Rank: Forum user 
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Can anyone point me in the right direction. I am aware of the size of the area for DSE workstations but I have a concern when it comes to having workstations back to back.
Refurbishment of a building has resulted in changes of layout and trying to place more desks on each floor. My biggest concern is where backs of six desks are being placed back to back at right angles to the external wall.
Is there a minimum distance between the leading edge of the desks taking into account the need for a person to exit behind a chair that a person could be sitting at.
Thanks for any assistance.
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Rank: Forum user
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Martin,
As you have said the DSE requirements will give good guidance but you may find it helpful to consider the trip hazards relating to getting in and out of the chairs, evacuation/access and egress issues if there are several in a row and close together.
You may possibly find some help in the building guidance documentation from British Standards and the minimum working areas, ventilation and temperature within the workplace guidance from the workplace health safety and welfare regulations as there seems to be a push to fit as many staff in as possible.
Hope this is of help.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi
There will need to be 11 cubic meter space for each person. They will need to get in and out safely, taking into consideration movement of the chairs.
You would be best to revise your fire risk assessment as well.
Accessability for people with a disability will need to be considered as well (BS8300.2009).
I would also ask whoever is panning this what guidance they are checking.
Ian
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi, I've always gone with 1 metre distance from the back of the chair, when lining the edge of the chair to the edge of the desk....if that makes sense. Just as a guideline though. HTH.
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Rank: Forum user
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Edit button required: my guideline loosely based on BS9999 - not saying its actually quoted anywhere!
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Rank: Forum user
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Unfortunately the 11 cubic metre pp space requirement (workplace regs) is not going to help as that is before any furniture is put in . . . There is no real specific for this - it is just what seems reasonable for access and practical working. 1m as cited by Safetygirl seems a reasonable allowance for limited cul-de-sac situation as you are describing. One or two people are able to come & go easy enough through this space. Comfort at the desk is the primary concern, rather than actual space as long as there is enough to meet the statutory minima. Have you thought of doing away with chairs completely? (just kidding, some intermittent sitting always required, but see www.juststand.org)
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Rank: Super forum user
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I'd go along the same lines as safetygirl - you need to allow the footprint size of the chair again! given that these are normally around 500mm X 2 = 1 metre. I would also consider what type of drawer space is provided (if it is!) if drawers are fitted with suspended filing you will need to conduct the same exercise as above to allow room to access these. This will allow for normal access & egress in everyday situations and for the fact that both (back to back) parties may need to exit at the same time in an emergency.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Based on the size of our employees we went for a minimum distance of 1600 mm between desks.
Not very scientific nor in any standard but we think it's adequate
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Rank: Forum user
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1800mm, I cannot find where that is written down but that is what we found in some guidance somewhere when I worked at another company.
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Rank: Forum user
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In Ireland the HSA recommend in their guidance 4.65 square meters as a minimum per person to include office desk and chair but excluding filing cabinets and other office furniture.
In places of work other than offices the space is 11.3 cubic meters per person.
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