Overview
EN ISO 11064-4:2013 - Ergonomic design of control centres, Part 4: Layout and dimensions of workstations specifies ergonomic principles, recommendations and requirements for designing control-room workstations with particular emphasis on layout and dimensions. The standard is primarily applicable to seated, visual‑display‑based workstations but also addresses standing workstations. It targets applications such as transportation control, process control, security installations and other control centres that typically use flat‑panel displays.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Ergonomic principles and requirements for control workstation design: user‑centred layout, accommodation of user needs, and integration with other parts of the ISO 11064 series.
- Layout considerations: general arrangement of displays, controls and work surfaces to support task flow, visibility and accessibility.
- Dimension guidance: spatial requirements and design constraints for both seated and standing control workstations (reach envelopes, task zones, workspace volume).
- Human factors topics: anthropometry, working postures, visual tasks (line‑of‑sight, cone of fixations, visual angle, legibility), auditory tasks and environmental considerations.
- Design drivers: factors determining workstation design such as user characteristics, task requirements and equipment placement.
- Supporting material: informative annexes (e.g., arranging displays and workstations) and a conformance matrix to help apply the requirements.
Normative references cited include ISO 7250‑1 (basic body measurements), ISO 9241‑410 and ISO 9241‑5 (human‑system interaction and VDT workstation layout), ISO 11064‑3 (control room layout) and ISO 11428 (visual danger signals).
Applications and practical value
- Use the standard when designing or upgrading control rooms for: transportation dispatch centres, process control plants, security and surveillance centres, emergency services and many non‑mobile and mobile control environments (ships, locomotives, aircraft).
- Practical outcomes: improved operator visibility and reach, better display legibility and reduced postural strain - leading to enhanced system performance, fewer human errors and higher productivity.
- Guidance supports layout decisions for multi‑display arrangements, seating/standing configurations and integration of input devices and communication equipment.
Who should use this standard
- Ergonomists and human factors specialists
- Control room and facility designers, architects and interior planners
- Systems integrators and control‑system engineers
- Safety managers, operations managers and procurement teams specifying workstations
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 11064-4:2013, ergonomic design, control centres, workstation layout, workstation dimensions, control room ergonomics, visual-display workstations, anthropometry, displays and controls.
