SIST-TP CEN/TR 614-3:2011

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2011
9DUQRVWVWURMHYGHO(UJRQRPVNDQDþHOD]DQDþUWRYDQMHPRELOQLKVWURMHY
Safety of machinery - Part 3: Ergonomic principles for the design of mobile machinery
Sicherheit von Maschinen - Teil 3: Ergonomische Grundsätze für die Gestaltung von
mobilen Maschinen
Sécurité des machines - Partie 3: Principes ergonomiques pour la conception de
machines mobiles
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 614-3:2010
ICS:
13.110 Varnost strojev Safety of machinery
13.180 Ergonomija Ergonomics
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 614-3
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
November 2010
ICS 13.110
English Version
Safety of machinery - Part 3: Ergonomic principles for the design
of mobile machinery
Sécurité des machines - Partie 3: Principes ergonomiques Sicherheit von Maschinen - Teil 3: Ergonomische
pour la conception de machines mobiles Grundsätze für die Gestaltung von mobilen Maschinen

This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 23 August 2010. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 122.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2010 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 614-3:2010: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .4
Introduction .5
1 Scope .6
2 Terms and definitions .6
3 General design principles .8
3.1 General .8
3.2 Ergonomic design principles concerning anthropometry and biomechanics .8
3.3 Ergonomic design principles concerning work tasks .8
3.4 Accessible design for people with special requirements .8
4 Design of workplaces .8
4.1 General .8
4.2 Workspace .9
4.2.1 General .9
4.2.2 Leg space .9
4.2.3 Work space height considerations for seated positions .9
4.2.4 Work space height considerations for standing positions .9
4.2.5 Arm space and reach envelopes .9
4.2.6 Field of vision to displays and control actuators .9
4.3 Seated operator . 10
4.3.1 Seat design and adjustment . 10
4.3.2 Seat suspension . 11
4.4 Standing operator . 11
4.5 Access system design . 11
4.5.1 General . 11
4.5.2 Stairs and ladders . 12
4.5.3 Handrails . 13
4.5.4 Access path . 13
5 Design of signals, displays and control actuators . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Functions . 14
5.2.1 General . 14
5.2.2 Graphical symbols . 14
5.3 Signals and displays . 14
5.3.1 General . 14
5.3.2 Visual signals and displays . 14
5.3.3 Auditory signals . 15
5.3.4 Tactile displays/controls . 15
5.4 Control actuators . 15
5.4.1 General . 15
5.4.2 Position of control actuators . 16
5.4.3 Direction of motion . 16
5.4.4 Operating force . 17
5.4.5 Reaction time (speed) control system . 17
5.4.6 Accuracy . 18
6 Mental workload . 18
7 Visibility . 18
7.1 General . 18
7.2 Visibility conditions to the outside . 18
7.3 Mirrors and other visibility aids . 19
7.4 Windows . 19
8 Environmental factors . 20
8.1 General . 20
8.2 Lighting. 20
8.2.1 Integral lighting . 20
8.2.2 Working lights . 20
8.3 Thermal environment . 20
8.3.1 General . 20
8.3.2 Optimal thermal conditions . 21
8.3.3 Closed cabin . 21
8.4 Ventilation . 21
8.5 Noise . 21
8.6 Vibration . 22
8.6.1 Exposure to vibration . 22
8.6.2 Reduction of vibration effects . 22
9 Information for use . 23
Annex A (informative) Method for assessing the level of visibility . 24
A.1 General . 24
A.2 Defining the necessary level of visibility . 24
A.3 Checking the minimum visibility . 24
Annex B (informative) Method for assessing vibration . 25
B.1 Method for the determination of whole-body vibration emission . 25
B.2 Method for testing suspension seats . 25
Bibliography . 26

Foreword
This document (CEN/TR 614-3:2010) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 122 “Ergonomics”,
the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
During the development of this document the Technical Committee has referred to the recommendations
made within CEN/CENELEC Guide 6 to address the specific needs of older persons and persons with
disabilities.
