IS 138961994AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Machine operators table and visual display unit (VDU) table

IS 13896:1994 specifies the requirements for machine operators tables and visual display unit (VDU) tables, focusing on materials, construction, dimensions, and finishes. It mandates a split-level design to accommodate both the VDU and keyboard, ensuring ergonomic and durable furniture suitable for industrial and office environments. This standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and quality controllers involved in producing or specifying operator workstations in India.

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48Clauses Indexed
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1994Edition
FurnitureCategory
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What This Standard Covers

IS 13896:1994 specifies the requirements for machine operators tables and visual display unit (VDU) tables, focusing on materials, construction, dimensions, and finishes. It mandates a split-level design to accommodate both the VDU and keyboard, ensuring ergonomic and durable furniture suitable for industrial and office environments. This standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and quality controllers involved in producing or specifying operator workstations in India.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Furniture Manufacturers
  • Industrial Designers
  • Ergonomics Specialists
  • Quality Assurance Engineers
  • Office Facility Managers
  • Procurement Officers
  • Safety and Compliance Inspectors

Key Topics Covered

Material specifications for wooden tops and steel components
Split-level table design for VDU and keyboard
Dimensional requirements and ergonomic clearances
Fabrication and structural sturdiness
Surface finishing processes including phosphating and enamel painting
Testing methods for paint hardness, adhesion, impact resistance, and humidity
Use of mild steel sheets, tubes, rounds, flats, and wires
Welding and fastening standards
Optional accessories like wrist rests
Marking and identification requirements
Compliance and rounding-off rules
Referenced Indian Standards for related materials and tests

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 13896: Scope Overview

  • Scope: IS 13896 specifies requirements for Machine Operators Tables and Visual Display Unit (VDU) Tables used in workplaces.
  • It covers dimensions, ergonomics, and safety to ensure comfort and efficiency for operators.

Key Points from Scope (Inferred & Standard Practice):

  • Purpose: To provide ergonomic furniture specifications that reduce operator fatigue and enhance productivity.
  • Application: Suitable for machine operators and VDU users in industrial and office environments.
  • Standards Referenced: Annex A lists related Indian Standards necessary for compliance.

Rounding Off Values (per IS 2:1960):

  • Final test or calculated values must be rounded off according to IS 2:1960.
  • Rule: Retain the same number of significant figures as specified in the standard.

Typical Dimensions (Indicative from ergonomic norms):

ParameterDimension (mm)
Table Height (adjustable)700 - 750
Table Depth600 - 800
Table Width800 - 1200
Leg Clearance Height≥ 600

flowchart TD
    A[IS 13896 Scope] --> B[Machine Operators Tables]
    A --> C[Visual Display Unit Tables]
    B --> D[Ergonomic Dimensions]
    C --> D
    D --> E[Comfort & Safety]
    E --> F[Compliance with IS 2:1960 Rounding Rules]

For detailed tables and exact dimensions, refer to the full IS 13896 document and Annex A standards.

2Referenced Indian Standards

IS 13896 references several Indian Standards essential for compliance and testing. While Annex A (not provided here) lists these standards, key points include:

  • Rounding Off Values: Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical results.

    • Round off to the same number of significant digits as the specified value.
    • Example: If specified value = 12.3 (3 significant digits), round test results to 3 digits.
  • Referenced Standards (commonly related to structural/furniture engineering):

    • IS 875 (Part 1 to 5): Loads (Dead, Live, Wind, Earthquake)
    • IS 456: Plain and Reinforced Concrete Code
    • IS 800: General Construction in Steel
    • IS 1893: Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design
    • IS 1387: Concrete Aggregates
    • IS 516: Methods of Tests for Strength of Concrete

Summary Table: Commonly Referenced IS Codes in Structural Standards

IS CodeTitleApplication
IS 2Rules for Rounding Off Numerical ValuesNumerical precision
IS 875Code of Practice for LoadsLoad calculations
IS 456Plain and Reinforced ConcreteConcrete design
IS 800General Construction in SteelSteel structure design
IS 1893Earthquake Resistant DesignSeismic design

For exact referenced standards, consult Annex A of IS 13896.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 13896 Standard] --> B[Annex A: Referenced IS Codes]
    B --> C[IS 2: Rounding Rules]
    B --> D[IS 875: Loads]
    B --> E[IS 456: Concrete Design]
    B --> F[IS 800: Steel Design]
    B --> G[IS 1893: Earthquake Design]

Tip: Always verify the latest version of referenced IS codes for compliance.

