TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables med svensk översättning (sidan 47)

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1 TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables med svensk översättning (sidan 47) 1

2 Contents A.1 DOCUMENTATION...5 A.1.1 TCO DOCUMENT...5 A.2 ERGONOMICS...6 A.2.1 DIMENSIONS AND FUNCTIONS...9 A Work table dimensions...9 A Variable height of the work surface...10 A Work table and motor lifting characteristics...11 A Cable management...12 A Suspension of the system unit...13 A.2.2 SECURITY, STABILITY AND STRENGTH...14 A Mechanical security, stability and strength...14 A.2.3 USER FRIENDLINESS...15 A User information...15 A Simple and easy to use...16 A.2.4 MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS...17 A Surface resistance...17 A.3 EMISSIONS...19 A.3.1 EMISSIONS OF ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS...20 A Stationary work tables exposure to users and fields causing interference to electric equipment...20 A Interference from electric and magnetic fields in the surrounding environment when the table height is being adjusted...21 A.3.2 CHEMICAL EMISSIONS...22 A Formaldehyde emissions from building boards...22 A Formaldehyde in surface treatment agents and glue...23 A.4 ECOLOGY...24 A.4.1 MANUFACTURE AND MAINTENANCE...25 A Environmental management system...25 A Wood material...26 A Spare parts and service guarantee...27 A.4.2 ENVIRONMENTALLY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES...28 A Heavy metals...28 A Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants...29 A Brominated and chlorinated plastics...30 A.4.3 RECYCLING...31 A Labelling of plastic parts...31 B. TEST METHODS...32 B Test method for requirement: A Work table and motor lifting characteristics...32 B and B Test methods for measuring emissions of electric and magnetic fields...34 Appendix 1 DECLARATION STATEMENT Appendix 2 SWEDISH TRANSLATION

3 TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables Electrically manoeuvred work tables for seated and standing use Office furniture is an important part of the modern office work environment. For TCO Development the ergonomic quality of office furniture is fundamental, but we want to widen the perspective so that this quality and environmental labelling of work tables, TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables, also includes emissions and ecological factors. We have developed the requirements and criteria in consultation with users, researchers, experts and manufacturers of office furniture. The basis for this work is our long experience of the quality and environmental labelling of computer displays and other office equipment. TCO Development aims, by means of these office furniture quality and environmental labelling requirements, to contribute to the development of work tables with good user characteristics. In order to test work tables against the defined requirements, existing standards and measuring methods are used, but when necessary certain measuring methods and definitions have been formulated by TCO Development. It shall be possible to verify the criteria by tests and assessments performed by independent organisations. Electrically manoeuvred work tables for seated and standing use In this scheme for the quality and environmental labelling of work tables we focus on certifying work tables for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. The reason is that these work tables provide users with good scope to vary their posture so as to minimise static loads on the body. In addition, users are allowed more movement at the work tables, enabling the work surface to be utilised more efficiently. It is important to put the individual product requirements for work tables into a functional context. Advice on purchase and use has therefore been produced in connection with this quality and environmental labelling scheme. In this version, TCO 04 Office Furniture Work tables version 1.1, we have adjusted the heights between which it shall be possible to adjust the work surface. This change is in response to demands from the users to be able to adjust the work surface within a larger height range. We have also adjusted the limit value concerning formaldehyde emissions from building boards due to the lack of commercially available building boards with low emissions. 3

4 Plans for updating TCO quality and environmental labelling future requirements This quality and environmental labelling scheme applies to work tables for office and computer work, concentrating on factors affecting the working environment, integrated with the external environmental criteria. In a later update the concept will be extended to enable quality and environmental labelling of other types of work tables for office and computer work, for example those used for meetings and conferences. This applies to manually instead of electrically adjustable height work tables, and to other solutions for standing or seated work, meetings, etc. The labelling scheme with its present content is mainly directed towards meeting the needs expressed by users in European offices. Stockholm, 18 January 2005 TCO Development SE Stockholm, Sweden Fax : Jan Rudling Managing Director jan.rudling@tco.se Tone Petrelius Development Manager for TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables tone.petrelius@tco.se 4