 Annex A (informative) – Method for assessing the level of visibility
 Annex B (informative) – Method for assessing vibration

Introduction
Mobile machinery considering ergonomic design principles enhances safety, effectiveness and efficiency,
improve human working conditions, and counteract adverse effects on human health and performance. Good
ergonomic design therefore exerts a favourable influence on the whole work system, and on the reliability of
the human being within it.
In this Technical Report the term ‘ergonomics’ refers to a multidisciplinary field of science and its application.
Applying ergonomics to the design of operator's station and/or workplaces considering the elements of the
work system ensures that human capabilities, skills, limitations and needs are taken into account.
This Technical Report deals with common aspects for the ergonomics design principles of mobile machinery.
This Technical Report contains different types of information to be considered and used when designing the
ergonomics aspects of a mobile machinery. Some clauses provide general guidance to be considered in the
design of mobile machinery. Other clauses include more specific design guidance and requirements relevant
to current technology.
1 Scope
This Technical Report establishes the ergonomic principles to be followed during the design process of mobile
machinery with special emphasis on the aspects in which mobile machinery differs from static machinery.
The ergonomic design principles given in this Technical Report apply to either or both seated and standing
positions.
This Technical Report is applicable for the design of mobile (self-propelled and towable) machines in order to
ensure ergonomic working conditions for the operator.
This Technical Report applies only to driving and operating mobile machinery and not to performing other
tasks (e.g. sorters on a potato harvesting machine). Pedestrian-controlled and handheld machinery are not
included. This Technical Report also applies to vehicle-mounted machinery when observing their functional
properties e.g. mobile cranes.
Installing, cleaning, and repairing of mobile machinery is not included.
Basic concepts and general ergonomic principles for the design of machinery are dealt with in prEN ISO 12100
and EN 614-1 and EN 614-2.
NOTE 1 EN 614-1 provides a framework for incorporating ergonomics principles in the design process. This framework
helps designers to perform ergonomics analyses and design actions at the appropriate stages of the design process.
NOTE 2 EN 614-2 provides principles of the design of the work tasks in interaction with machinery design. This
framework helps designers to focus on the work task design and on the optimal allocation of work tasks between the
operator and the machine.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this Technical Report, the definitions given in EN 614-1, prEN ISO 12100 and the
following apply.
2.1
access
process of getting to or out of:
 operator's station or workplace(s);
 maintenance and service areas
NOTE Getting out of or off a machine is also called "egress".
2.2
access system
system provided on a machine for access
NOTE This definition is compatible with the definition for earth-moving machines in EN ISO 2867:2008, 3.1.
2.3
cabin
enclosure around the operator's station or operator's workplace(s)
2.4
handrail
handhold
top element designed to be grasped by the hand for body support which can be used individually or as the
upper part of a guard-rail
[EN ISO 14122-3:2001, 3.2.1]
2.5
operator's station
workplace of the operator
location on the mobile machine where the operator controls some or all of his tasks
2.6
seat index point
SIP
point on the central vertical plane of the seat
NOTE 1 SIP is determined by the device shown in Figure 1 of EN ISO 5353:1998, when installed in the seat as
specified in EN ISO 5353:1998, 5.3.
NOTE 2 The SIP is fixed with respect to the machine and does not move with the seat through its adjustment and/or
oscillation range.
NOTE 3 The SIP as established and defined by this International Standard may be considered, for operator work-place
design purposes, to be equivalent to the intersection on the central vertical plane through the seat centerline of the
theoretical pivot axis between a human torso and thighs.
[EN ISO 5353:1998, 3.1]
2.7
stair
fixed means of access with an angel of pitch from more than 20° up to 45°, whose horizontal elements are
steps (see Figure 1)
Figure 1 — 20° < angle of pitch ≤ 45°
[EN ISO 14122-1:2001, 3.3]
2.8
three point support
feature of an access system that enables a person to use simultaneously two hands and one foot or two feet
and one hand while ascending, descending or moving about on the machine
[EN ISO 2867:2008]
3 General design principles
3.1 General
The general ergonomics design principles set out in EN ISO 6385 and EN 614-1 apply also for mobile
machinery.
