KAN Report 44

	Anthropometric data in standards, 07/2009, H. Gebhardt/A.Schäfer/K.-H. Lang (2 MB)
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Summary

One of the main areas with which ergonomics deals is human body measurements (anthropometry). In a wide range of standards containing statements concerning the human-machine interface, anthropometric data is necessary, especially because it enables equipment and products to be de-signed with dimensions that ensure safety and health.

From an occupational health and safety perspective, generic European and international standards containing appropriate anthropometric data (e.g. body measurements of the entire EU population) are still lacking. As a consequence, the data used in product standards is often obsolete or of unclear origin.

The report highlights the importance of anthropometric measurements on the basis of a review of the current situation and a requirements analysis. It explains what steps can be taken to make sure that anthropometric data are correctly applied in the field of standardization. To ensure correct use, the anthropometric data must be up-to-date, allowances and deductions must be as consistent as possible and it must be possible to see how data has been derived so that it can be verified and, where appropriate, up-dated. The findings illustrate that there is room for improvement and better consistency in several areas of the body of standards in this field.