3Materials

IS 13896 - Materials Specifications Summary

1. Mild Steel Sheets (Clause 3.4)

  • Must conform to:
    • Grade 0 of IS 513:1986 OR
    • Grade 0 of IS 1079:1988

2. Mild Steel Rounds and Flats (Clause 3.3)

  • Conform to Grade Fe 310-0 (Se-32-0) of IS 1977:1975
  • Sections conform to IS 1732:1989 or IS 1730:1989

3. Steel Wires (Clause 3.7)

  • Use steel wire for springs conforming to Grade 1 of IS 4454 (Part 1):1981

4. Rounding Off (General Clause)

  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values.
  • Retain significant places equal to those specified in the standard.

Key Dimensions (Clause 4, Fig. 1)

ParameterDimension (mm)
Height from ground to top (A)720 ± 5
Width of top (B)≥ 890
Depth of top (C)≥ 760
Knee space clear width (D)≥ 540
Knee space height (E)≥ 630

This ensures compliance with material quality and ergonomic dimensions per IS 13896.

4Dimensions

IS 13896: Dimensions for Machine Operators & VDU Tables

Referencing Clause 4 and Fig. 1, key dimensional specifications are:

Dimension DescriptionSymbolValue (mm)Tolerance
Height from ground to top surfaceA720± 5
Width of topB≥ 890-
Depth of topC≥ 760-
Knee space clear widthD≥ 540-
Knee space heightE≥ 630-

Additional Notes:

  • Steel wires used must conform to Grade I of IS 4454 (Part 1):1981 for spring steel wire.
  • Rounding off numerical values must follow IS 2:1960 rules.

This ensures ergonomic and safety compliance for operator workstations.

flowchart TB
    A[Ground Level]
    B[Top Surface of Table (720 ± 5 mm)]
    B -->|Width ≥ 890 mm| C[Table Width]
    B -->|Depth ≥ 760 mm| D[Table Depth]
    E[Knee Space Width ≥ 540 mm]
    F[Knee Space Height ≥ 630 mm]
    A --> B
    B --> E
    B --> F
5Construction Requirements

IS 13896: Construction Requirements - Key Specifications

1. Steel Wires (Clause 3.7)

  • Use steel wire for springs conforming to Grade I of IS 4454 (Part 1): 1981.

2. Dimensions (Clause 4, Fig.1)

ParameterDimension (mm)Tolerance/Note
Height from ground to top (A)720± 5
Width of top (B)≥ 890Minimum
Depth of top (C)≥ 760Minimum
Knee space clear width (D)≥ 540Minimum
Knee space height (E)≥ 630Minimum

3. Wooden Table Tops (Clause 3.1)

  • Must comply with Clause 4 of IS 4414:1990 (specifications for wooden table tops).

4. Rounding Off (General Clause)

  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values.
  • Retain the same number of significant figures as specified.

Summary Diagram of Dimensions

graph TB
    A[Ground] -->|720 ± 5 mm| TopSurface[Top Surface]
    TopSurface -->|Width ≥ 890 mm| WidthTop
    TopSurface -->|Depth ≥ 760 mm| DepthTop
    TopSurface -->|Knee space width ≥ 540 mm| KneeWidth
    TopSurface -->|Knee space height ≥ 630 mm| KneeHeight

Note: Refer to IS 4454 (Part 1) for steel wire grades and IS 4414 for wooden table top details.

6Finishing Requirements

IS 13896 - Finishing Requirements for Steel Components

Key Clauses on Finishing:

  • Clause 6.0: All steel items must be finished as per Clauses 6.1 to 6.4.

  • Clause 6.2 (Phosphating & Priming):

    • Immediately after pickling, mild steel parts shall undergo phosphating treatment per IS 3618:1966.
    • Followed by a coat of suitable primer such as red oxide primer.
    • Putty should be applied on surfaces needing filling with enamel conforming to IS 110:1983.
    • Aluminium primer must conform to IS 5660:1970.
  • Clause 6.6 (Powder Coating):

    • Powder coating as per IS 13871:1993 may be applied on mild steel if required by purchaser.

Rounding Off Results:

  • Final test values must be rounded as per IS 2:1960 rules, retaining significant figures equal to the specified value.

Summary Table of Finishing Steps:

StepTreatment/Standard
PicklingPre-treatment
PhosphatingIS 3618:1966
Primer CoatingRed oxide or Aluminium primer (IS 5660:1970)
Putty ApplicationEnamel per IS 110:1983
Optional Powder CoatingIS 13871:1993 (if specified)

This ensures corrosion resistance, adhesion, and surface smoothness for steel components.

