KENYA STANDARD  DKS 2817 :2023  
ICS ##.### 
First Edition  
  
 © KEBS 2023   
 Furniture — Office Tables  — Specification   
 
 
 
 
DKS 2817 : 2023  
ii © KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS)  
Fast Choice Ltd  
Galua Fabricators Ltd  
Infinity Ltd  
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)  
Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Association (KNFJKA)  
Shauri -Moyo Furniture Association  
Rosewood Furniture manufacturers Ltd  
Village Furnitures  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed.  Suggestions for 
improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are 
welcome.  
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2023  
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130 of 2001 of  the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists 
in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 25 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Sta ndards 
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any mea ns without prior permission in writing from the 
Managing Director.   KENYA STANDARD  KS 2817 :2023  
ICS ##.###  
First  Edition  
 
© KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  iii 
  Furniture — Office Tables  —Specification   
 
Kenya Bureau of Standards,  Popo Road, Off Mombasa Road,  
P.O. Box 54974 - 00200,  Nairobi, Kenya  
 +254 020 6948000, + 254 722202137, + 254 734600471  
 info@kebs.org  
 @KEBS_ke  
 kenya bureau of standards (kebs)  
  
DKS 2817 : 2023  
iv © KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the Furniture  Technical Committee under the guidance of the Standards 
Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standards  
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following document (s):  
ECK 059: 2005: Wooden tables - Specification  
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance derived from this (these) source (s)  
 KS 2817 : 2023  
© KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  v 
  Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  iv 
Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  vi 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  1 
4 Symbols (and abbreviated terms)  ................................ ................................ ...............................  2 
5 Clause  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  2 
5.1 Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  2 
5.1.1  Subclause (level  2) ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  2 
5.1.2  Subclause (level  2) ................................ ................................ ..........  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
5.2 Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ..........  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
6 Clause  ................................ ................................ ...............................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
6.1 A level  1 subclause without a title.  ................................ ................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
6.1.1  A level  2 subclause without a title.  ................................ ................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
6.1.2  A level  2 subclause without a title.  ................................ ................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
6.2 A level  1 subclause without a title.  ................................ ................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
7 Special  ................................ ................................ ..............................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Annex  A (normative)  Annex title  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  8 
A.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  8 
A.2 Clause  ................................ ................................ ...............................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
A.2.1  Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ..........  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
A.2.2  Subclause (level  1) ................................ ................................ ..........  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
A.3 Clause  ................................ ................................ ...............................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  9 
 DKS 2817 : 2023  
vi © KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  
 Introduction  
Kenya Bureau of Standards is a national standards body (NSB). The work of preparing Kenya Standards is 
normally carried out through national technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which 
a technical committee has been established  has the right to be represented on that committee. National 
organizations, governmental and non -governmental, in liaison with KEBS, also take part in the work.  
Kenya Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the KS ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.  
The main task of technical committees is to prepare National Standards. Draft Kenya Standards adopted by the 
technical committees are circulated to the technical committee members for balloting. Publication as a Kenya 
Standard requires approval by at least  2/3 of the members casting a vote.  
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent 
rights. KEBS shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
This Kenya Standard was prepared by Technical Committee KEBS/TC 167, Furniture. Standards are reviewed 
every five years to ensure relevance in the marketplace and to keep up with current global trends. Te second 
edition revises the first, with the followin g…………..  
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following documents:  
IS 3663: 1993: Dimensions of tables and Chairs for office purposes.  
The assistance derived from these publications is hereby acknowledged.  
 KENYA STANDARD  D2817 : 2023  
 
© KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  1 
 Furniture — Office Tables —Specification  
1 Scope  
This Draft Kenya Standard prescribes the requirements and methods of test for tables for office use.  
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content 
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated 
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
KS 509: 1985   Synthetic resin adhesives for plywood phenolic and aminoplastic (first revision)  
KS 02 -302: 1983  Blockboards for general purposes — Specification  
KS 94: 1985   Synthetic resin adhesives for construction work (non -structural) in wood (first   Revision)  
KS ISO 12466 -1: 1999  Plywood for general purposes (second revision)  
KS ISO 7172: 1988  Furniture — Tables — Determination of stability  (Confirmed 2012)  
KS ISO 4211 -2  Furniture — Test for surfaces — Part 2: Assessment of resistance to wet heat.  
KS ISO 4211 -3  Furniture — Test for surfaces — Part 3: Assessment of resistance to dry heat.  
KS ISO 4211 -3  Furniture — Test for surfaces — Part 4: Assessment of resistance to impact.  
KS ISO 4568 -5  Decorative thermosetting synthetic resin bonded laminated sheets (first revision)  
KS ISO 15482   Cross -recessed head drilling screws with tapping screw head  
IS 12406: 1988   Medium density fibre boards for general purposes.  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
3.1 
Table/Desk  
a grouping of furniture items and components,  providing  a  horizontal  or slightly  inclined  work surf ace  or 
work surf aces, either fixed or adjustable  in height,  that facilitates the perf ormance of tasks in an office -like 
environment.  
 
