Overview
ISO 17651-2:2024 - Simultaneous interpreting - Interpreters’ working environment - Part 2: Requirements and recommendations for mobile booths provides guidance for the design, siting, installation and use of mobile booths used for simultaneous interpreting. Mobile booths are modular, free‑standing units that can be dismantled, transported and set up temporarily in rooms that are not permanently equipped for multilingual events. The standard emphasizes usability and accessibility for all interpreters and is intended to be used alongside ISO 20109 (equipment for simultaneous interpreting).
Key topics and technical requirements
This standard covers practical technical and human‑factors topics, including:
- Location and room characteristics
- Guidance on room layout, people flow and avoidance of disturbance sources (e.g., kitchens, corridors).
- Environmental limits such as CO concentration (≤ 1 000 ppm) and background noise: A‑weighted equivalent sound level LAeq ≤ 40 dB(A).
- Recommendations on reverberation control and use of absorbing panels.
- Siting and visibility
- Requirements to enable interpreters’ direct view of the event (Part 2 covers booths with direct view; Part 3 addresses booths without direct view).
- Design and handling
- Dimensions, mass, transport, storage, doors and windows considerations to ensure safe assembly, mobility and compliance with manual handling guidance.
- Acoustics
- Sound insulation and sound absorption measures to protect interpreter concentration and prevent cross‑talk between booths.
- Ventilation and thermal comfort
- Novel ventilation approaches to maintain comfort without compromising acoustics.
- Booth interior and services
- Lighting, work surface ergonomics, electricity supply, internet access, cable passages, language displays, furniture, storage and video display considerations.
- Accessibility and amenities
- Usability in line with accessibility standards (e.g., ISO 21542), plus requirements for interpreters’ rooms and toilet access.
Applications and users
Who benefits from ISO 17651-2:2024:
- Booth manufacturers and modular booth designers seeking compliance and best practices.
- Event organizers and venue managers planning temporary multilingual events and conferences.
- AV suppliers and technical integrators responsible for installation, ventilation and sound control.
- Conference interpreters and interpreter coordinators concerned with workplace conditions and accessibility.
- Standards bodies and consultants specifying booth requirements for international events.
Practical applications include trade shows, ad hoc conferences, pop‑up multilingual events, and any situation requiring temporary simultaneous interpreting facilities.
Related standards
- ISO 20109 - Equipment for simultaneous interpreting (use in conjunction)
- ISO 17651 series - other parts (e.g., Part 3 for booths without direct view)
- Referenced norms: ISO 3382 (room acoustics), ISO 21542 (accessibility), ISO 1182 (reaction to fire), among others.