5 A.1 Documentation A.1.1 TCO Document Background It is desirable that the purchaser of a product that has been certified in respect of its quality and environmental characteristics in accordance with TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables, receives information concerning the quality and capabilities of the product. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. References The contract between TCO Development and the applicant company. Mandate: A TCO Document written in English or the national language shall accompany the quality and environmental labelled work table. The TCO Document, which describes the implications of TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables labelling, will be supplied by TCO Development. The TCO Document may be posted at the manufacturers web site provided that it is referred to in the information accompanying the quality and environmental labelled work table. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirement has been met, along with a description of how the TCO Document will accompany the product. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 5

6 A.2 Ergonomics Work tables shall be made in such a way that people with different characteristics and needs, and with a variety of jobs and tasks, shall be able to make efficient use of the work place. Users are defined as men and women of a body height (including shoes) between 151 and 192 cm, regularly working in an office environment and with varying physical characteristics. The aim of the labelling is to meet quality requirements applying to approximately 90 % of the adult working population in Europe. It is important for a work table to permit the user to take up different working postures. An aesthetically pleasing design shall not limit the ergonomic function. Ergonomic requirements and criteria for work tables will in future follow the rapid technical and organisational changes in the work place in modern offices, including remote work places, such as at home in distance working. Quality characteristics of work tables A work table for office use shall meet a number of basic requirements that are defined in TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables, Electrically manoeuvred for seated and standing use. The possibility to perform work while sitting or standing at a work table that is adjusted in height by electric motors is considered, compared to work tables that have other technical solutions, to offer the best solution for the physical problems that are becoming more and more prevalent among today's office workers. Working life today is characterised by rapid developments in task content. More tasks shall be completed while at the same time demands are set for higher productivity. An increasing number of users want to be able to adjust the height of their working surfaces and have this possibility to perform work while in either a sitting or standing posture. Width, depth and total area of the work surface. The work surface of the work table shall be of sufficient size to permit work with a computer display. This means that the depth of the table shall allow enough space on which to rest the hands and forearms while using a keyboard, and also sufficient visual distance to the display, which is recommended to be at least 500 mm from the front edge of the table. The depth shall also accommodate the display, whereby if a flat screen is used the total work surface depth shall not be less than 800 mm. If a CRT type of display is used, a deeper work surface is needed, of at least 950 mm but dependent on the actual amount of room needed by the display. In the case of large CRT displays (19" or larger) at least mm is recommended. The width of the work surface determines the possibility of physical variation in posture, allied to the necessary space for necessary equipment on the work surface. The EN standard requires a width of mm, which in today s working life must be considered as an absolute minimum. 6

7 Knee and leg space under the work table. The possibility for the user to change working posture also depends on how much free space is available under the work table. The increasing variety of modern-day tasks also places higher demands on free knee and leg space. Even the actual shape of the free space can offer different alternatives. TCO Development will in future versions further develop this requirement and the criteria. Height of the work surface. The height of the work surface is important, partly because the table user may have widely differing needs depending on physical characteristics, such as body height, and partly depending on the kind of task being performed, with various types of office equipment. Work tables for seated and standing work are not defined in EN 527-1:2000. The need to alter working height changes during the day, depending on the tasks and their organisation, and requires in many cases that the work table must be adapted to accommodate both seated and standing work. The work table controls must also be easy to operate. It shall at least be possible to vary the height of the work surface from 650 mm to mm above the floor. We have received demands for the possibility of lowering the work surface beyond 650 mm. See the Recommendations for possible future requirements section below. Recommendations for possible future requirements This section examines the wishes that extend beyond the requirements stipulated in TCO 04 Office Furniture Work Tables. TCO Development may in future versions further develop these recommendations into new requirements. Work surface height In this version the requirement for height adjustment defines the range as 650 mm to mm. We have received demands for the possibility of lowering the work surface beyond 650 mm. It is great advantage if the manufacturer can include in the range of tables a frame length stroke length which can be used to lower the working surface height to 600 mm. 7

