Department of Defence

ACCOMMODATION
GUIDELINES
for

OPEN PLAN OFFICE

ENVIRONMENTS

Directorate of Publishing
and Visual Communications
DPUBS: 24193/96

ACCOMMODATION
GUIDELINES
for
OPEN PLAN OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTS

Incorporating guidelines for the use

of workstation systems furniture

Facilities and Property Division

July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

PAGE

1. Introduction

2. Consultation Processes

3. The Changing Office Environment

4. The Modern Workstation/Office Concept

5. Configuration Options

6. Generic Specification of Space Per Person

7. Workstation Allocations According to Function

10

8. Specific Workstation Features

11

9. Data Networking

16

10. Services Requirements

(power, lighting, voice, mechanical & fire)

17

11. Other Components of the Open Plan Office

18

12. OH & S Considerations - Duty of Care

20

ii

1.

INTRODUCTION
These guidelines provide a framework within which agreement can be reached between the
Department, its staff and unions on the design of the fitout requirements for new or
refurbished office accommodation.
As such the guidelines focus on the emerging working environment for the 21st century of the
modern, open plan office. Reference is made to basic planning requirements and parameters
so that all parties can better appreciate the issues involved.
The overriding objectives of the guidelines therefore are to ensure Defence staff have:

a work environment which is safe and healthy;

a work environment which promotes productivity, efficiency and job satisfaction;

an appreciation of the basis for the design of open plan spaces in new or refurbished
office areas;

a consultative approach to office design.

At the outset, the guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive but are based on agreed
minimum provisions. Where possible, a range of solutions is offered. These solutions may
include space and equipment over and above the minimum provision, depending on the
functional requirement. This is necessary since an individuals workspace is determined by the
activity performed. Though there is much commonality in regards to the range of
administrative, technical and professional office-based functions throughout Defence,
workspace configurations and other provisions will need to be flexible, subject to agreed
minimum provisions. Other influences necessitating flexibility include:

special activities or functions to be performed;

changes in organisational arrangements;

building design factors such as shape, core design, lighting, sill heights, etc.;

location of all partitioned offices and rooms away from perimeter windows;

acoustic requirements; and

privacy thresholds.

2. CONSULTATION PROCESSES
To ensure that staff and unions have as much notice as possible of any proposed office
relocation or refurbishment, the Department shall notify the unions in writing at the earliest
possible time of any intention to relocate staff to new or refurbished accommodation.
It is essential that staff and their unions are involved at the concept stage of planning and
design. This is achieved:

by staff contributing to the documentation of their day-to-day working requirements

(typically reflected in the user requirement brief completed prior to the engagement
of a fitout contractor); and

by discussing and modifying the designers layout interpretation of those

requirements and subsequent detailed design. At this stage agreement should be
reached on requirements for additional space and equipment.

Prior to the signing off of the design, individual managers are to certify that their
staff and their delegates have been fully consulted.

Any disagreement on whether the functional requirements are being met in the
layout design shall be referred to the project manager for resolution in consultation
with management of the area, staff and unions.

As an acknowledgment of the need for full and adequate consultation, any group established to
oversight the planning effort must include management, staff and union representation.
The guidelines form the basis for consultation and are to apply to all new or refurbished
accommodation projects approved after formal agreement of the guidelines by management,
staff and their unions. These guidelines apply to all Defence installations (including office
components of laboratories and warehouses) utilising the open plan office design concept.
Other relevant standards must be referenced for the design requirements of laboratories and
warehouses.
These guidelines require that reference would be made to relevant Commonwealth guidelines,
Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia. All office accommodation developed
following these Guidelines must conform with statutory requirements and guidelines regarding
access for people with disabilities. Where other standards allow for allocations less than that
identified in these guidelines, these guidelines shall take precedence.
In the event of any dispute arising over the application of these guidelines, the parties shall
follow the dispute avoidance and settlement procedures contained in the relevant award or
certified agreement.

