The legal framework for designing office workstations is defined by the Workplace Ordinance (Arbeitsstättenverordnung – ArbStättV). It includes general requirements for all types of workplaces and, since 30 November 2016, also specific requirements for display screen workstations, previously covered by the Display Screen Equipment Ordinance (BildscharbV).
All information on this page is based on regulations applicable in Germany. Requirements in other countries may differ.
The ArbStättV is supplemented by the Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR). In terms of space planning, the most relevant ASR include: ASR A1.2 – Room dimensions and movement areas, ASR A1.8 – Traffic routes, ASR A2.3 – Escape routes and emergency exits, ASR V3a – Accessible workplace design
ArbStättV and ASR
Section 3 of the ArbStättV obliges employers “to determine whether employees are or may be exposed to hazards when setting up and operating workplaces.” If this is the case, a risk assessment must be carried out and – depending on the outcome – appropriate measures must be taken to protect the employees. In doing so, the employer should refer to the ArbStättV, the state of the art, occupational medicine and hygiene, as well as other proven occupational science knowledge.
The annex of the ArbStättV provides initial guidance on what to consider in workplace design. However, it only offers key points. More detailed requirements are found in the Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR).
Relevant ASR for office planning include:
- ASR A1.2 Room dimensions and movement areas
- ASR A1.3 Safety and health signage
- ASR A1.5 Floors
- ASR A1.8 Traffic routes
- ASR A2.2 Fire protection measures
- ASR A2.3 Escape routes, emergency exits, evacuation and rescue plans
- ASR A3.4 Lighting
- ASR A3.5 Room temperature
- ASR A3.6 Ventilation
- ASR A3.7 Noise
- ASR A4.1 Sanitary rooms
- ASR A4.2 Break and standby rooms
- ASR A4.3 First-aid rooms, equipment and facilities
- ASR A6 Display screen work
- ASR V3 Risk assessment
- ASR V3a.2 Accessible workplace design
Each ASR is assigned a number that corresponds to the section of the ArbStättV annex it elaborates on. With one exception, all ASR begin with the letter “A” (for “Annex”). The subsequent number refers to the specific section within the ArbStättV annex.
An exception is ASR V3a.2, which refers directly to the second paragraph of §3a ArbStättV. This paragraph states that companies employing people with disabilities must set up and operate the relevant parts of their workplaces “in such a way that the special needs of these employees regarding safety and health protection are taken into account.” ASR V3a.2 is continually updated. In general, a new section covering the specific requirements for accessible workplaces is added following the publication of a new ASR.
The ArbStättV is available at: www.gesetze-im-internet.de. The ASR are published by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA).
Our tip: You can find the full list of Technical Rules for Workplaces on the BAuA website.
DGUV Information
The most comprehensive summary of space planning requirements for office workstations is provided in DGUV Information 215–441 “Planning Office Spaces – A Guide to Systematic Office Layout and Design.” This publication, developed with the participation of the German Interior Business Association (IBA), consolidates the relevant requirements of the ArbStättV and the ASR A1.2, A1.8, A2.3 and V3a.2, and adds supplementary information.
DGUV Information 215–441 is available for download on the website of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).
Professional Support
Certified Quality Office Consultants can support you in applying these regulations. They are also excellent contacts when it comes to creating attractive, functional work environments.
More information on Quality Office and a list of certified consultants is available at: www.quality-office.org
No Longer in Effect
DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT ORDINANCE (BILDSCHARBV)
This ordinance was incorporated into the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) in December 2016.
DIN 4543–1
DIN standards are considered established rules of technology and occupational science and should therefore be used in workplace design in accordance with the ArbStättV.
DIN 4543–1 “Office Workstations – Part 1: Space Requirements for the Installation and Use of Office Furniture – Safety Requirements and Testing” was for many years the most important planning basis for office layouts. It had to be withdrawn for formal reasons. It has been replaced by DGUV Information 215–441.