3.2 Ergonomic design principles concerning anthropometry and biomechanics
Special consideration needs to be given to:
 dimensioning of the operator's work station;
 safety distances;
 dimensions for access;
 manual handling of component parts during assembly and disassembly (e.g. by marking the mass of the
main parts).
Information on anthropometrical aspects of the European population is given in EN 547-1 to EN 547-3 and
EN ISO 14738. Biomechanical aspects are covered by EN 1005-1 to EN 1005-5. For safety distances,
consider EN ISO 13857.
3.3 Ergonomic design principles concerning work tasks
The general ergonomics principles for work task design set out in EN 614-2 apply also for mobile machinery.
3.4 Accessible design for people with special requirements
Where it is required, the designer should take account of people with special requirements and apply
ergonomic principles to accessible design and assistive technology in order to enable the use of machinery by
people with special requirements.
NOTE Special needs includes sensory abilities like vision, tactile and acoustic input, physical abilities like dexterity,
manipulation, movement, voice, strength and endurance, cognitive abilities like intellect, memory, language and literacy
and allergies like contact allergy and respiratory allergy. For further information see CEN/CENELEC Guide 6 and
ISO/TR 22411.
4 Design of workplaces
4.1 General
It is advisable that the operator's station or workplace is designed, constructed and/or equipped to ensure that
the operator has good operating conditions and is protected against foreseeable ergonomics hazards (for
instance: temperature, air flow and humidity, noise and vibration, inadequate visibility, mental overload).
For most mobile machinery the sitting working position is the preferred work position for the operator during
operation as it is the most stable working position. For some mobile machines a standing work position may
be required for work tasks, e.g. when the operator has to leave the machine frequently.
4.2 Workspace
4.2.1 General
Consideration of the operator's body dimensions (including clothing and helmet where appropriate) and task
demands is a precondition in designing the operator's workspace. Sufficient space for movements of the
head, trunk, arms and legs is necessary in order to control the mobile machinery. Make sure that the operator
is able from either a sitting or standing position to move his arms freely and to turn the upper body in an
obstacle free space.
For minimum operator space envelope in earth moving machines, see EN ISO 3411:2007, Clause 5.
4.2.2 Leg space
The following requirements concerning leg space are essential:
 foot and leg space for the operating position;
 foot and leg space to access the operating position.
NOTE The preferable location for foot-operated controls for a seated operator of earth moving machines within the
"zone of comfort" is given in EN ISO 6682.
4.2.3 Work space height considerations for seated positions
The minimum distance between the SIP (see 2.6) and the head guard or cabin roof can be defined according
to EN ISO 3411:2007, Clause 5.
4.2.4 Work space height considerations for standing positions
When operating a mobile machine in standing position it is important that the work space height ensures
enough space between the roof and the operator and that the space is suitable for tasks requiring good
visibility.
NOTE The minimum space envelope for a standing operator can be determined according to EN ISO 3411:2007,
5.1.
4.2.5 Arm space and reach envelopes
The minimum space and reach envelope for the arms (to meet the "zone of comfort") are given in
EN ISO 6682.
When reversing mobile machinery with a non-turning seat provide sufficient space for placing the non-steering
arm behind the backrest.
4.2.6 Field of vision to displays and control actuators
While designing horizontal monitoring area take into account the field of vision and the necessary movements
of eye, head and body.
The information about optimal and necessary horizontal and vertical fields of vision can be found in EN 894-2.
See also Clause 8 of this Technical Report.
For maximum field of vision, see EN ISO 14738.