3. THE CHANGING OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

In July 1986, the Government promulgated the Commonwealth Office Accommodation
Guidelines. Those guidelines, developed as a prescriptive document for the design of office
accommodation throughout the Australian Public Service. They were administered by the then
Department of Local Government and Administrative Services until 1992 when the
Government decided to devolve responsibility for property operating expenses to individual
departments. These guidelines have been developed to reflect the changing functional needs in
office environments.
With changes in the way work is done, including flatter organisational structures, a
multiskilled workforce and new office technologies over the last decade, new design solutions
for office furniture systems have emerged which supersede the earlier guidelines. These
systems have features such as:

clustering of workstations to enable the workspace to be more concentrated and

allow all features to be more readily accessible;

providing the opportunity to make better use of the amount of circulation space;

the use of standard components which can be mixed and matched to provide
flexibility in the layout of areas; and

providing a versatile workspace which is suitable for group/team organisations and

which can be changed quickly as circumstances dictate.

The introduction of modular systems furniture has, in most instances, replaced the traditional
free-standing desking systems of the 1960s and 1970s upon which the Commonwealth Office
Accommodation Guidelines were developed. The features of open office planning have
become increasingly accepted and adopted by Government and private organisations. For the
foreseeable future, this recognition will continue because of the objective to ensure that each
workspace provides optimum functionality while allowing the best possible use of available
space.

4. THE MODERN WORKSTATION/OFFICE CONCEPT

Modern and flexible open plan office design is determined principally by the activities
performed, although the configuration will be constrained by a number of factors such as
building design, furnishings, etc. To these are added numerous other influences such as
furnishings and equipment (photocopiers, facsimiles, printers and the like), staff amenities (tea
alcoves, toilets, etc), base building features (acoustics, lighting, etc), colour and decoration,
occupational health and safety aspects, and disabled access. Security of areas and documents,
public and recreation space are further factors for consideration.
In Defence, the traditional office based work performed requires a mix of individualised
workspaces employing open plan design, partitioned offices, and a range of common facilities
such as meeting/interview rooms, resource rooms, storage and various amenities all of which
are to be designed and built in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard/Building Code
of Australia.
Individualised spaces give each person functional space utilising a range of flexible proprietary
workplace furniture configurations - capable of being readily adapted to reflect changes in
functional arrangements, staff numbers, data networking solutions or functional/operational
practices. Efficient workstation design should reflect a sensitivity to human requirements
(incorporating ergonomic design) and provide flexibility to adapt to change.
There is a need to incorporate flexibility as an inherent requirement in the planning and design
process because the modern office is increasingly based on team activities which are subject to
constant change. The open plan concept enables middle managers to work more closely with
their teams. This helps improved visual and verbal communication which is difficult with
partitioned offices.
Proprietary workstations create a feeling of openness and brightness when configured
appropriately (usually around the perimeter of a floor and with panel heights generally not
exceeding 1400mm - see Workstation Panel Heights). Workstations maximise the
availability of natural light to the greatest number of staff and encourage interpersonal
communication without an intrusion on functional space.
Regardless of configuration, individualised workstations shall generically comprise the
following features:

left and right returns of equal length in order to provide maximum flexibility in the
use of the available work surface;

a minimum clerical surface depth of 800mm.

VDU terminal and keyboard can be located anywhere within the continuum of the
available worksurface, depending on the function performed. The infill should be
enlarged to accommodate VDU screens larger than 14 inches to allow a minimum
viewing distance of 950mm. (For example, refer to the ASHSE standard.) Refer
also to these guidelines in relation to specialist workstation needs;

adjustable worksurface heights, with the adjustment mechanism determined as part

of the consultation process prior to the acquisition of workstations;

personal storage provided by means of a lockable 2 or 3 drawer cabinet and lockable

mobile pedestal, and the number of drawers are based on functional requirements;

appropriate data, power and voice cabling;

sufficient space to enable disabled users easy access to their workspace; and

capacity to amend the standard workstation systems to take account of particular

functions such as additional VDUs, drawing boards, CAD equipment, etc

Specific workstation features are detailed later in these guidelines.

5. CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
The layout of workstations is based on a building block approach to determining individual
needs in space, furniture and office equipment. This is focussed on the functions performed by
an individual, or a team of individuals, to introduce the workstation elements that best meet
their functional needs.

Workstation Configurations
(a) The Cluster Arrangement:
In recent times the cluster concept has been increasingly widely used particularly for team
based activities. As shown diagrammatically on the following pages, it is based on either four
or six person workstations arranged in a grouping. These clusters are examples only of how
the building blocks might be designed.
More and more organisations recognise the team structure as the most effective approach to
work. Whilst individual performance is critical, multi-disciplinary teams working as a group
are proving to be more efficient at solving complex tasks.
People who collaborate require proximity to each other and to the team spaces. An additional
requirement is for a furniture system which will facilitate frequent reorganising of teams.
Hence, the logic of workspace collocation into teams of 2, 3, 4 or 6 workpoints. The cluster
arrangement allows personnel to work individually (or in teams) with minimal disruption or
distraction.

(b) The Star Configuration:

The Star Configuration is often preferred when the team concept of work is dependent on
members of the team having face-to-face contact, needing to frequently pass documents, or
engage in frequent discussion, or where social interaction is important eg. high repetitive work
such as telephone answering.
Notwithstanding, the star configuration is more open to traffic with greater potential for
disruption or distraction and utilises available floor space less efficiently.

Stand Alone Workstation Configurations

Stand alone workstations are an integral component of the open plan office environment and
provide a working space approximately equal to two basic workstations. In this way the
modularity and flexibility created by the use of systems furniture is maintained.
Stand alone workstations are allocated to staff regardless of classification on the basis of
function. They provide additional benchspace for the laying out of documents, for visitor
discussions, or for staff with significant supervisory responsibilities where those are deemed to
be integral parts of their job function. It is expected this would include personnel at AS06 or
equivalent and above.
While maintaining the light and bright atmosphere of the modern office, stand alone
workstations utilising low height screens (see Workstation Panel Heights) allow extra space
and privacy for a range of special functional needs.

Extra Equipment for Particular Functional Requirements

Some staff require additional space to accommodate extra equipment. This should be
documented and discussed with the design team when detailed design layouts are being
prepared. This should allow workstations to be adapted to special functional requirements at
the briefing stage. Basic space and workstation needs may be increased to incorporate these
special requirements.
Some of the typical additional building blocks include additional space within the work area
for functional requirements:

Computer Aided Design (CAD Equipment)

drafting, digitiser and functions

additional computer terminals

These spaces do not include allocations for storage related to these functions.
Where staff need such equipment and space in addition to their normal workstation the
following shall be provided:

Drawing board
& layout table

CAD terminal
& digitiser

2 VDU
Terminals

6sqm

6 sqm

6 sqm

6. GENERIC SPECIFICATIONS OF SPACE PER PERSON

One of the most effective methods of calculating the space allocation per person within an
open plan workstation environment is to use the now well established building block
approach. Once the basic building block has been established, modifications (eg. increased
layout space, storage, etc) can be introduced where necessary to satisfy other functional
requirements to the basic configuration. Discussion between staff and the design team on
additions to the basic building block shall occur during the preliminary design stage. When
added together, these spaces determine the total space for an entire organisation unit.
Generically, the working space includes two components:

the functional space required for the individual to adequately perform a particular
activity; and

the tertiary circulation space or that space necessary for the individual or visitor/s
to gain access to the workspace.

Functional Space includes space for:

(i)

Workstation: A worksurface 1800 x 1800mm with each surface 800mm deep, and
both of the same height, requires an area of 3.24 sqm.