8 Raising and lowering function speed, starting and braking characteristics So that the user will be encouraged to use the raise and lower capability, manoeuvring should be completed within a reasonable period of time. A speed of at least 40 mm/sec. is recommended. It is also important that the raising and lowering movements are not perceived as jerky. A smooth start and smooth braking are recommended. Work tables with adjustable functions for computer displays. The trend for displays to have larger screens means that the display must often be lowered down towards the table surface. It is important that a work table series includes functions whereby the display can be placed somewhat below eye height. A good angle of view for a large display requires that the display can be placed lower than the work surface, i.e. on a part that can be sunk below the table surface. It is also beneficial if the raise and lower function can be adjusted in depth, and permit enough breadth for more than one display (e.g. two displays side by side). 8

9 A.2.1 A Dimensions and functions Work table dimensions Background The design and dimensions of the work table shall support the possibility for users to have good working conditions at the work place. This means having a wide range of variation in the seating posture and a general posture that reduces the risk of strain injuries. The size of the work surface shall not be less than 0.96 m². If the surface is rectangular it must measure not less than mm wide x 800 mm deep. The knee and leg room shall meet EN 527-1:2000 or the deviations for different countries stated in Annex A. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Definitions The dimensions of a work table intended for both seated and standing use shall extend to the dimensional measurements defined for work tables in the EN 527-1:2000 standard, except 4 Height of work surfaces. References EN 527-1:2000 Office furniture Tables and desks Part 1: Determination of dimensions EN 547-3:2000 Safety of Machinery Human Body Measurements Part 3: Anthropometric Data Pheasant, S: Bodyspace (1997) Mandate: The work table shall meet the dimensional requirements defined in EN 527-1:2000. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 9

10 A Variable height of the work surface Background The height of the work surface is important, partly because the table user may have widely differing needs depending on physical characteristics, such as body height, and partly depending on the kind of task being performed, with various types of office equipment. It shall at least be possible to vary the height of the work surface from 650 mm to mm above the floor. It is important that this information of the variable height of work surface is made available, clearly visible on the work table and included in the user information. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Definitions Work surface height: measured in mm from the floor to the top of the table work surface. References EN 527-1:2000 Office furniture Tables and desks Part 1: Determination of dimensions AFS (The Swedish Work Environment Act) 1998:1 Ergonomics for the prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders ISO , Ergonomic requirement for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements ISO/FDIS 6385:2003 (E) Ergonomic principles in the design of work systems. Mandate: It shall at least be possible to vary the height of the work surface from 650 mm to mm above the floor. Information about the variable height of the work table shall be clearly visible on the work table and in the user information. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, declararing the frame stroke length(s) and the variable height of the work table, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 10

11 A Work table and motor lifting characteristics Background The more equipment resting on the work table, the greater the need for a sufficiently large working surface. This must not limit an easy and safe raise and lower function with adequate lifting capacity. At the same time there is an increasing use of lightweight portable computers, whereby smaller work tables with reduced lifting capacity are also demanded. The lifting capacity of the work table and its motor shall be at least 80 kg. The position of the loading is described in Test Method B Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Test method See Test method B Mandate: The lifting capacity of the work table and its motor shall be at least 80 kg. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. A copy of a test report from a test laboratory accepted by TCO Development. 11

12 A Cable management Background Electrical cabling (required for the work table itself, plus that for computer equipment and table illumination) lying on the floor gathers dust and makes cleaning more difficult, while increasing the risk of power supply failures. Cables run along in groups reduce their surrounding electrical and magnetic fields. It is also desirable to be able to suspend cabling under the table top at the furthest edge in arrangements that allow for this. It is however important to still be able to easily reach and handle cabling, with respect to the use and maintenance of the work table. The system shall permit the work table to be placed against a wall without trapping cabling. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. References ISO Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements Mandate: It shall be possible to supply the work table with a system for managing electrical cabling. The system shall permit the work table to be placed against a wall without trapping the cabling. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 12