4.3 Seated operator
4.3.1 Seat design and adjustment
Seats need to be designed with due regard to the nature of operation of the machinery. To minimize whole
body vibration a seat suspension on mobile machinery is recommended. For the operator's posture, see
8.6.2.1.
It is recommended that seats:
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 are easily adjustable (for/aft height) in order to suit operators of different sizes (from the 5 to the 95
percentile of the intended working population);
 incorporate an adjustable backrest to give a firm support to the lumbar spine without restricting necessary
twisting of the torso, e. g. when reversing;
 have a seat-depth that does not impose pressure on the back of the knees/lower part of thighs of the
operator;
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 have a seat cushion that is wide enough for the 95 percentile operator to sit comfortable and allow
him/her to move on the cushion;
 allow movements and change of posture while sitting in them;
 prevent harmful exposure of vibration and shocks;
 have a cushion of heat insulating material, which permits ventilation and which provides enough friction to
prevent sliding off;
 have a proper maintenance program in the instructions for use.
Where appropriate, it is recommended that seats:
 are designed to compensate for prolonged work facing different directions; e.g. be tiltable backwards
when work requires looking upwards, rotate sideways when working sideways and be possible to lock in
that position;
 are provided with properly arranged height adjustable armrests that do not obstruct arm movements;
 if equipped with a safety belt, allow the operator to perform all tasks
 have a heating arrangement in the seat and backrest;
 are possible to swivel to assist easy access and egress.
If a seat is equipped with a suspension, a weight adjustment independent of the vertical adjustment is
essential.
All seat adjustments are recommended to be:
 intuitive with clear and easily understood instructions;
 easily accessible when the operator is seated;
 convenient to use with no great effort required;
 strong and reliable;
 not presenting any risk of injury to the hands and fingers.
It is common ergonomic knowledge that the seat index point (SIP), as defined in EN ISO 5353 is the datum for
all seat dimensions and other related dimensions (e.g. location of controls). For seat dimensions, see
ISO 11112.
4.3.2 Seat suspension
Depending on the type of machine and the operating condition, an adequate seat suspension system may be
advisable. To be efficient at attenuating the vibration, suspension seats are selected to fulfil criteria
(acceptance levels) defined in relevant type C standards specific to a family of machinery (see B.1). See
8.6.2.2 for suspension devices.
4.4 Standing operator
When designing a workplace for a standing operator, make sure that the mobile machine provides a secure
position including a support for the operator. The platform should be large enough to allow a stable standing
position during movement of the machinery. Support to the rest of the body can be provided by a sit/stand
seat. Handrails or rails at the side of the operator can provide additional support. The location of these
supports needs to be evaluated for each machine considering the dropping height.
4.5 Access system design
4.5.1 General
General requirements for the access to machinery are given in EN ISO 14122.
In the design it is advisable to consider the interactions between individual components of the access system
(e.g. steps, handrails, doorways, platforms):
 pay regard to those instances where the operator has frequently to carry material or tools;
 consider that the design of the access system to heights above 600 mm allows the operator to maintain a
three-point contact of his hands and feet;
 make sure that all surfaces for the feet are slip-resistant;
 arrange the components of the access system so that they form a continuous natural pathway to the
platform or operator's station and to the ground;
 arrange stairs, ladders, and single steps so that they are approximately at right angles to the access path
(see Figure 2).
Key
1 Access path 3 Effective door opening (width)
2 Step 4 Door
Figure 2 — Schematic illustration (top view) of a mobile machine showing the access path
4.5.2 Stairs and ladders
Stairs are generally preferred to ladders as more convenient and more safe system of access to and from the
working place. An ergonomic designed access system encourages the proper use, a stable movement and
reduces hazardous behaviour of jumping down from the machinery.
