HFES Publishes New ANSI Standard for Computer Workstations
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society has published ANSI/HFES 100-2007, Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations, addressing the design of workstations, furniture, and computer systems. HFES, a member of the American National Standards Institute and an ANSI-accredited standards developer, administratively withdrew its previous workstation standard (ANSI/HFS 100-1988) in 1998.
The new standard addresses changes in the arenas of workstation and computer design, including the number and types of input devices (such as mice and pointing devices), as well as color display devices. In addition, HFES says the furniture chapter now provides four working postures for reference by designers. This reflects the dynamic nature of computer workplaces; additionally, it seeks to correct the misunderstanding that the 90-degree posture used in ANSI/HFS 100-1988 was "the" correct working posture.
Finally, the integration chapter offers guidance regarding how individual elements that are ergonomically well designed can be integrated into a workplace system that is also ergonomically appropriate, according to the society. ANSI/HFES 100-2007 may be purchased online at http://www.hfes.org/Publications/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=69.