This part of ISO 9241 provides guidance on basic principles for the ergonomic design of the work environment and the workstation, taking into account lighting, effects of noise and mechanical vibrations, electrical and magnetic fields and static electricity, thermal environment, space organization and workplace layout.

This part of ISO 9241 is applicable to the work environment and workstation in those work systems where a visual display terminal (VDT) is used for office work.

However, this part of ISO 9241 does not specify the technical characteristics of the equipment needed to satisfy those equipment-related guidelines associated with the work environment.