For an ergonomic design in accordance with the context of use, the step height of the first step and the
inclination need to be considered:
The height from the ground surface to the first step should preferably be 300 mm, on machines used in rough
terrain 400 mm. EN ISO 2867 gives guidance for the designer of stairs and ladders for earth moving machines
and notes that “when possible, the dimension doesn’t overstep 600 mm”. In fact, this previous dimension
wrongly applies numerous types of earth moving machines working outdoors and is inadequate, notably for
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the 5 percentile of the working population. If so, it is necessary to design appropriate devices with the
following features:
 inclination of the ladder, see EN ISO 2867:2008;
 inclination of the stair, see EN ISO 14122-1:2001;
 extension by swivelling the first (lower) step;
 arrange stairs and stepladders so that they can be inclined as recommended in EN ISO 14122-3.
NOTE EN ISO 2867:2008 gives a maximum of 700 mm for earth moving machinery, which value is not in accordance
with the capability of smaller or older operators, and causes a considerable risk for accidents for all operators. The
recommended height from 300 mm to 400 mm needs to be realized also on mobile machinery used on rough terrain, e.g.
by the solutions which allow the first step rise or tilt up or to flex on obstacles (for flexibly mounted solutions, see
EN ISO 2867:2008).
4.5.3 Handrails
4.5.3.1 General
The size and location of handrails needed in the workplace of particular mobile machine can only be
evaluated for the individual design of the machine. Handrails and hand grabs needs to be placed and
designed in such a way that the users are encouraged to descend with the face towards the operator control
centre, except when the access system is a stairway. Make sure that handrails are placed where they are
easy to grab and so they do not obstruct the exit and entrance.
For ladders with a rise angle of less than 75° and for stairs, it is common to provide handrails on both sides of
ladder or stairway. Make sure that the inclination of the handrails is the same as the rise angle of the stairs or
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ladder. Take into account that the width apart of the handrails allows a male operator with a 95 percentile
shoulder breadth to pass between the handrails without twisting his body.
NOTE EN ISO 14122-3 and EN ISO 2867 give guidance for the design of handrails.
4.5.4 Access path
A clear access path is recommended between the entrance to the cabin and the operators seat or working
position, into which controls and other obstacles should not impinge since their presence makes access
difficult and can result in a trip hazard.
Make sure that the space directly above the access path is free of controls and other intrusions that would
cause the operator to twist or bend the upper body during entry or exit to or from the operator control centre. If
controls may inadvertently be moved if contacted during access, provide a safety device to prevent accidental
operation.
Levers and other obstructions are often encountered at floor level in the gap between the seat and hand
controls. Removing levers and other obstructions from this floor space improves the ease of access. Access is
also improved with larger gaps between the seat and the operator's hand controls. However the relative
position of the seat and these hand controls is an important variable affecting comfort when operating the
mobile machine. Make sure that those considerations take precedence over considerations of ease of access.
The gap between the seat and hand controls may be increased for access purposes by, for example:
a) placing the hand controls on a console that can be moved away from the seat when the operator leaves
the seat; or
b) providing a seat which incorporates a swivel mechanism to enable the operator to bring his knees from
under the hand controls before getting out of the seat; or
c) providing sliding seats.
5 Design of signals, displays and control actuators
5.1 General
The general ergonomics principles for the design of signals, displays and control actuators set out in EN 894
apply also for mobile machinery.
Evaluate the operator’s need for information from the outside environment during all stages of operation.
While the operator’s visual attention may focus on the area and work situation outside of the mobile machine,
less visual attention may be available for signals, displays and control actuators. Restrict signals, displays and
controls requiring visual attention to a minimum and use other senses where appropriate.
The operating equipment should not restrict vision to the main working area.
During driving and possibly during operation of a mobile machinery the operator will often be exposed to
vibrations or shocks decreasing accuracy of movements and of vision. Take into account vibrations when
designing control actuators and signals.
5.2 Functions
5.2.1 General
The function of the operating controls and displays needs to be rational and clearly indicated. When any
function is not immediately obvious, make sure that they are easily identifiable to avoid confusion and
distinguishable from the function of other related or adjacent controls and operating equipment.