2.2 
lip 
solid strip of wood, PVC, or other relevant suitable materials, often decoratively cut, used to finish the edge of 
a large element such as a top or edge of drawers, etc; Lipping is the process of setting lip onto a surface.  
Note. In cases where lipping is not used, the finishing shall be spray -, or hand -painted, or varnished, or 
moulded.  
 
3.3 
ergonomics  
the study of the relationship between people and their environment, especially the science that seeks to adapt 
work and working conditions to the worker.  
 
3.4 Horizontal surface definitions  
3.4.1 
Primary surface  
a surface which has the apparent potential for the highest loading. In cases where more than one horizontal 
surface of a desk exists, there may be more than one primary surface.  
 
3.4.2 
Secondary surface  
 a surface used   for  storage  (e.g. a shelf) or a dedicated surface located lower than the primary surface.  DKS 2817 : 2023  
2 © KEBS: 2023 : – All rights reserved  
  
3.4.3 
Dedicated surface  
a surface located at heights different from the primary surfaces which is occupied exclusively by the quipment.  
 
3.4.4 
Adjustable keyboard surface  
a moveable surface    which  is  occupied  primarily by the keyboard.  
 
4 Footrest  
4.1 The working position may need to include a footrest in which case the footrest shall comply with the 
following:  
 
4.1.1  It shall be free standing.  
 
4.1.2  It shall ensure sufficient space for the feet and allow changes in position.  The top surface shall be flat.  
 
4.1.3  Its dimensions shall be as specified in clause 3.2.  
 
4.2 Dimensions (see Fig. 1)  
The dimensions of footrests, if provided, shall be:  
 Length Q1: 450 mm, Min.  
 Width Q2:   350 mm, Min  
 Height Q3:   
 
Fixed:   front edge l1, 40 ± 5 mm  
   rear edge l2, 100 mm, Min  
 
Adjustable:  front edge l1, 35 mm, Min  
         slope 10o to 20o  
 
5 Modesty panel  
Wooden office tables shall be fitted with modesty panel. When a modesty panel is fitted it shall provide operator 
privacy under the work surface. The space between modesty panel shall not be greater than 400 mm from the 
floor when the work surface is in it s highest position, and shall not interfere with work surface height adjustment.  
6 MATERIALS  
 
6.1 Tabletops  
Tabletops shall be made from wood, MDFs, particle boards, chipboards and any other suitable material . 
 
6.1.1 Block board  
Block boards used in the manufacture of tabletops  shall conform to the requirements of the latest edition of KS 
302. 
 
6.1.2 Solid wood  
The solid wood used in the manufacture of tabletops shall conform to the requirements of KS 656 -1:2006.  
 
6.1.3 MDF Board . If MDF board (laminated or not) are used as finishing on tabletops , they shall meet 
requirements of clauses 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.4 and 6.2.5.  
 
6.1.4 Plastics . Decorative plastic laminate used for tabletop surface overlayed with plastic, or high pressure 
decorative laminates  shall conform to KS ISO 4586 -5:2015 and shall be of mat finish or glossy finish.  
 
6.1.5 Veneer  decorative laminates, if used, shall conform to the requirements of latest edition of ISO 
18776:2008.  
 
6.2 Adhesives  KS xxxx: yyyy  
© KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  3 
 Adhesives used for joinery shall conform to the latest edition of KS 509.  
 
6.3 Wooden Screws  shall conform to the latest edition of KS ISO 15482.  
 
6.4 Metal Components  
 
The following requirements apply:  
 
(a) All metal components shall be finished to leave no sharp, rough or dangerous surfaces.  
 