7Performance Requirements of Finish for Steel

Performance Requirements of Finish for Steel (IS 13896)

  • Surface Preparation:

    • Mild steel parts must undergo pickling followed by phosphating treatment as per IS 3618:1966.
    • This enhances corrosion resistance and paint adhesion.
  • Priming:

    • Apply a coat of red oxide primer immediately after phosphating.
    • Alternatives: Aluminium primer conforming to IS 5660:1970.
    • For surface filling, use putty and enamel as per IS 110:1983.
  • Powder Coating:

    • Optional powder coating can be applied on mild steel components as per IS 13871:1993, if specified by the purchaser.
  • Material Specification:

    • Mild steel sheets must comply with Grade 0 of IS 513:1986 or IS 1079:1988.

Summary Table: Finish Specification for Steel

Process StepStandard ReferencePurpose
Pickling + PhosphatingIS 3618:1966Surface preparation
Primer CoatRed oxide / IS 5660Corrosion protection
Filling CoatIS 110:1983Surface smoothness
Powder CoatingIS 13871:1993Optional finishing layer
Steel GradeIS 513/IS 1079Material quality

This ensures durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic finish for steel components per IS 13896.

8Marking

IS 13896 - Marking Specifications Summary

  • Clause 8.1:
    All items must be marked with a clear, durable mark identifying the manufacturer.

  • Clause 8.2:
    Items may also bear the Standard Mark as per BIS certification, indicating compliance with IS 13896.


Key Points on Marking:

Marking ElementDescription
Manufacturer's MarkName, logo, or unique identifier
Standard MarkBIS certification symbol (optional)
DurabilityMark should withstand normal use
VisibilityMark must be legible and permanent

Additional Notes:

  • Marking ensures traceability and quality assurance.
  • No specific formula or dimension is given for marking in IS 13896.
  • Mark placement should avoid interference with functional parts.
flowchart TD
    A[Manufactured Item] --> B[Mark Manufacturer's ID]
    B --> C{BIS Certified?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Mark Standard Mark]
    C -- No --> E[No Standard Mark]
    D & E --> F[Ensure Durability & Legibility]

For detailed marking design, refer to BIS guidelines on Standard Marks.

Annex AList of Referred Indian Standards

IS 13896 references several Indian Standards essential for compliance and design verification. Though Annex A (List of Referred Indian Standards) is not detailed here, typically it includes:

  • IS 2:1960 – Rules for rounding off numerical values (used for rounding test or analysis results).
  • Other IS codes related to materials, testing methods, structural design, and safety.

Key Points:

  • Rounding off: Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding test results to the same significant figures as specified.
  • Annex A: Contains all necessary adjunct standards for materials, testing, and design referenced by IS 13896.

Typical Referred IS Codes in Structural Standards:

IS CodeTitle
IS 456Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete
IS 800General Construction in Steel – Code of Practice
IS 1893Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design
IS 875Code of Practice for Design Loads (Dead, Live, Wind, Seismic)

For exact tables and formulas, refer to the individual IS codes listed in Annex A of IS 13896.

graph LR
A[IS 13896] --> B[Annex A: Referred IS Codes]
B --> C[IS 2: Rounding Rules]
B --> D[IS 456: Concrete Design]
B --> E[IS 800: Steel Design]
B --> F[IS 875: Load Codes]
B --> G[IS 1893: Earthquake Design]

Summary: Use Annex A of IS 13896 to identify all relevant IS codes. Apply IS 2 for rounding off results as per the standard’s requirement.

Annex BCommittee Composition

IS 13896 - Committee Composition (Furniture Sectional Committee, CED 35)

Key Points:

  • The committee responsible for IS 13896 formulation is detailed in Annex B.
  • Composition includes a Chairman and multiple Members representing various organizations related to furniture manufacturing, design, research, and government bodies.

Committee Composition Table (Excerpt)

RoleNameRepresenting Organization
ChairmanShri J. A. PanchalNational Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
MemberShri J. C. BehkiSmall Scale Steel Furniture Manufacturers Association
MemberShri S. C. ChadhaDirectorate General of Supplies and Disposals, New Delhi
MemberShri Jayantilal M. DalalAll India Plastics Manufacturers Association, Bombay
MemberDirectorCentral Building Research Institute, Roorkee
MemberShri I. P. FigueredoGodrej and Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, Bombay
MemberShri Sanjeev JainSupreme Industries Ltd, New Delhi
MemberShri P. RajgopalanIndian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Notes:

  • The committee includes alternates for members.
  • The committee ensures multi-disciplinary representation from industry, research, and government.
  • No specific formulas or tables for design are provided under this clause; it is purely organizational.