5.2.2 Graphical symbols
Graphical symbols are given in ISO 7000. If there is no suitable symbol present in ISO 7000, a symbol can be
designed in accordance with EN 80416-1. If arrows are used in the graphical symbol take into account
EN 80416-2.
5.3 Signals and displays
5.3.1 General
It is advisable to give particular attention to such features of the displays as intensity, duration of signal,
colour, size, contrast, and prominence against a visual or acoustic background that varies within the
workplaces.
Alarm signals are more effective if visual and auditory signals are combined.
Displays need to be:
 illuminated with an adjustable luminance in order that symbols are legible both in daylight and at night;
and
 designed and located in such a way that annoying reflections in the windows are avoided.
For operation in bright environments, low-reflection panel surfaces (e.g. matt) are recommended.
5.3.2 Visual signals and displays
When designing visual signals and displays it is essential to give the highest priority for location in the area
close to the operator’s natural line of sight to the most frequently used and/or the most important displays.
The operator’s need for unobstructed sight to the operating area during operation requires first priority in the
design of mobile machinery. Therefore, visual displays on mobile machinery may have to be placed outside
the zone normally recommended for visual signal detection on static machines. Pay regard that displays,
however, be placed as central as possible within the operator’s field of vision in an area frequently scanned by
the eye.
When significant information displayed by visual displays cannot be easily recognised (seen and understood)
in the operating posture, additional auditory displays or other devices can be provided by the designer, see
5.3.3.
For more information see EN 894-2:2008, 4.1.1 and EN 894-4:2010, 5.3.1.1.
The size of the central visual field sensitive to colour is smaller than the field which is sensitive to white light.
On mobile machinery use colour in signals and displays only, when it is possible to place them in the
acceptable zone as defined in EN 894-4:2010, 5.3.1.1.
Ambient light may produce reflections on displays. The risk of reflections can be reduced by compensatory
measures such as the inclination of displays and the installation of low-reflective display surfaces.
Vibrations may influence reading performance and increase reading errors and reading time. Displays need to
be installed in a way to minimise these effects, see EN 894-2:2008, 4.1.3.
5.3.3 Auditory signals
For general recommendations about auditory signals, see EN 894-2 and EN 981.
For mobile machinery auditory signals may, for safety-related or urgent tasks, be preferable because the
operator primarily uses vision to observe the operating area during operation. If mobile machinery is expected
to be used in noisy environments, it is preferable to use non-auditory signals in addition.
When auditory signals are used as alarms, see EN ISO 7731.
See 8.6.2.2 for suspension devices.
5.3.4 Tactile displays/controls
Information can be transmitted to the operator also by tactile indicators on or in controls. In mobile machinery,
where several controls are used to perform operation, it is important to take into account the operator’s tactile
sensitivity to detect controls. This will assist in the recognition of the control in situations where the operator’s
vision must be fixed at the environment, e.g. during driving or crane use.
EXAMPLE A handle could be equipped with a spherical knob, be squared or be made of a granular surface material.
Buttons can be made out of different granular material or be made in different shapes.
For general recommendations about tactile displays/controls, see EN 894-2.
5.4 Control actuators
5.4.1 General
When choosing, designing, constructing and arranging the controls (hand levers, pedals, switches, etc.) of
mobile machinery, their equipment and attachments, the following considerations are essential:
a) they are designed according to EN 894-4;
b) they are within easy reach in accordance with EN ISO 6682;
c) in neutral positions they are in accordance with 5.4.2;
d) they are clearly marked and identifiable in the operator's station or working position and explained in the
operation manual;
e) the movement of the controls to activate the functions and indicators corresponds to the intended effect or
common practice whenever possible;
f) the normal engine stop device (or other stop device specified for a particular machine) is arranged at
least within the zone of reach according to EN ISO 6682;
g) identify clearly the activated function, when a control is designed and built to carry out several functions of
the machine, e.g. keyboard or joy-stick control;
h) for requirements of joy-sticks see 5.4.2;
i) for safety related functions of control system(s) having electrical or electronic components, see
EN ISO 13849-1.