(ii) A clear space of 1 metre deep for the chair to comfortably move in/out of the
worksurface is included within the 1800 x 1800mm allocation.
(iii) Storage/Filing: An appropriate filing cabinet allowance is 1.05 sqm.
When totalled, the minimum functional space per individual performing VDU operations is
4.29 sqm,
(iv) In addition to this a further space component of 0.71sqm is added to give a
minimum functional workspace of 5sqm
Tertiary Circulation Space is identified as the entrance into the workstation cluster and the
band of shared space used to access the individual work surfaces.
Under the traditional desking systems of the 1970s and early 1980s which arranged desks in
individual rows, access (for all directions) was allocated to each desk. With the use of modern
systems furniture, access is more controlled and the greatest efficiencies are achieved by the
sharing of tertiary space. All occupants of the cluster benefit from the shared buffer area.
The users still sit similar distances apart from each other as previously. Using the workstation
configurations in these guidelines the minimum separation distance would be 1.6 metres as the
preferable distance for groups of users working together, depending on background noise
levels and the nature of duties each is performing.
When allocated against an individuals work surface, an allowance of 1 sqm is required. That
is, within the basic four person cluster arrangement, a total of 4 sqm of tertiary circulation
space is available to each of all of the workstation occupants.
When functional and tertiary space are taken together, using the building block approach, the
minimum workspace provision is. 6sqm.
Additional space shall be allocated where it is agreed that the functional or storage
requirements exceed the minimum provision.

In summary, the generic space to be allocated per person undertaking basic administrative/
VDU tasks is therefore 6 sqm, increasing as necessary to accord with the functional
requirements and the characteristics of the building design such as columns, features
associated with heritage buildings, etc.
To this per capita space, additional provisions for such facilities as shared meeting and
conference rooms, storage facilities, a range of amenities, etc, is added to provide a total net
space for the building. Finally, net space is converted to gross space for the entire facility by
using a building efficiency factor (ie. taking account of on floor space actually available for
use).
Additional Building Blocks - Particular areas may require access to equipment in addition to
their normal workspace. Where this equipment is not an integral part of workstations,
additional space will be allocated. Some examples, and their respective spaces include:Drafting Board:

6 sqm

CAD terminal including digitiser board

6 sqm

Workstations with 2 VDU terminals

(not including storage allocation)

6 sqm

Shared Equipment.
Items such as printers, shared VDUs and facsimile equipment may be located within each
basic workstation cluster on the fixed height worksurfaces between each workstation.
Shelving may be provided under the equipment surface for paper storage and other office
equipment.
These shared worksurfaces are additional to the individual workspace allocations.

7. WORKSTATION ALLOCATIONS ACCORDING TO

FUNCTION
Efficient use of available floor space can be achieved by limiting the variation in workstation
components and by adopting two standard workstation configurations:

Basic Workstation provided for staff who perform clerical / computer based duties.

Stand alone workstations provided to staff, regardless of classification, who have

significant supervisory responsibilities and who are required to regularly interview
other staff or visitors, or require additional space for laying out documents as an
integral part of their functions. This would normally include personnel at the AS06
levels or equivalent and above.

Workstations can also be adapted to meet special functional requirements, such as technical or
drafting work, using the building block method.

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8. SPECIFIC WORKSTATION FEATURES

Compliance with Standards
It is essential that all planning within the modern open plan office is in accordance with the
Building Code of Australia, and that all electrical, mechanical, fire safety office furniture and
equipment and provision of amenities be in accordance with all relevant Australian Standards
and regulatory requirements.

Design for the Disabled

All design work shall consider the needs of disabled people and shall comply with relevant
Australian Standards and State Codes of Practice.

