Overview
ISO 14738:2002 - Safety of machinery - Anthropometric requirements for the design of workstations at machinery provides ergonomic principles and dimensional rules for designing operator workstations on non-mobile machinery. The standard explains how to derive workstation dimensions from anthropometric measurements and specifies body space requirements for normal operation in sitting and standing postures. It is based on current ergonomic knowledge and European anthropometric data (Annex A) and includes guidance on body dynamics (Annex B).
Key Topics
- Anthropometric basis: Uses human body measurements (static anthropometry) to calculate clearance and reach dimensions for workstations. Annex A contains the normative anthropometric data used for the calculations.
- Work posture determination: Guidance for choosing the main work posture (sitting preferred where feasible), and consideration of alternatives (raised sitting, standing with support).
- Dimensional requirements: Recommendations for working height, working surface height and slope, seat dimensions, leg and foot clearances, and working areas relative to head/eye movement. Table-based dimensions and practical allowances are provided to account for clothing, footwear and movement.
- Movement allowances and ergonomics: Includes additional allowances (e.g., for shoes, foot movement, leg movement) and guidance on enabling posture changes to reduce fatigue.
- Task analysis requirements: Designers are advised to assess task duration, forces, object sizes, reach/frequency, visual demands and coordination when applying anthropometric dimensions.
- Scope limitations: Does not cover space for maintenance/repair/cleaning or specialist VDT workstations (see ISO 9241-5). Prevention of reaching hazards is addressed by ISO 13852.
Applications
ISO 14738 is practical for anyone designing or assessing machinery operator workstations to improve safety, usability and compliance:
- Machine designers and mechanical engineers sizing operator platforms, control panels, feed/remove points and seats
- Ergonomists and human factors specialists performing workstation layout and reach/clearance analysis
- Safety engineers and compliance officers demonstrating conformity with the Machinery Directive and ergonomic safety standards
- Product managers and industrial designers optimizing operator comfort, productivity and fatigue reduction
Typical uses include determining working heights, specifying adjustable seats and footrests, positioning controls and displays for optimal reach and vision, and setting clearances for legs and feet.
Related standards
- ISO 9241-5 - ergonomic requirements for VDT workstations (use with ISO 14738 when appropriate)
- ISO 13852 - safety distances to prevent reaching hazards
- ISO 15534-3 and ISO 7250 - anthropometric data and basic body measurements
- ISO 11226 / prEN 1005 - guidance on static postures and postural requirements
Keywords: ISO 14738, anthropometric requirements, workstation design, machinery ergonomics, working height, operator safety, sitting and standing workstations.
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