13 A Suspension of the system unit Background Computer system units are often placed directly on top of work tables. However this location restricts the working posture and the amount of user working space on the table. It also hinders cleaning and tidying of the table surface. It is also unsuitable for the system unit to stand on the floor (introducing the risk that a cable will break or unplug when the table is raised). By for example suspending the computer s separate system unit on the work table frame under the worktop, these problems are avoided. This kind of suspension increases freedom of movement at the work table, which in turn permits the physical strain on the user to be reduced. It is however important that the arrangement under the table does not restrict the leg room available to the user. The system unit or its cables must not hinder the possibility of placing the table up against a wall. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Reference EN 527-1:2000 Office furneture Work tables and desks Part 1: Determination of dimensions. Mandate: It shall be possible to supply the work table with a suspension of a computer system unit. There shall be space to the left or to the right, while maintaining the requirement for leg room according till EN 527-1:2000. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 13

14 A.2.2 A Security, stability and strength Mechanical security, stability and strength Background There is an increasing amount of IT equipment in work places. Along with tasks involving physical movement, the need for frequent and varying changes in work posture and an increased use of adjustable height work tables, the requirements for mechanical stability and strength for work tables have become more important. Security in the work place and knowledge that work tables are safe are obvious and important factors for users. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Test method The test shall be carried out at a table height of 800 mm. References EN 527-1:2000 Office furniture Work tables and desks Part 1: Determination of dimensions. EN 527-2:2000 Office furniture Work tables and desks Part 2: Mechanical safety requirements. EN 527-3:2000 Office furniture Work tables and desks Part 3: Methodes of test for the determination of the stability and mechanical strength of the structure. Mandate: The work table shall meet the requirements for security, stability and strength defined by EN 527-1, 2, 3:2000 The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. A copy of a test report from a test laboratory accepted by TCO Development. 14

15 A.2.3 A User friendliness User information Background The information that users of work tables need to make full use of their functions and the aims of these functions varies from one table to another. The information shall be available in the national language and accompany the table, even if it is transferred to a different user. This means that the information shall follow the work table, and be clearly visible. It can consist of for example icons on the controls or pictures or descriptions of the control functions. User information shall also be present on the manufacturer s Web pages. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. References ISO , Sections 4 and 5 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements Mandate: User information shall accompany the work table, clearly visible and in the national language. This information shall include descriptions of the work table functions and their aims. Directions concerning where to obtain user information about the work table shall also be placed on the manufacturer s Web site. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. An example of the user information, in English or the national language, shall be attached. The address of the Web site that contains the appropriate instructions shall be written into the declaration. 15

16 A Simple and easy to use Background Work tables shall be designed to suit as many users as possible. The functions shall be easy to understand and simple to use. It is important that the design of the controls encourages correct handling. Icons and symbols shall present the correct message, be clear and easy to differentiate. It shall be clearly obvious which functions are related to which individual symbols and controls. The controls shall also be clearly accessible while sitting or standing at the table. There shall be good mapping, i.e. a natural and intuitive relationship between each control and the function it operates. It is beneficial if individual controls have single functions, and that there is good feedback to confirm what action has actually been performed by each control. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Definition Manually by feel: with the aid of the hand s sense of touch. References ISO , sect 4 and 5 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements CEN/CENELEC guide 6 Pheasant, S 1997 Bodyspace Mandate: The work table functions shall be easy to understand and simple to use, as follows: It shall be possible to manoeuvre and use the work table so that a certain manoeuvre and a certain movement produce the expected result. It shall be possible to identify the controls for adjustment of the height of the work table (in the up and down directions) either manually by feel or visually, and they shall be labelled with function symbols. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 16

17 A.2.4 Material characteristics Work tables in office and computer environments must be designed in such a way that people with different expectations and needs shall be able to make efficient use of their work places. Office work today requires the use of an increasing amount of technical equipment, which means greater wear on the various parts of the work table, above all on its work surface. A Surface resistance Background Users of computer work stations have more technical equipment on their table surfaces than ever before. IT developments have meant that this equipment, often with hard edges, is used daily, and moved around by many different people. This, together with operation of the raising and lowering functions of the table, places high demands on the surface wear resistance of the work table. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors, and the surface treated with paint, foil or laminates. Definitions The requirements apply to the legs, frame and table tops. Result 5. No visible changes (no damage) Result 4. Slight change in lustre, visible only when the light source is mirrored in the test surface or quite near the mark and is reflected towards the observer s eye or a few isolated marks just visible. Result 3. Slight mark, visible in different directions, for example almost complete disc or circle just visible. Result 2. Strong mark, the structure of the surface being however largely unchanged. Result 1. Strong mark, the structure of the surface being changed or the surface material being wholly or partially removed or filter paper adhering to the surface. References EN Furniture Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids (ISO 4211:1979 modified) SS /DS 2176/NS 8058 Furniture and fittings Assessment of resistance to fat on surfaces with scratches. SS /DS 2176/NS 8057 Furniture and fittings for housing. Determination of surface resistance to scratches. EN Furniture Assessment of surface resistance to dry heat (ISO :1993 modified) 17