Workstation Surfaces
Overseas research and current practice has demonstrated the minimum width necessary to
accommodate modern, on-desk VDU equipment anywhere on the worksurface is 800mm.
AS3590.2 has previously determined a range of desktop widths from 600-900mm. The
proposed workstation provides a corner depth of at least 900mm to accommodate large
computer equipment.
An 800mm benchtop width to both left and right returns provides a continuum of useable
space to accommodate computer equipment, providing users with a versatility until now
unachievable. In some circumstances wider benchtops may be necessary to cater for larger,
specific purpose computer monitors.
Though the length of surfaces should not be less than 1800mm (as specified in AS3590.2),
building or other constraints may result in unavoidable variations eg. in the width of entrance
ways, location of columns.
Worksurfaces are to be a minimum 25mm thickness with edges and corners rounded and free
of projections and pinchpoints capable of causing personal injury or damage to clothing. The
support mechanism of the work surface should be designed to provide a rigid structure able to
withstand an 80 kilogram weight, such as a person sitting on the bench top, without deflecting
the surface. Installed workstation systems must be Australian Furniture Research
Development Institute (AFRDI) certified.
Surfaces should be in a laminate or veneer, non-reflective matt finish of a neutral colour to
maximise light reflection without glare. The reflectance of the work surface shall not be less
than 0.2 and not greater than 0.6. The ability to easily clean the surface and to write on a
single sheet of paper without backing should be facilitated by the work surface.

Work Surface Heights & Adjustability

Current practice suggests the worktops should be installed initially at a nominal 700mm
height. When required the occupants height at their workpoint may be varied with the use of a

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modern, fully ergonomic chair. It is expected that once the occupant has selected their work
surface height, this will remain unaltered until the occupant is replaced. Adjustability can be
achieved either by:

an incremental adjustment of not more than 25mm spacings within a range of

680mm and 730mm. Outside this range, exceptional heights should be achievable
by alternative arrangement of furniture; or

an infinite adjustment (by means of a winding mechanism) provided where users

frequently share a desk (eg. multiuser workstation) and for disabled users.

Adjustable Keypads
Overseas and recent Australian experiences suggest the benefits of incorporating an adjustable
keypad have been superseded because computer keyboards with a mouse attachment do not fit
easily on the shelf and the mechanism itself can be a safety concern with potential to cause
lacerations to knees and fingers. Adjustability can be achieved by other means - either through
an incrementally variable height work surface top or through modern, fully ergonomic task
chairs.

Workstation Entrance Widths

The minimum entrance width into a workstation cluster is 850mm. This will allow unimpeded
entrance using a wheelchair. Entrance widths are generally determined by other structural and
layout influences including those referred to earlier.

Workstation Panel Heights

To facilitate interaction of staff, promote the benefits of the open plan office concept and
provide maximum natural light and visual relief to staff, basic screen heights are to be
carefully considered. Screen heights along corridors and parallel to windows should both
provide adequate privacy and allow as much natural light as possible to reach offices etc. Such
screen heights should be determined through the consultation process. Screens of 13001400mm height should be used perpendicular to windows or between different functional work
groups. Generally, screens are not to be provided against external window walls.
Where no panels are provided, a modesty panel shall be used where the workstation faces into
the public spaces.
All cappings and edges are preferably to be finished in a light coloured durable finish with
rounded corners free of projections and sharp points or other items which could cause personal
injury or damage to clothing.

Whiteboard
Within each team cluster of basic workstations, one panel between two desks may be used for
the addition of a limited, shared whiteboard capability. Where a larger capability is required,
free standing, mobile white boards may be introduced into the cluster.

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Shelving
A 900mm long x 250mm deep shelf unit with adjustable bookends shall be provided as a
standard to each basic or stand alone workstation for the storage of folders, manuals,
telephone books, etc. The units are to be relocatable to suit user needs.

Overhead Hampers
The use of overhead hampers should be discouraged. The swinging door and supporting
mechanisms can present safety concerns. Their size can also result in shadowing of the
worksurface and a consequent need for task lighting underneath. Alternative storage systems
should be used if available. However if overhead hampers are to be used they must conform
with the relevant standards.

