ITstandaard 2023, Part 2: Ergonomics – Accessibility and Design for All Standards
The ITstandaard 2023, Deel 2: Ergonomie is a technical regulatory document issued by PBTconsult B.V. in the Netherlands. It establishes a structured framework for ergonomic principles within the context of building accessibility. This standard functions as a primary reference for the ITS Keurmerk (International Accessibility Symbol) certification, ensuring that the built environment adheres to the Design for All philosophy. It operates in conjunction with European accessibility standards, specifically referencing EN 17210 for lighting, contrast, and signaling.
The document governs a wide range of regulatory domains including lighting levels, visual contrast, acoustics, and spatial requirements for horizontal and vertical circulation. It provides specific criteria for project categories ranging from public transport hubs to office environments and residential buildings. Each section is organized by Definitie (Definition), Randvoorwaarden (Preconditions), Locatie-eisen (Location requirements), and Uitvoeringseisen (Execution requirements). The standard also provides detailed technical annexes such as LRV-waarden van de RAL-kleuren (Light Reflectance Values) and precise dimensions for mobility aids.
Professional users can reference this document for concrete technical thresholds, including lux values for various tasks, minimum contrast ratios using the Michelson formula, and specific reverberation times for acoustic compliance. These standards ensure that buildings are navigable for individuals using wheelchairs, rollators, scootmobiles, or guidance dogs.
Lighting and Visual Contrast Standards
Section 2-E1.01 Verlichting defines lighting requirements based on orientation and task performance. Illuminance is measured in lux (1 lux = 1 lumen/m²), distinguishing between basic orientation and detailed task-based lighting.
- Basic lighting (outdoor): Minimum 10 lux on walking surfaces.
- Basic lighting (indoor): Minimum 100 lux on walking surfaces and 300-500 lux for common areas.
- Task lighting: Up to 2,000 lux depending on the activity (e.g., 500 lux for reading and data processing, 750 lux for technical drawing).
- Lighting Balance: To prevent disorientation, the ratio of lighting levels between two connected rooms should not exceed 1:3.
Section 2-E2.01 Contrast specifies the helderheidscontrastwaarde (K) required for visibility. Contrast is calculated using the Michelson formula or a 30% light/dark calculation based on LRV (Light Reflectance Value).
- K ≥ 30.0%: Minimum contrast for large surfaces like floors, walls, and doors.
- K ≥ 60.0%: Required for danger indications, signage, and small operating elements such as buttons and switches.
Information, Sightlines, and Readability
The standard provides specific metrics for visual information to ensure it is perceptible from both standing and sitting positions. Section 2-E3.01 Zichtlijnen determines the vertical placement of information.
- Standing position: Sightlines between 1.05m and 1.95m above floor level.
- Sitting position: Sightlines between 0.6m and 1.45m above floor level.
- Readability: Section 2-E3.02 Leesbaarheid dictates that for a reading distance of less than 2 meters, the minimum text height must be 10mm.
For alarms and intercoms, 2-E3.03 Redundantie requires that information be presented in at least two sensory modes (e.g., a combination of sound and light signals) to accommodate users with visual or hearing impairments.
Acoustics and Sound Amplification
Section 2-E4.01 Akoestiek regulates the nagalmtijd (reverberation time) to ensure speech intelligibility. In standard environments where speech clarity is required, the reverberation time should stay between 0.4 and 0.8 seconds.
Section 2-E4.02 Geluidversterking covers systems for the hearing impaired, such as induction loops, RF (Radio Frequency), or IR (Infrared) systems. The standard notes that Bluetooth and WiFi systems are increasingly recognized as viable alternatives when used with specialized smartphone applications.
Horizontal and Vertical Movement
Circulation requirements are detailed in 2-E6.01 and 2-E6.02, specifying the dimensions needed for unhindered movement through a building.
- Free passage height: Minimum 2.3m (2.1m for public transport areas).
- Passage width: Minimum 0.9m for standard doors, increasing to 1.2m for incidental passing and 1.8m for regular passing of mobility aids.
- Slope/Gradients: A maximum cross-slope (dwarshelling) of 1:50 is permitted for walking surfaces.
- Stairs: Standard steps are calculated as 2x riser + 1x tread = 600–750mm, with a preferred riser height of 185mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum lux level for indoor walking surfaces?
According to section 2-E1.01, the minimum illuminance for general indoor walking surfaces (basisverlichting) is 100 lux.
How is visual contrast calculated for accessibility compliance?
Contrast is calculated using the Michelson formula: K = ((LRVmax - LRVmin) / (LRVmax + LRVmin)) x 100, where K must be at least 30% for large surfaces.
What are the required sightline heights for users in a sitting position?
For individuals in a sitting position, horizontal sightlines should be positioned between 0.6m and 1.45m above the floor level.
What is the minimum text height for signage viewed from a short distance?
For a reading distance (leesafstand) of 2 meters or less, the text height must be at least 10mm.
What is the maximum allowed reverberation time for speech intelligibility?
For rooms requiring high speech intelligibility (spraakverstaanbaarheid), the nagalmtijd should be between 0.4 and 0.8 seconds.
What are the minimum width requirements for a wheelchair turning circle?
A manual wheelchair requires a minimum turning circle (draaicirkel) with a diameter of 1.5 meters.
What is the standard passage width for a rollator user?
The standard user space for a rollator is 700x900mm, but a minimum passage width of 0.9m is generally required for doors.
