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1. Reference
2. PurposeThe overall purpose of this guideline is to outline the major principles of ergonomic design that should be considered in an office environment where information technology is used, and to thereby assist federal departments and agencies in adapting their office environments to the increased utilization of information technology. Departments are encouraged to use this guideline whenever practicable. 3. ApplicationThis guideline is applicable to design of office environments and the acquisition of office equipment that commence after the effective date of this guideline and that are directly related to the use of information technology, particularly computers. This guideline has no retroactive application. In particular, this guideline in no way requires any alteration or refitting of existing or already planned (by the effective date) office environments, including office furnishings and equipment. This guideline should at no time be interpreted as having any binding effect on the general responsibilities of the employer, including his responsibilities for personnel management. 4. QualificationsErgonomics, or human factors engineering, is a relatively new field of study which examines the interaction of humans with their environment, with particular attention to the objects they use in their work. It attempts to establish design criteria that will improve this interaction. However, it is recognized that changes in the design of existing environments and work objects must usually be made in a gradual manner through the acquisition of new items as the old ones wear out. It is rarely the case that the existing environments and work objects are dangerous or not functional - it is merely that there are now some new alternatives that are better. As with most acquisition decisions, it is a cost/benefit tradeoff. Therefore, it is recommended that departments and agencies use this guideline in evaluating the acquisition of new space, furnishings and equipment that are required in the normal course of business. While almost any office environment or piece of office equipment can be improved, most existing offices and office equipment are acceptable for the uses they are being put to and should continue to be used throughout their normal life cycles. The costs of acquiring new office space, furnishings and equipment will continue to be the responsibility of individual departments, as will decisions on the prioritization of funds for such acquisition as compared with other expenditures. This guidelines does not change the existing acquisition process in any way B it merely provides departments and agencies with additional information to take into account in formulating acquisition decisions. Special consideration should be given to employees with special needs or who work in abnormal circumstances. 5. ImplementationThe effective date of this guideline is January 1, 1991. 6. SpecificationsThis guideline adopts the Canadian Standards Association document CAN/CSA-Z412-M89, A Guideline on office Ergonomics. 7. Working group on ergonomicsHicks, Ed TBS (Chairperson) 8. Where to obtain copiesCopies of the technical specification may be obtained as follows: CAN/CSA-Z412-M89, Tel: (416) 747-4000 ISO 6385, Standards Council of Canada Tel.: (613) 238-3222 |
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