Task Lighting
With no workstation screens located around the perimeter windows and low screens parallel to
windows, natural light is maximised per person. When coupled with minimum width screenattached shelving and few if any overhead hampers, the need for task lighting to each
workspace (which introduces an ongoing operating cost penalty) is eliminated.
For technical/drafting areas, task specific lighting shall be provided in accordance with AS
1680.

Mobile Pedestals
Personal storage is provided by mobile pedestals which vary in configuration but can include
one or separate pencil and miscellaneous drawers and a bottom lockable file deep drawer for
handbags, etc. For those users who prefer to lower the bench top below 680mm, the pedestal
can sit outside the desk leg rather than limit the range of height adjustment. A benefit of
mobile pedestals is achieved when staff are relocated with the pedestals interchangeable within
the facility.

Storage (within and adjacent to the workstation)

Storage is provided in four zones:

Personal items can be stored in mobile pedestal drawers under the workstation.

Frequently accessed items stored in filing units between each workstation within the
clusters, or on shelves suspended from screens.

Team storage can be outside each cluster. However storage may not encroach on the
minimum corridor width of 1m, as provided for in the Building Code of Australia
and the corridor should therefore be modified to maintain an appropriate width of
1m.

Secure storage and larger file systems can be provided by lockable cupboards or
filing systems accessible to the various user groups.

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Natural Light and Window Coverings

After allowing for building or design constraints, it is an important requirement to allow
uninterrupted access to natural light and, where possible, provide an external aspect for staff.
This can be achieved by positioning higher workstation screens at right angles to perimeter
glazing. To maintain visual comfort and control glare, readily adjustable blinds or curtains will
enable natural light to be effectively managed and minimise reflections on computer screens.

Computer Support Platforms

Computer (bi-fold) platforms are an option to be considered when assessing the screen viewing
angle from the seated position and to achieve an adjustable viewing distance. In facility
planning terms, the support platforms (as for other on desk equipment such as computers,
facsimiles and the like) are provided when required.

Task Chairs
All users are to be provided with a fully adjustable ergonomic task chair. AS3590.2 (1990)
Summary of Chair Requirements shall be adopted - providing adjustable seat heights and
adjustment of the backrest height and angle. Task chairs shall also comply with the relevant
AFRDI standard.

Coat / Hat Stands

Workstation design has not progressed to the point where satisfactory hooking arrangements
for coats and hats can be effectively incorporated as part of the workstation furniture. An
appropriate allowance for space for free standing hooking arrangements and umbrella trays
will be provided as part of the design brief.

Additional Facilities
As part of the consultative process the fitout planning strategy will consider facilities such as
footrests, document holders, drinking water machines, and a variety of on-bench equipment,
including microwave ovens in the tea alcove.

Childcare Facilities
Consideration of these facilities should occur during the contemplative stage in accordance
with the Defence Department Childcare Guidelines.

Security
The planning process should consider appropriate security systems for documentation and also
for visitors entering the respective work areas.

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Induction Training
An integral part of the relocation to a new or refurbished facility will be a need for the
ergonomic training for all occupants. This is particularly important for those users relocating
from a traditional desking work environment as the change requires a significant adjustment.
Education will also assist in overcoming any resistance to change when staff have been
used to an alternative working environment.
Induction training is to feature key aspects of the design, equipment and layout, explaining to
users how to adapt to the new environment including the rationale why particular componentry
has been provided for their use.

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9. DATA NETWORKING
Whilst the majority of Defence office based staff enjoy immediate access to a VDU screen at
their workspace, there is still no common, coordinated implementation strategy. Today, in any
restructuring of the office environment, the data networking philosophy should be based on
supporting and rationalising where possible all existing data networks as well as supporting
reasonably anticipated applications without the need to make major modifications to
networking topology.
Reticulation of on-floor data cabling is to be in accordance with the activities undertaken and
security requirements. This may be via 4 pair, Category 5 overall shielded twisted pair (OSTP)
cable with appropriate connectors for horizontal runs and 12 core multimode optical fibre for
vertical risers.
The system should facilitate connection of a wide range of user end data communications
devices (eg. computers, VDU terminals, printers) either direct to host computers or to the
building data network equipment.
Minimum cable capacities should include:

two outlets per workstation + 30% for shared and special applications;

three outlets per partitioned office;

two outlets per meeting room;

other outlets as required for printers, facsimile machines, etc.