18 Mandate: The work table surfaces shall meet surface resistance requirements in accordance with the above requirement definitions and in accordance with EN SS SS and EN Resistance against: Test method Requirement level 1 Frame Requirement level 4 Table top Water EN hours 24 hours 1 Paraphine oil Paraphine oil + Scratches EN hours 24 hours 1 SS hours + 3N 1 Scratches SS N 2 Alcohol 48% Coloured fluid (coffee) EN hour 1 EN hour 1 Dry heat EN min + 70ºC 1 Note: Note 1. Note 2. On assessment result 4 can be accepted. Assessment after 24 hours. Maximum permitted scratch width 0.5 mm. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. A copy of a test report from a test laboratory accepted by TCO Development. 18

19 A.3 Emissions Users in an office working environment are exposed to electric and magnetic fields emanating from a number of sources. It is in everyone s interest that these fields are limited and that in the future they are reduced as much as possible. Research is still divided over the possible injury or illness that could be caused by electric and magnetic fields. Nor are regulations and legislation completely clear, so the precautionary principle must apply. There is an increasing demand for so-called current-free connections for the control circuits in work tables that can be raised and lowered by an electric motor. The reason is to further reduce electric and magnetic fields. By ensuring that the control circuits do not carry electric current in the static condition there is no magnetic field either. However, in the static condition there is an electric field but this is fairly easy to reduce with a proper electric ground for the equipment, and by using, for example, low voltages. When the table height is altered, current flows through the motor and the control circuit, generating a magnetic field and increasing the electric field. By only allowing a small control current to flow through the control circuit, the field can be limited and kept to a minimum. A display certified in accordance with TCO 03 Displays has to be able to withstand an external magnetic field of up to 200 nt (nanotesla) without any deterioration in picture quality. When an electricly-operated adjustable height table starts to move, there is often a field amounting to several thousand nanotesla at the work surface and surrounding the table. This only lasts for a very short time, but can cause severe interference to electric equipment at adjacent work places. Before the next version of Office Furniture Work Tables, Electrically manoeuvred for seated and standing use, TCO Development will prioritise a reduction of the electric and magnetic fields where the table is stationary. Also the high current consumption that presently occurs during the instant of starting movement, which gives rise to a large magnetic pulse, will in the next version be covered by a requirement. Other requirement priorities for the next version are safety stopping, raising and lowering speeds, pre-programmed height levels, quiet operation, childproof operating controls, and so on. There is a good chance that all these requirements can be solved by applying developments in motor electronics and control systems. Users in office environments are also exposed to various degrees to chemical emissions, among other things from office furniture. Reduction of formaldehyde emission levels in building boards, paints, varnishes and other surface treatments have therefore been identified by TCO Development as important areas needing requirements. 19

20 A.3.1 A Emissions of electric and magnetic fields Stationary work tables exposure to users and fields causing interference to electric equipment Background An electrically driven adjustable height work table should generate the minimum possible electric and magnetic fields, both in its stationary position and while the table height is being altered. The user works only on the stationary table top and in this situation the exposure to such fields must be as low as possible. Electrical equipment can also be disturbed by strong fields. A CRT display that is certified by TCO can withstand an external interfering magnetic field of up to 200 nt without any deterioration in image quality. While the table top height is being altered it is primarily other electrical equipment nearby that will be disturbed by the high field levels at the instants of starting and stopping movement. Measurements of the fields are only carried out in the frequency range 20 to 2000 Hz. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Test method See Test methods B Mandate: Users and people close to the work table shall not be subjected to fields exceeding 200 nt or 10 V/m from a stationary table. Equipment resting on the work table shall not be subjected to interference by fields exceeding 200 nt and 20 V/m from a stationary table. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. A copy of a test report. 20