If you need structural or design formulas related to furniture or steel components, please specify.

Popular Questions About IS 13896

?What are the required dimensions for machine operators and VDU tables according to IS 13896?

According to IS 13896 (1994) for Machine Operators and VDU Tables:

  • The table must be split-level with two tiers:

    • Upper level for the Visual Display Unit (VDU)
    • Lower level for the Keyboard
  • Although exact dimensions are not specified in the provided context, typical ergonomic dimensions based on standards and good practice include:

ComponentTypical Dimension (mm)
Table Height700 - 750
Upper Level Depth300 - 400
Lower Level Depth250 - 300
WidthMinimum 900
Clearance HeightMinimum 650 (for leg space)

Additional ergonomic considerations:

  • The keyboard level should allow comfortable arm positioning with elbows at ~90°.
  • The VDU level should be at eye height to reduce neck strain.
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For precise dimensions, refer to detailed ergonomic standards or IS 13896 full text.

?Which materials are specified for the table tops and steel components?

According to IS 13896:

Materials for Table Tops:

  • Wooden Table Tops must comply with Clause 3.1 referencing IS 4414:1990, Clause 4.
  • This ensures quality and durability suitable for machine operators and visual display unit tables.

Steel Components:

  • Steel parts must be finished per Clauses 6.1 to 6.4 (surface preparation, priming, painting).
  • Clause 6.6 allows powder coating on mild steel components as per IS 13871:1993, if requested by the purchaser.
  • Finish requirements ensure corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal (see Clause 7 for performance).

Summary:

ComponentMaterial/Finish Standard
Wooden Table TopsIS 4414:1990, Clause 4
Steel ComponentsSurface finish as per Clauses 6.1–6.4; Powder coating optional per IS 13871:1993

This ensures durability, ergonomics, and visual quality for operator tables.

?What finishing processes are mandated for steel parts in this standard?

Finishing Processes Mandated by IS 13896 for Steel Parts:

  • Surface Preparation (Clause 6.1):

    • Remove all dents, burrs, and sharp edges.
    • Pickle, scrub, and rinse to eliminate grease, rust, scale, and foreign matter.
  • Phosphating and Priming (Clause 6.2):

    • Immediately after pickling, apply phosphating treatment as per IS 3618:1966.
    • Follow with a coat of suitable primer such as red oxide primer.
    • Putty may be applied to surfaces requiring filling, using enamel per IS 110:1983.
    • Aluminium primer should conform to IS 5660:1970.
  • Optional Powder Coating (Clause 6.6):

    • Powder coating per IS 13871:1993 can be applied on mild steel components if specified by the purchaser.

Summary Table

StepProcessIS Reference
Surface CleaningPickling, scrubbing, rinsing-
Surface TreatmentPhosphatingIS 3618:1966
PrimingRed oxide / Aluminium primerIS 110:1983 / IS 5660:1970
Optional FinishingPowder coatingIS 13871:1993

This ensures corrosion resistance and good paint adhesion for steel parts.

?Does IS 13896 specify ergonomic features such as wrist rests?

IS 13896 (1994) does address ergonomic features such as wrist rests.

  • Clause 5.3 states:
    "Wrist Rest may be provided as an optional accessory for the comfort of the operator."

This means wrist rests are not mandatory but recommended for operator comfort, enhancing ergonomic support during machine operation or VDU use.

Summary:

  • Wrist rests: Optional accessory
  • Purpose: Improve operator comfort and reduce wrist strain
  • Applicable to: Machine operator tables and VDU tables

This aligns with ergonomic principles to reduce repetitive strain injuries but leaves flexibility for user preference or specific workplace needs.

?How should manufacturers mark tables conforming to this standard?

According to IS 13896, manufacturers must mark tables as follows:

  • Clause 8.1: Every table manufactured per this standard shall carry a suitable mark identifying the manufacturer. This ensures traceability and accountability.

  • Clause 8.2: Optionally, tables may also bear the Standard Mark, indicating conformity to IS 13896.

Summary:

Marking RequirementDescription
Manufacturer's Mark (Mandatory)Unique ID or logo identifying the maker
Standard Mark (Optional)IS standard conformity symbol

This marking should be durable and visible without affecting the table's finish or usability.

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