Reticulation of services is to be in accordance with Defence requirements but generally can be

by means of ducted skirting for power and voice, supplemented by the reticulation of data by
other means such as vertical workstation blades perpendicular to windows.
Maintaining security and appropriate data suggestions requirements is a critical factor in
workstation configuration.

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10. SERVICES REQUIREMENTS

(Power, Lighting, Voice, Mechanical & Fire)

Power
Each workspace shall have access to 2 x Double GPOs supplemented where necessary by
special use, one-off terminations. Regulatory separation distances between power and
telecommunications cables are to be observed.
A system enabling excessive cabling to be stored away from the working surface should be
integral to the design. Cables should not encroach on under bench leg space. It is important
that users be able to access the power outlets because of the increasing use of Lapp computers
and other electrically powered items. Where standby power is required, standby power outlets
shall be distributed evenly, where possible, across partitioned rooms.

Lighting
New lighting shall be installed in accordance with AS1680 Parts 1 & 11 - 1990. As a
minimum, lighting design is to be based on ultra low brightness (ULB) fittings and 400 Lux
maintained luminance. Drawing board levels should reflect AS1680 providing 600-800 Lux.
Consideration shall be given to methods of saving energy. Methods such as bulk switching in
small groups or dimming fittings for daylight and lamp depreciation compensation and the like
shall be considered.

Voice
Each workspace shall be provided with a discrete telephone outlet.

Mechanical
The air conditioning shall be in accordance with AS1668 Parts 1 & 2 - 1991. Outside air mix
shall be in accordance with AS1668 Part 2. Consideration should be given to the use of high
efficiency filtration to assist in reducing the outside air requirements. Commonwealth Code of
Practice require the input of 10 litre/person/second of fresh air in buildings. Every effort will
be made to maintain 21 to 24(C and 40-50% relative humidity. (Refer to the Comcare Code of
Practice on Indoor Air Quality for further technical details.)

Fire & Evacuation

Fire protection shall be in accordance with BCA-1990 and current amendments. Evacuation
Plans should be developed and tested in accordance with Local Emergency Agency
requirements.

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11. OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE OPEN PLAN OFFICE

Partitioned Offices
Partitioned offices within the modern office tend to compromise the openness created by the
proprietary workstations. The least intrusive location for offices is centrally on the floor
thereby maximising the available natural light for the benefit of the majority of staff
accommodated on the periphery of the floor in proprietary workstations.
In general the allocation of fully enclosed partitioned offices will continue to be determined by
demonstrated functional need rather than by classification. However, because of the need for
privacy during unscheduled meetings with staff or visitors over and above that available from
other facilities on the floor (meeting/interview rooms), officers at or above the Senior Officer
B (or equivalent) level have been deemed to warrant the allocation of a partitioned office,
where the consultative process agrees there is a functional requirement.
In some cases offices may be allocated to staff below the Senior Officer B classification as
necessary because of the special activities undertaken. These activities may include the need
for:

controlled access for physical security of money and personnel;

document confidentiality where other measures are inadequate;

extensive, high level representational activities;

frequent in-confidence client interviews where meeting rooms are unavailable;

frequent in-confidence counselling of staff; and

complex mental tasks requiring long periods of undisturbed concentration.