(b) All exposed metal surfaces where a risk of corrosion exists shall be treated with a non -corrosive, durable 
coating prepared and applied in accordance with coating manufacturers recommendations. The finish shall have 
adequate resistance to wear.  
 
(c) Chromium plating and paint finish, where required, shall have surfaces prepared and plating or painting 
applied in accordance with sound trade practices.  
7 DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS  
 
7.1 Nominal dimensions of the tabletops  
 
7.1.1 Work surface area  
(a) The work surface area shall be adequate for the tasks to be performed at the table/ desk.  It shall be large 
enough to accommodate a screen, keyboard and associated equipment and leave sufficient room for writing 
and for the resting of hands and arms. The table/ desk shall also be large enough to permit items used regularly 
to be within easy reach of the operator from the normal operating position (see Figure 2 (a))  
 
(b) For single task operations ( e.g., Keyboard work), the work surface shall have minimum dimensions of 1200 
mm x 750 mm. Special sizes may be allowed between purchaser and manufacturer.  
 
(c) For mixed tasks ( e.g., Keyboard and clerical work), the work surface shall have minimum dimensions of 
1500 mm x 750 mm (see Figure 2(a)).  
 
(d) Under the table/ desk there shall be ample knee space, sufficient room to prevent a mobile unit from 
protruding beyond the front of the work surface and be of sufficient height to not impede a full work surface 
adjustment if storage facilities are located under an adjustab le table/ desk.  
 
7.2.2 Height adjustable work surfaces   
The following requirements apply:  
 
(a) Work surfaces with height adjustment capability in the vertical direction shall have a minimum travel of 150 
mm (see Figure 1(c)).  
 
 
Table 1: Dimensions of Office Tabletops  
 
 
All dimensions in millimetres  
Length     Width  
 
1200        600 
1200        700 
1500        900 
1800        900 
1800     1200  
 
NOTE -Tolerance of length and width is  6 mm.  
 
 
Note. For standing tables/desks the range shall be 700 to 1200 mm.  
 DKS 2817 : 2023  
4 © KEBS: 2023 : – All rights reserved  
 (b) Where adjustable, the top of the work surface shall include a range of movement between 610 and 760 mm 
from the floor (see Figure 2(a)) .  
 
(c) If the desk height adjustment is provided in steps, they shall be not more than 25 mm apart.  
 
NOTE: Continual adjustment of the desktop is preferable.  
 
7.2.3 Mechanically assisted controls   
 
The following requirements shall apply:  
 
(a) All controls shall be easily operated from the seated position without requiring excessive physical effort or 
any special tools or equipment, and without risk of trapping the fingers.  
 
(b) The control mechanism should be smooth and quiet in operation, and stable when the control is released, 
e.g., the height control shall not wind down under gravity alone.  
 
(c) Control knobs, buttons or handles shall be smooth and comfortable to the hand and positioned to avoid 
personal injury and damage to clothing. They shall also be placed or shielded to avoid accidental operation. 
Knobs and handles shall not be easily rem ovable.  
 
(d) The function and direction of movement of each control shall be clearly marked or otherwise obvious. 
Mechanical and electrical controls shall comply with the conventions for directions of movement set out in KS 
IEC 447.  
 
(e) Indicators shall also be provided so that the operator can readily see the position of the work surf ace within 
the adjustment range.  
 
7.2.4 Fixed height work surfaces  
 
NOTE: A fixed height desk fit ted with an adjustable keyboard platform is an alternative to the preferred option of a height 
adjustable desk.  
 
For fixed height work surfaces, the height of the work surface shall be not less than 680 mm and not greater 
than 800 mm with the keyboard platform being vertically adjustable within a 120 mm range below the work surf 
ace. The height should be 700 mm to 720 mm.  
 
Note. This can be varied depending on the agreement between the purchaser and the seller.  
 
7.2.5 Work surface thickness  The minimum thickness of the work surface over the leg space including any 
supporting structure shall be 16 mm. For glass or other surfaces, the thickness shall be appropriate as to give 
a befitting strength.  
 
7.2.6 Work surface finish   
 
The work surface finish should be easy to clean and enable the user to w rite on a single sheet of paper without 
backing.  
 
