When designing a control room layout, it's crucial to consider ergonomic guidelines to ensure operator comfort, safety, and efficiency. Proper desk clearances and workstation spacing are key factors in creating an optimal work environment. These clearances are just one aspect of designing an efficient control room layout - for more tips, check out our blog post on how to create an optimal control room floor plan . In this article, we'll dive into the specific ergonomic clearances needed for different control room setups, including the recommended space behind desks, between back-to-back workstations, and for various traffic flow scenarios. We'll also discuss the importance of understanding these clearance requirements and provide tips for auditing and analyzing your control room layout. By the end of this post, you'll have a clear understanding of the ideal desk spacing and clearances to create an ergonomic, productive control room environment
Understanding the Clearance Requirements in a Command Center
To create an ergonomic and efficient control room layout, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the necessary clearances and how they should be integrated into the design. This involves investigating, auditing, and analyzing the control room's specific needs. Here are several methods to gather this information:
On-site visits: If possible, visit the existing control room or a similar facility to observe the current layout and identify potential improvements.
Procedure review: Examine existing procedures and documentation related to the control room's operations and ergonomic requirements.
Stakeholder consultation: Liaise with key personnel, such as operators, supervisors, and management, to obtain valuable insights and requirements specific to the control room.
Industry benchmarking: Consult with other control rooms in similar industries to learn from their experiences and best practices.
Expert advice: Engage with suppliers and consultants specializing in control room design to leverage their expertise and stay informed about the latest trends and recommendations.
Recommended Room Layouts for Command Centers
When designing a command center, certain room layouts are more conducive to efficient communication and collaboration among operators. The following space arrangements are recommended for functional groups:
Square layout
Circular layout
Hexagonal layout
These layouts maximize communication links between operators, promoting teamwork and quick decision-making. Additionally, it's wise to reserve extra space, up to 25% of the total area, for future expansions or modifications as the command center's needs evolve over time.
By combining a thorough understanding of clearance requirements with an optimal room layout, you can create a command center that enhances operator performance, safety, and comfort.
Traffic Guidelines for Optimal Ergonomic Clearances
To determine the appropriate space allocation for passageways in the command center, it is essential to consider the volume and frequency of foot traffic. This information will guide the efficient configuration of console layouts. The following traffic guidelines provide a framework for space planning:
Zero Traffic: No passageway is required behind or between workstations, as no staff member needs access
Low Traffic: A narrow passageway is sufficient when only two to three staff members require infrequent access to their personal workstations, and no other staff needs to use the passageway.
Moderate Traffic: A wider passageway is necessary when staff require regular access to workstations, meeting rooms, file units, printers, or other shared furniture and equipment located beyond the immediate workstation area.
High Traffic: The widest passageways are required when all staff members need frequent access to various parts of the work environment, passing through the area in question.
Workstation Against Vertical Barrier
When a workstation is positioned against a vertical barrier (e.g., a wall) with zero traffic behind it, the minimum clearance between the work surface and the rear barrier should be 42 inches (107 cm). This allows for adequate space for the worker to move and adjust their chair without obstruction.
Conditions
The workstation is isolated, meaning no other workstations or frequently accessed areas are located behind it.
There are no reasons for other personnel to pass behind the worker, as no shared equipment or amenities are located in that area.
A vertical barrier, such as a wall, is present directly behind the work surface, limiting the available space.
The front edge of the desk or the keyboard platform in its operational position is considered to be the work surface edge.
The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
As shown in the graphic, the 42-inch (107 cm) clearance allows the worker to move freely and adjust their chair without obstruction, even when the workstation is placed against a vertical barrier. This configuration is suitable for situations where no foot traffic is expected behind the workstation, and the worker does not require access to shared resources or equipment located behind their workstation.
One or Two Entry Points with Low Traffic
When low traffic behind a workstation is required occasionally, such as when two to three personnel need passage to an adjacent workstation, the clearance between the work surface and the rear barrier should be 54 inches (137 cm).
Conditions
The workstation is adjacent to other workstations, and two to three personnel require occasional passage behind the seated worker.
Access to the workstation may be one-sided or two-sided. In the case of two-sided access, an alternative corridor must be provided to prevent other personnel from using this passage (e.g., a one-sided access example would be an enclosed cubicle, while a two-sided access example might be a bank of three desks with access from either side).
Only personnel working at adjacent stations require passage; the area does not support any other traffic.
The occurrence of passage is low, and the number of personnel needing access is limited.
A vertical barrier is present behind the work surface.
The front edge of the desk or the keyboard platform in its operational position is considered to be the work surface edge.
The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
In this configuration, the 54-inch (137 cm) clearance provides sufficient space for the occasional passage of two to three personnel behind the seated worker. The limited traffic and restricted access to adjacent workstation personnel ensure that the passageway remains unobstructed and does not disrupt the worker's activities.
One or Two Entry Points with Moderate Traffic
When moderate traffic behind a workstation is required occasionally, such as when several personnel need passage to a workstation, room, office, office equipment, etc., the clearance between the work surface and the rear barrier should be 65 inches (165 cm).
Conditions
The workstation has adjacent workstations, rooms, printers, file units, or other furniture/equipment that personnel require regular access to by passing behind the worker.
Staff requiring passage do not necessarily have workstations adjacent to the area where the passage is required.
The occurrence of passage is moderate, and the number of personnel needing access is moderate.
A vertical barrier is present behind the work surface.
The front edge of the desk or the keyboard platform in its operational position is considered to be the work surface edge.
The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
In this configuration, the 65-inch (165 cm) clearance provides adequate space for the regular passage of several personnel behind the seated worker, enabling access to adjacent workstations, rooms, office equipment, and other shared resources without causing significant disruption to the worker's activities.
