ISO 6385, “Ergonomics principles in the design of work systems,” has been updated. The new 3rd Edition is available now from Document Center Inc. You can purchase your copy in paper format or for pdf download. The standard replaces the 2nd Edition from 2004, which is now obsolete. It provides you with a basic ergonomic framework to be used by professionals and others who are concerned about or affected by ergonomics in the workplace. It can also be used by those who are designing workplace products and systems.
What is this framework? The standard gives you a basic guideline to use in the design of work systems. It includes an integrated approach to this design. It encourages the user to address human, social and technical requirements in a balanced manner. It can be useful not only to professionals (including managers), but also to workers or their representatives. And of course, engineers and other human factors specialists will appreciate the workplace focus of this standard.
You can use the ISO 6385 with ISO 26800, “Ergonomics – General approach, principles and concepts.” It extends those ideas into the workplace setting. You can also use ISO 6385 with standards like the OHSAS 18001, “Occupational health and safety management systems – Specification.” And ISO 6385 extends the guidelines by offering a way to achieve good human performance.
How has the 3rd Edition changed from the 2nd Edition? Technical changes include:
- Updating the terms and definitions to harmonize with those of ISO 26000
- Revisions to 3.2, 3.7 and Clause 4
- Addition of life cycle concepts to a work system in 3.2
- 3.7 update to add the principle of adjustment and “verification” instead of “validation”
- Addition of a subclause on conformity in Clause 4
- Examples have been added to a number of clauses
If you need a copy of this new update, head to the Document Center Inc. webstore at www.document-center.com. Here is a direct link to the order page for ISO 6385 for your convenience. Of course, many of our customers are interested in enterprise wide access. Just get in touch with our staff for more information about Standards Online, our cloud based subscription service. You can reach us by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com). We’ve been working with standards since 1982. Make us your Standards Experts!