The DHSS ergonomics data bank and the design of spaces in hospitals.

This article describes the ergonomics data bank of the Department of Health and Social Security. The bank is made up of data sheets that give the space requirements for activities and other ergonomics information relating to the use of spaces within hospital and health buildings. The development of the system, the dimensional and other conventions adopted and the way in which the data are applied to design problems are considered. The methods of data collection, including the use of life-size mock-ups, are also described.