This guide is intended for the use of architects, engineers, office managers, and others interested in designing, specifying, or operating open offices.

It is not intended to be applied to other than office environments, for example, open plan schools.

While this guide attempts to clarify the many interacting variables that influence office privacy, it is not intended to supplant the experience and judgment of experts in the field of acoustics. Competent technical advice should be sought for success in the design of open offices, including comparisons of test results carried out according to ASTM standards.

1.1 This guide discusses the acoustical principles and interactions that affect the acoustical environment and acoustical privacy in the open office. In this context, it describes the application and use of the series of ASTM standards that apply to the open office.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units in parentheses are provided for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.