Make sure that handles, steering devices and pedals of equipment suit the functional anatomy of the hand or
foot, and the dimensions of the operator population. In general, pedals need to have a non-skid surface,
except for certain applications (e.g. accelerator pedal) where it is not recommended.
The space in front of the operator of mobile machinery will often be restricted. However, it is important to
ensure that the space between individual control actuators is optimal for efficient operation.
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EXAMPLE The position of a steering wheel can be designed in a way that the knees of the 95 percentile of the
working population, in the straight position of the seat, can easily pass under the steering wheel, when accessing the seat.
Another solution is to change the position of the steering wheel by an adjustable steering column.
For standing operations hand-operated actuators are preferable to foot-operated actuators.
5.4.2 Position of control actuators
Locate controls in a way that the operator can operate them safely, with the required speed and
unambiguously. It is necessary for the operator to be able to use them in a comfortable position without
rotating the head and body and without static activation of muscles in the neck and shoulders.
It is highly recommended to place frequently used control actuators, grips and pedals within easy reach of the
hands and/or feet when the operator is in the normal operating position (“zone of comfort”). Other important
control actuators, e.g. emergency stops, needs to be placed also within easy reach of the operator, whereas
less frequently used control actuators can be placed so that the operator may reach for them (“zone of
reach”), unless the task requires otherwise. At least the most often used control actuators needs to be
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adjustable to allow good working postures for the whole range of operators (from the 5 to the 95 percentile).
Position the pedals in a way that they can be operated in a safe manner with little risk for error and arrange
them so that the angle of the operators lower leg to foot is 70° to 110° during operation of the machine.
Consider EN ISO 21281 for pedal placement.
Make sure that all controls return to their neutral position when the operator releases control of them, unless
the functional control of the machine or its equipment dictate otherwise such as controls that are continuously
or automatically activated or they have a functionally related detent or hold position.
5.4.3 Direction of motion
Consider that the direction of movement of manual control actuators relative to the controlled component is
logical and in accordance with EN 894-3, EN 894-4, EN 60447 and ISO 447.
The basic movement of multifunctional controls consists of the following control movements (or combinations
of them):
 to the front/rear;
 to the left/right;
 slewing/rotation (e. g. gear selection up and down);
 upward/downward.
NOTE The combined movement of operational functions (e.g. front left or front right, to rear left or to rear right) is
admissible.
Additional control mechanism, such as knobs or switches, may be located on a multifunctional control to
actuate either primary or secondary controls. It is recommended that not more than 4 additional controls
mechanism are located on the control, (e.g. grab turned right/hold/left; driving forward/neutral/rearward;
oscillation axle lock/unlock; stabilizer up/hold down).
Make sure that the control device for the additional control mechanisms and the response is indicated by a
control mechanism label or by a visual indicator.
5.4.4 Operating force
Make sure that the application of force on hand/arm control actuators is possible without extreme joint
positions of the hand/arm.
Movements requiring high precision and accuracy require low force for their execution and need to be
performed by hand or finger controls.
Select the functional movement of control force actuators and control resistance according to the nature of the
control task and with regard to the force of the operator’s limb.
Operating controls used on mobile machinery needs to be designed with an optimal resistance against
operation. Recommended resistance values for various types of equipment and controls are given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Recommended resistance values for various types of control
Types of control Recommended resistance value
N
Finger operated control 2 to 5
Handles operated forward-backwards 5 to 15
Handles operated side wards 5 to 15
Steering wheel 5 to 20
Leg operated pedals (clutch/brake) 45 to 90
Ankle operated pedals (accelerator pedal) 20 to 30
Buttons operated with the finger tips 2

For further information on recommended force limits, see EN 894-3 and EN 1005-3.
Consider by design the need to provide support for the body to counteract the effect of the force applied to the
control.
Design frequently used controls with a low
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