ISO 28803:2012

Overview

ISO 28803:2012 - Ergonomics of the physical environment: Application of International Standards to people with special requirements provides general principles for applying ergonomics standards to populations that fall outside typical scopes. Built on the accessible design principles of ISO/IEC Guide 71 and data from ISO/TR 22411, it guides assessment and evaluation across built, indoor, vehicle and outdoor environments. The standard addresses multiple environmental components - thermal, acoustic, visual/lighting, air quality and other factors - to support inclusive and accessible design.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope extension: Explains how to adapt existing ISO ergonomics standards so they remain valid for people with special requirements (e.g., infants, older people, people with disabilities, ill persons).
• General design considerations: Emphasizes variability in human response, need for individualized assessment, and when to consult medical advice.
• Thermal environment: Factors to consider include sensory impairment, altered body shape/proportions, impaired sweat secretion, vasomotor control and metabolic rate - and how these affect interpretation of thermal indices and comfort criteria.
• Acoustic environment: Guidance on assessing speech intelligibility, alarm signals and communication effectiveness for people with hearing or cognitive limitations.
• Visual and lighting: Considerations for contrast sensitivity, lighting levels and visual accessibility, especially for older adults and users with reduced vision.
• Air quality and other components: Advice on indoor air quality evaluation and other environmental factors (vibration, combined environmental effects) that influence health and performance.
• Adaptive opportunity: Recognition of behavioural or technical means by which occupants can alter exposure (move, change clothing, control environment) and the importance of allowing such opportunities in design.
• Assessment guidance: How to modify measurement methods and indices from component standards to be valid for special-requirements populations.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 28803:2012 is intended for:

• Standards developers and technical committees adapting scope for inclusive design
• Architects, building designers and urban planners working on accessible environments
• HVAC, lighting and acoustics engineers assessing comfort and safety criteria
• Ergonomists, occupational health professionals and accessibility consultants
• Product and vehicle designers, transport authorities and policymakers Practical uses include designing inclusive workplaces, public spaces, vehicles and housing; specifying environmental controls; and informing policy or procurement for accessibility.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC Guide 71 (accessible design)
• ISO/TR 22411 (data on people with special requirements)
• ISO 13731 (thermal vocabulary)
• ISO 8995 (lighting of indoor workplaces)
• ISO 7731, ISO 11429, ISO 9355-2, ISO 9921 and IEC 60268-16 (acoustics and alarms)
• Other component-specific ergonomics standards referenced for adaptation

ISO 28803:2012 helps bridge component standards with inclusive design practice, enabling safer, more comfortable and accessible environments for diverse user groups.