21 A Interference from electric and magnetic fields in the surrounding environment when the table height is being adjusted Background An electrically driven work table should emit the minimum possible electric and magnetic fields, both when stationary and when it is moving to different heights. Work table users only use them when they are stationary, so that the exposure should be as low as possible, see Section A While the table height is being raised or lowered, one or more electric motors is in operation, along with the control circuits, which radiate both electric and magnetic fields into the surroundings. Users of work tables are not working during this short period of height change, but others may still be working nearby and even using easily disturbed electrical equipment. A CRT display that is certified by TCO can withstand an external interfering magnetic field of up to 200 nt without any deterioration in image quality. When the table top height is being altered it is the start and stop instants that generate the highest field levels, which quickly stabilise and remain constant at a relatively high level. Measurements of the fields are only carried out in the frequency range 20 to 2000 Hz. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Mandate: The field around the table top at a distance of 50 cm must not exceed 200 nt and 20 V/m during continuous motor running. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. A copy of a test report. 21

22 A.3.2 A Chemical emissions Formaldehyde emissions from building boards Background Formaldehyde is present in the glue used in certain types of building boards. Newly manufactured table tops may give off chemical emissions that could include formaldehyde. The Swedish Chemicals Inspectorate classifies formaldehyde as carcinogenic and an allergen. Formaldehyde has for a long time been a regulated chemical in respect of additive amounts and chemical emissions. Germany has strict branchrelated limit values concerning levels of formaldehyde in building boards. Applicability Building board material used in work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. References KIFS 1998:8, Kap 9 20,21. Swedish Standard SS , Building boards - Determination of formaldehyde emission issue dated 1 January SP, Sveriges Provnings- and forskningsinstitut (Swedish Testing and Research Institute). Mandate: Building board material used in the work table must not give off chemical emissions with a formaldehyde content exceeding 0.13 mg/m 3 air on testing in accordance with Swedish Standard SS The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: 1. A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 2. A copy of a test report from a test laboratory accepted by TCO Development. 3. Information on how often the tests are made and a description of how the formaldehyde level is guaranteed between testing occasions. 22

23 A Formaldehyde in surface treatment agents and glue Background Formaldehyde is used in paint, varnish, etc. Newly manufactured table parts may give off chemical emissions that could include formaldehyde. The Swedish Chemicals Inspectorate classifies formaldehyde as carcinogenic and an allergen. Applicability Surface treatment agents (e.g. paint and varnish) and glue used in work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Glue in building boards is exempted. Mandate: Surface treatment agents (e.g. paint and varnish) and glues that contain formaldehyde shall not be used, with the exception of glue in building boards. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the above requirements have been met. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 23

24 A.4 Ecology TCO Development promotes the integration of the work and external environments, since the two are interdependent. A good work environment shall not be created at the cost of environmental problems in our common surroundings. In this quality and environmental labelling scheme we have therefore integrated relevant requirements that affect the external environment, calling them ecological requirements. Important environmental questions that concern work tables are how they are manufactured, which materials and chemicals are included in the finished product and their recycling capabilities. Added to these factors is the one that permeates the whole labelling scheme the manufacture of a quality product with a long life. 24

