables from physical damage and wear, and remove stumbling blocks you from the vicinity of the workplace. With cable length should not be twisted or to smooth wrinkles. Power and data cables should be separated and there are limits on the rating and the number of devices that can be connected to power outlets. BS6396: 2002 provides the details. The main issues are the number and types of cables and the number and positions of entry and exit ports.
Screens, Storage, Accessories
Screens can be many functions: optical separation, noise attenuation, cable management, mounting for storage and accessories. EN1023, is in three parts, the height for the optical separation, safety requirements and test methods. A supporting screen assembly may provide for a variety of accessories and can be used beneficially to mount flat screens.
The amount of memory needed depends on the number of working documents and policy at the central storage. The most popular workstation storage is a free-standing pillar, the flexibility (allows left / right). With overhead storage, should be given to weights of the elements and the range given by people.
Construction
The common structures are: Panel end; individual legs, cantilever and beams. The main impact is visual as all able to provide the necessary strength and stability. Beam, provide flexible and modular design can be with long runs, no obstacles under the front edge to give. Depending on the thickness of the upper, it may become a top border on the edges of the canvas. This must be related to the clear space below, because that sit little tolerance for the distance between the tip of the thighs and the underside of the work for most employees. MFC has the most common countertop material, high pressure laminate is more expensive and less durable material. Veneer is generally more expensive, but visually not to strike. EN527 should be strength, stability and durability provide for a more than sufficient life.
Churn
Serious consideration is how often it is assumed that the workplace be reconfigured to be given. There is a cost, either staff time or hiring of professionals. If these are rare, flexibility and ease of disassembly is not required. If it is frequent, then a much simpler system may be more appropriate. Frequent reconfiguration is also shortens the useful life. www. Mix-Match. Biz>