spacing requirements

[strawberry]

My Ict co-ordinator is rather worried about how many computers we can put in a room, To my mind as long as each user has enough room to move their elbows, type and use the mouse without fear of clouting that should be enough. Are there any requirements out there we are obliged to meet?

[timbo343]

I don't know if there is but i too would like to know. We have a minimum of about 75cm for each area.

[witch]

There was a BECTA recommendation of a minimum of 1 metre between workstations, but I don't believe there is any legal requirement other than that of the normal health and safety and workplace legislation.

[denon101]

I believe guidelines will suggest 750mm or 75cm for each workstation. I know this as we had a rather expensive room refurb and was told this. Edited November 23, 2010 by denon101
typo

[synaesthesia]

Also bear in mind the non-contact side of it - for instance online testing (such as CATS) - would the space you're setting aside make it too easier for a child to see their neighbours answers without having to turn their head too much?

[timbo343]

Also bear in mind the non-contact side of it - for instance online testing (such as CATS) - would the space you're setting aside make it too easier for a child to see their neighbours answers without having to turn their head too much?

 

We didnt realise this until someone mentioned it, by this time, we had already had the rooms done, so we made the decision that we put up privicay screens or put students at every other machine.

[nikaso]

BECTA recommendations including desk heights etc. listed here

 

The spacing recommendations seem to be quite generous and I would imagine not always doable unless it is a purpose built IT suite.

[laserblazer]

We went to a lot of trouble working this out and realised we wouldn't be able to fit enough computers in one of the suites. When we set some up with a smaller gap and tested it on some kids, they all said it was fine and we could move them even close if it meant more computers. We do only go to Y7 though. Might be different for a large Y10 pupil.