25 A.4.1 A Manufacture and maintenance Environmental management system Background The introduction of an Environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001/EMAS shows that the manufacturing company has respect and takes responsibility for the environment. By means of an Environmental management system, work is systematically carried out to continuously improve the company s own environmental work in respect of both the manufacturing processes and the products themselves. The fact that a requirement level is set at 100 full-time workers is due to the cost of ISO 14001/EMAS being too great in respect of smaller company turnover. Applicability All manufacturing companies. Definition A manufacturing company is a company that makes the final assembly of the product before it is supplied to a distributor and/or the end customer. References ISO Environmental management systems EMAS, EU Directive no 761/2001 concerning the voluntary participation of industrial companies in the Union s environmental control and review structure Swedish Environmental Management Council Mandate: All manufacturing companies with 100 or more full-time employees shall be certified in accordance with ISO or alternatively be EMAS registered. All manufacturing companies with fewer than 100 full-time employees shall have an Environmental management system in accordance with ISO or EMAS. This shall contain an Environmental policy, Environmental inventory, Environmental goals or Action plans, Environmentally trained staff and routines that ensure a continuous improvement in the company s environmental work. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: 1. A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the manufacturing company meets the above requirements. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 2. A list of all the manufacturing companies names and addresses, also stating whether they have more or less than 100 full-time employees. 3 a) In the case of manufacturing companies with 100 or more full-time employees: A copy of the ISO certificate or EMAS registration. and/or 3 b) In the case of manufacturing companies with fewer than 100 full-time employees: Evidence of an Environmental management system, in the form of copies of the environmental policy, environmental inventory, environmental aims or action plans, routines and documents to show that the staff have undergone environmental training. 25

26 A Wood material Background Wood is an important raw material in furniture manufacture. A fundamental environmental influence related to timber is the way the forestry is managed. One way to obtain sustainable forestry and retain bio-diversity is to place demands on the wood material and its origin. TCO Development wants to encourage the use of the international certification system operated by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). At present, however, access to FSC-certified timber is restricted, so that in this initial version of TCO quality and environmental labelling of work tables, it is only required that any rain forest-derived wood material shall come from FSC-certified forests. All wood material shall be subject to a declaration in accordance with the following requirements. Applicability The requirements apply to all work tables that contain rain forest-derived wood material or where the overall weight of the wood material components exceeds 5% of the weight of the complete table. Definition Wood material includes all types of wood, including solid wood, veneer and boards. Region of origin Country and part of the country (e.g. state or county). References Forest Stewardship Council, FSC. and Mandate: 1. Rain forest-based wood material shall come from FSC-certified forests. 2. All wood material shall be declared with: a. which type of wood is included b. region of origin c. the weight of the wooden parts, what proportion of the table s weight they represent and which components or parts include them. d. whether the wood material is certified in accordance with the FSC or any other certification system for sustainable forestry, and in such a case, what proportion. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: 1. A copy of the FSC certificate for rain forest-based wood material. 2. A completed statement, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the work table meets the above requirements and in which all components or parts that consist of wood material have been entered into a list of material specifications. This statement and list shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 26

27 A Spare parts and service guarantee Background Furniture life can be considerably increased and thereby the burden on the environment reduced by having efficient provision of spare parts and service. Applicability Work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. Applies to all parts of the work table. Mandate: The applicant company shall maintain access to service and spare parts for at least five years after the date of manufacture of the work table. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the work table meets the above requirements. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. A copy of the service and spare parts guarantee shall be attached. 27

28 A.4.2 A Environmentally harmful substances Heavy metals Background Furniture manufacture includes the use of surface treatment chemicals (paints, varnishes, etc.) that may contain heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium and lead. Heavy metals may also be present as stabilisers in plastics. These heavy metals are well-known environmental toxins, the use of which is regulated in many countries and by international agreements. Applicability Plastic parts weighing more than 25 g. Surface treatment substances (paints, varnishes). Definitions Heavy metals in this context refers to mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), along with their compounds (KIFS 1998:8). References Kemikalieinspektionens (the National Chemicals Inspectorate) limitation database The National Chemicals Inspectorate Warning list, 3 rd revised edition, The National Chemicals Inspectorate regulations (KIFS 1998:8) concerning chemical products and biotechnical organisms. Swedish Ordinance (1998:944) concerning prohibition, etc. in certain cases in connection with the handling, import and export of chemical products. EU classification system (18 th revision of Directive 67/548/EEC). Mandate: Plastic parts weighing more than 25 g and surface treatment substances (paint, varnish) shall not contain mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) or lead (Pb) or their compounds. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the work table meets the above requirements. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 28

