Ergonomics in product testing

Abstract

Products tested at TÜV Rheinland are awarded the GS mark if they match up to specified safety standards. This mark indicates that the product fulfils the legal requirements, and signals to potential buyers that a product may be used without reservation. For some products, ergonomic criteria are included in the GS testing. A good example is the visual display unit (VDU). Here, the GS mark confirms that basic ergonomic requirements are fulfilled. It is not necessarily a mark of good ergonomic design. A number of other products are amenable to ergonomics testing, including consumer products and medical equipment. An important aspect of testing concerns the operating instructions which should adequately describe the product and inform the consumer how to use it. Product testing is significant because of new liability laws being introduced throughout the European Community. Testing provides a feedback loop in the marketing process by which it can be checked whether the products developed and brought on to the market actually fulfil the needs of potential users.

Keywords:

• Testing
• Safety
• VDUs
• Product ergonomics.