The term "ergonomics" comes from the Greek "ergon" (work). It describes interaction between man and the equipment he works with and the effects on the human body.
TUV Rheinland tests computers and peripherals for ergonomics compliance according to international ergonomics standards.
A workplace where the user enters data into or reads data from data processing equipment is called a terminal or office workstation. Its components are the furniture as well as the PC including peripheral equipment like VDTs, keyboards, scanners, printers, etc. As the use of workstations increased significantly in recent years, guidelines for the ergonomics design of workstations became necessary. The European Commission consequently drew up the directive 90/270/EEC which describes the minimum safety and health requirements on workstations. It has been enforced by the EU member states since 1993. In Germany, the "Decree on Work with Display Terminals" (German: Bildschitmarbeitsverordnung) came into effect on Dec 10, 1996. It addresses the design of office workstations and takes the display terminal into special consideration. To comply with the decree and the directive, products within the scope of the directive have to meet the applicable standards.
For Germany, the basic ergonomics standard is the EK 1/59-98 and EK 1/60-98. This standard is attached to the German Equipment Safety Law and accordingly mandatory for the GS Approval of equipment within its scope.
This mark is awarded to products which satisfy ergonomics requirements of the EC directives. Users are increasingly demanding evidence from hardware and software manufacturers that the products are user-friendly. Having performed the essential tests, TÜV Rheinland Product Safety certifies the ERGONOMICS APPROVED mark according to design rules partially contained in ISO 9241.