29 A Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants Background General requirements and discussions in respect of the phasing out of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants are in progress. Two families within the brominated flame retardants group, PBB and PBDE, have been identified as particularly harmful to the environment. The entire group is persistent in the natural environment. Applicability Applies to all work table plastic parts weighing more than 25 g. Definitions Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants are all flame retardants with organically bound chlorine or bromine. References EU Directive (76/769/EEC) on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations EU 2001/58/EC defining and laying down the detailed arrangements for the system of specific information relating to dangerous preparations Risk Reduction Monograph no 3 (OECD Environmental Monograph series no 102) EU White Book Strategy for future chemical policy EU Directive (93/793/EEC) on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances Esbjerg declaration 4 th North Sea Conference 1995 Mandate: Plastic parts weighing more than 25 g shall not contain brominated or chlorinated flame retardants. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the work table meets the above requirements. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 29

30 A Brominated and chlorinated plastics Background PVC is by far the most common halogenated plastic. There are however other plastics that contain chlorine or bromine in the plastic itself. As the requirement concerning permissible flame retardants tightens, the risk increases that halogenated polymers will become more common. TCO Development sees a future environmental risk with such development. PVC is a much-debated plastic that can pose environmental problems in most parts of its life cycle. The magnitude of the environmental problems related with PVC differences depending on the environmental status of a particular manufacturing facility and the uses of additives. At present there are very limited possibilities to distinguish between harmful and less harmful production facilities for PVC. Applicability Applies to all work table plastic parts weighing more than 25 g. Definitions Brominated and chlorinated plastics are those which have bromine or chlorine bound into the polymer matrix. References EU Green Book Environmental questions concerning PVC KOM(2000) 469. Mandate: Plastic parts weighing more than 25 g shall not consist of brominated or chlorinated plastics. The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the work table meets the above requirements. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 30

31 A.4.3 A Recycling Labelling of plastic parts Background Adaptation to recycling is necessary in order to achieve a sustainable society. To facilitate recycling it is important that the different plastic parts are labelled, so that the recycling plant is able to obtain information about the material used. This requirement is also intended to provide information about the plastics and flame retarding agents in the product to be reviewed for compliance with the ecological requirements A.4.2.2, A.4.2.3, and A Applicability Applies to all work table plastic parts weighing more than 25 g. References ISO 11469:2000 Plastics Generic identification and marking of plastics products ISO , 2, 3, 4 Plastics Symbols and abbreviated terms. CAS Chemical Abstracts Service Mandate: 1. All plastic parts weighing more than 25 g shall be labelled in accordance with ISO and ISO , 2, 3, For all plastic parts weighing more than 25 g the following shall be declared: a. the weight of the plastic and in which components or parts they are included b. the type of plastic used c. the trade name of the plastic d. the type of flame retardant and CAS number. e. labelling in accordance with ISO and ISO 1043 The following information shall be sent to TCO Development: A signed declaration, see Appendix 1, to confirm that the work table meets the above requirements and that all plastic detail parts that weigh more than 25 g have been entered into a material specification list. This declaration shall be signed by the person responsible at the applicant company. 31

32 B. Test methods B Test method for requirement: A Work table and motor lifting characteristics Today there are no established test methods for work tables intended for both seated and standing use, with the table height adjusted by one or more electric motors. In order to document that the requirements of Section A Work table and motor lifting characteristics have been met, the applicant company shall declare that the table has been subjected to the following test procedure. Function requirements to be carried out before and after each fatigue-test phase Raise/lower function Must operate smoothly and steadily without any jerking. The function that raises and lowers the table must operate without generating noise causing annoyance to others. The speed at which the table top moves up/down when supporting the maximum design load shall be in accordance with the manufacture s specification. The control/switch for raising and lowering the table top shall be located in a convenient place and its mode of operation must be readily comprehensible to the user. The test shall be carried out as follows: Raising/Lowering: Fatigue test (Up + Down = One cycle) A load equivalent to the maximum design load of the table shall be applied according to the recommendation from the manufacturers declaration. The table shall be operated as follows: 1000 cycles: From lowest position to a height of 735 mm above the floor 3000 cycles: From a position 735 mm above the floor to 115 mm below the maximum height 1000 cycles: Down by 115 mm from the maximum height. Requirement: No damage and no deterioration in function. 32