7.2.7 Leg space   
 
The following requirements apply:  
 
(a) Sufficient space should be provided  under the work surface to allow free leg movement without obstruction.  
 
(b) The minimum knee space shall be 650 mm wide and 450 mm deep (see Figure 3).  
For fixed height work surfaces the minimum height of the knee space shall be 645 mm.  
 
(c) Leg space depth front to back, measured at a distance above the floor of 120 mm shall be a minimum of 600 
mm (see Figure 3). Leg space depth should be available over a full 650 mm width.  
 KS xxxx: yyyy  
© KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  5 
  
Figure 3. Leg  space Dimensions  
 
NOTES:  
1 Leg space depth is measured horizontally from front to back. This criterion ensures users are able to sit at the desk witho ut 
encountering restriction at knee level.  
2 Leg space width is measured horizontally with any fixed or mobile storage unit or any other equipment in place. The 
minimum requirement is necessary to allow changes in leg posture and to facilitate chair swivel for reaching to the side or 
getting on and  off the chair.  
 
7.2.9 Standing desk Where a desk is not adjustable, the work surf ace shall  be a maximum of 950 mm in height 
(preferred 900 mm). Where the work surf ace is adjustable in height, it should at least include the range of 900 –
1100 mm from the floor.  
 
The nominal dimensions of the work surface or tabletop shall be in accordance with table 1. The following 
requirements shall apply: A subclause shall not be created unless there is at least one further subclause at the 
same level. For example, text in clause 10 shall not be designated subclause “10.1” unless there is also a 
subclause “10.2”.  
 
The nominal dimensions of the office tabletops shall be as given in table 2.  
 
Figure 1. Ergonomic dimensions of table  
 
 
 
DIMENSIONS IN MM  
Figure 2. Dimensions for Office table/desk  
DKS 2817 : 2023  
6 © KEBS: 2023 : – All rights reserved  
  
 
Figure 3.Leg Space Dimensions  
 
KS xxxx: yyyy  
© KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  7 
  
8 Functional Safety  
 
8.1 The corners/edges of the tabletop shall not have sharps and shall be well rounded. A minimum radius of 2 
mm should be recommended.  
 
8.2 All surfaces of the table including the underside of the tabletop, shall be free of projection and other hazards 
that could cause personal injury or damage to clothing.  
 
8.3 Motors should not cause interference or damage to equipment memory.  
 
8.4 Wiring and cabling shall comply with relevant Standards. A  paragraph.  
 
9  TESTS  
 
9.1  Tabletops  shall be tested as in accordance with KS ISO 19682:2023 , Furniture — Tables — Test 
methods for the determination of stability, strength and durability  
9.2  Dimensions  
 
The samples shall be checked to conform to the dimensions and tolerances specified in table 1 and figures 2 
and 3 above.  
 
10 Marking instructions and reports  
 
10.1 Marking Requirements and Instructions  
 
All desks shall be supplied with full operating instructions and clearly marked with the following:  
 
(a) The manufacturer’s/suppliers or importer’s name and address.  
 
(b) Registered trademarks, if any;  
 
(c) KEBS mark of quality  
 
10.2 Test Reports  
Test reports shall be reproduced in full, be provided on request and include a summary of compliance with the 
functional requirements in this Standard.  
NOTE: Manufacturers making a statement of compliance with this Kenya Standard on a product, packaging, or promotional 
material related to that product are advised to ensure that such compliance is capable of being verified.  
 DKS 2817 : 2023  
8 © KEBS: 2023 : – All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Annex title  
A.1 General  KS xxxx: yyyy  
© KEBS 2023  – All rights reserved  9 
 Bibliography  
[1] ISO ##### -#, General title — Part #: Title of part  
[2] ISO ##### -##:20##, General title — Part ##: Title of part  
A Bibliography , if present, shall appear after the last annex.  
The bibliography may include  
— documents that are not publicly available,  
— documents which are only cited in an informative manner, and  
— documents which have merely served as bibliographic or background material in the preparation of the 
document.  
For online referenced documents, information sufficient to identify and locate the source shall be provided. 
Preferably, the primary source of the referenced document should be cited, in order to ensure traceability. 
Furthermore, the reference should, as far as possible, remain valid for the expected life of the document. The 
reference shall include the method of access to the referenced document and the full network address . 
 KS xxxx: yyyy    
 
© KEBS yyyy– All rights reserved