Partitioned offices should, where possible, provide maximum glazing so as to add to the feel of
openness within the office environment. If non-transparent partitioning is necessary,
consideration should be given to the addition of higher level glazing to minimise the
compromise.
There is no single ideal office layout. Office layout will involve a mix of design solutions
determined by the functions performed, mode of operation and building characteristics. The
minimum size of the fully partitioned office is 12 sqm which equates to the useable space
within a stand alone workstation. Office size above this will vary according to the functions
undertaken as will the specific requirements for acoustic protection and additional storage
requirements.

Meeting Rooms
Meeting Rooms are an important feature of the open plan office environment. These facilities
provide a common amenity accessible to all staff wishing to conduct interviews, counselling or
training sessions away from the individual workspaces.
As a guide, two meeting rooms would be provided on a typical open plan office floor
providing net floor area of 1000 sqm, but the number and size of meeting rooms will depend
on functional and activity requirements.
One glass wall is preferred for meeting rooms to enable a view into another space, although
there are window treatments which can facilitate privacy where required.

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Tea Alcoves
Tea Alcoves are provided on all floors each providing hot and cold water over a sink, Ziptype hot water service, under bench cupboards, refrigerator and bench space sufficient to
accommodate various kitchen appliances (microwave, toaster ovens and the like). The number
of tea alcoves on each floor should be allocated in proportion to the number of people on each
floor. Generally two tea alcoves would be provided on a typical floor over and above a net
floor area of 1000sqm. Consideration should be given to accessibility; for example secure
areas within non-secure areas These locations on the floor should consider the potential
disruptive nature of these facilities to occupants of the office.

First Aid Facilities

The provision of sick bays and other first aid facilities shall be in accordance with the relevant
award. In the absence of an appropriate Commonwealth standard, reference may be made to
State provisions.
All other amenities either on-floor or within the building (such as, the number and mix of
toilets, eateries and exercise facilities) are to be in accordance with the Building Code of
Australia or relevant Australian Standard. The space allocation will depend on the location
and size of the building together with the needs of the occupants.
Specific amenities needs such as catering facilities, passive and active recreation areas and rest
rooms will vary according to different locations and shall therefore be the subject of early
consultation between the parties.

Post Occupancy Review

As part of the ongoing review of occupied office areas by the project team, a post occupancy
evaluation shall be conducted within 6 months of occupying the office areas and further
reviews as agreed between the parties.

Review of Guidelines
The parties are committed to reviewing the operation of these Guidelines in the light of
experience with their application. The parties will also periodically review the references to
codes and standards to ensure they are up to date.

19

12. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

CONSIDERATIONS
Defence embraces the concept of providing an occupationally healthy and safe working
environment for its staff. Specifically, the OH & S (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1991
identifies the employers duty of care to its employees.
Pending the release of the relevant Codes of Practice derived from the 1991 legislation which
are intended to provide design guidance, duty of care obligations can be adequately tested by
reference to the following Standards and Codes with guidance from State Government Codes
where these are applicable:

20

AS3590.2-1990, Screen Based Workstations Part 2

AS3590.1-1990 Visual Display Terminals

MPR 1990:10, Users Handbook for Evaluating VDUs

AS3590.3-1990 Input Devices

AS1428.1-1993, Design for Access and Mobility (General Requirements)

AS1428.2-1992, Design for Access and Mobility (New Buildings)

DR94264-1994, (Draft) Standard on Office Panel Systems.

AS1668.1 & 2-1991 Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning in Buildings

AS1837-1976, Section 9.3 Thermal Comfort

BCA-1990, Building Code of Australia

Comcare Australia - Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality

Commonwealth of Australia - Fire Board Safety Circulars.

AS1680.1-1990, Interior Lighting - general principles

AS1680.2-1994, Interior Lighting Office & Screenbased tasks.

Defence Child Care Guidelines

Ergonomic Guidelines for Use in the Australian Public Service - RSI Taskforce
Implementation Group, July 1987

Department of Defence

ACCOMMODATION
GUIDELINES
for

OPEN PLAN OFFICE

ENVIRONMENTS

Directorate of Publishing
and Visual Communications
DPUBS: 24193/96