Subsidiary Aisle (Corridor) Behind Workstation Required for Regular Usage (High Traffic)
When a subsidiary aisle or corridor behind a workstation is required for regular usage, indicating high traffic, the clearance between the work surface and the rear barrier should be between 71 inches (180 cm) and 77 inches (196 cm).
The ideal measurement for this configuration is 77 inches (196 cm), as it provides the best option to reduce the potential for obstructions. However, 71 inches (180 cm) is considered the minimum acceptable clearance, taking into account the observation that office chairs are frequently left more than 42 inches (107 cm) away from the desk.
Conditions
The workstation backs onto a corridor used by any personnel as a regular passage to access various parts of the work environment.
The corridor meets the definition of a subsidiary aisle for this dimension. If it is a primary aisle, the passage width must be at least 43.4 inches (110 cm), rather than 35 inches (89 cm).
A vertical barrier is present behind the work surface.
The front edge of the desk or the keyboard platform in its operational position is considered to be the work surface edge.
The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
In this configuration, the 71-inch (180 cm) to 77-inch (196 cm) clearance, combined with the subsidiary aisle, ensures sufficient space for the regular passage of personnel behind the seated worker, minimizing the risk of obstructions and disruptions to the worker's activities.
Workstation Against Another Workstation
One entry point with zero traffic required beyond workstations: the clearance behind the work surface is 78”. The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
Conditions
Workstations are designed to be self-contained units.
No additional space is needed for other personnel to pass behind workers.
Computer Always position computers on the left side of the desk. This arrangement allows for right-handed telephone and writing areas, preventing chair conflicts.
Each chair has a 42" rollback area, with a 6" overlap in the center. This shared buffer zone minimizes potential obstructions.
The front edge of the desk or the extended keyboard platform marks the work surface boundary.
Limited-Traffic Workstation Layout: 84" Clearance
One or two entry points with low traffic beyond workstation is required occasionally (two to three personnel require passage to an adjacent workstation): the clearance between work surfaces is 84”. The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
Conditions
Workstations have adjacent desks where two to three personnel require occasional passage beyond the seated workers.
Access may be open on one side or two sides, although if two-sided additional corridor access must be provided to avoid use of this passage by other personnel.
Only personnel working at adjacent stations require passage, no other traffic is supported.
Low occurrence and low number of personnel.
Computer set-up should always be left justified so that the telephone and writing surface will be to the right and more importantly, so that chairs are not against each other.
The 30” static chair space and 24” dynamic passage are used based on the low frequency of the passage.
The work surface edge is considered to be the front edge of the desk or a keyboard platform in its operational position.
Moderate-Traffic Workstation Layout: 95" Clearance
One or two entry points with moderate traffic beyond workstation is required occasionally (several personnel require passage to a workstation, room, office, office equipment, etc.): the clearance between work surfaces is 95”. The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
Conditions
Workstations has adjacent workstations, rooms, printers, file units or other furniture/equipment that personnel require passage behind the work to access on a regular basis.
Personnel requiring passage do not necessarily have workstation adjacent to the passage area.
Moderate occurrence and moderate number of personnel.
Computer set-up should always be left justified so that the telephone and writing surface will be to the right and more importantly, so that chairs are not against each other.
The 35” High Traffic passage is used based on the moderate frequency of the passage.
The work surface edge is considered to be the front edge of the desk or a keyboard platform in its operational position.
High-Traffic Subsidiary Aisle Layout: 107" Clearance
Subsidiary aisle (corridor) between workstations required for regular usage (High Traffic) where the clearance between work surfaces is 107”. The graphic below illustrates this workstation configuration:
Conditions
Workstation backs on to a corridor used by personnel as regular passage to access various parts of the work environment.
The corridor meets the definition for a subsidiary passage for this dimension. If it is primary aisle, the passage width must be 43.4” not 35”.
Computer set-up should always be left justified so that the telephone and writing surface will be to the right and more importantly, so that chairs are not against each other.
The work surface edge is considered to be the front edge of the desk or a keyboard platform in its operational position.
Definition of Workstation Spaces
Understanding the various spaces within a workstation is crucial for optimal office or control room design. Here are the key areas to consider:
Static Chair Space: The area occupied by the chair and worker while actively engaged in computer-based tasks. This space ensures the worker can comfortably perform their primary duties without interference.
Dynamic Chair Space: This zone allows for typical daily seated movements, including turning, swiveling, and adjusting the backrest angle. It accommodates the natural range of motion required for comfortable, ergonomic work.
Rollback Chair Space: The clearance needed for a worker to easily exit their chair without colliding with rear structures or furniture. This space is essential for smooth transitions and workplace safety.
Dynamic Passage: The width required for a single person to comfortably walk between two vertical obstructions. This ensures easy movement within the workspace without disrupting seated workers.
High Traffic Passage: A wider corridor designed to accommodate moderate foot traffic behind seated workers or serve as a subsidiary aisle. This space is crucial for maintaining workflow in busier office environments.
By carefully considering these spatial definitions, designers can create ergonomic, efficient, and comfortable workspaces that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction
Ready to take your control room or mission-critical environment to the next level?
Whether you're planning a new control room, upgrading an existing space, or simply looking to improve your current layout, implementing these ergonomic principles can significantly impact your team's performance and well-being. Contact us now to get started on your journey to a more effective, comfortable, and productive control room environment.
Sources
City of Toronto (2016). No Tittle.
Security Control Center Space Requirements (2006). https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/physec-secmat/pubs/g1-013-eng.htm