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IS 9236:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for metal letter-rests. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, construction, workmanship, and finish for metal letter-rests used in offices. It aims to ensure product quality, durability, and stability for holding documents for reading or typing.
A-A-2122AU.S. General Services Administration (GSA), USA
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Holder, Copy
Defines the requirements for various types of document holders for office use, including material and construction.
ISO 9241-5:1998International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
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Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) — Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements
Recommends the use of an adjustable document holder for ergonomic purposes but does not specify its material or construction.
Key Differences
≠IS 9236 specifies two fixed sizes (Size 1 and Size 2), whereas GSA A-A-2122A defines types and classes based on features like magnetism (Type I/II) and mounting (desktop vs. flexible arm).
≠The Indian Standard describes a simple, fixed-angle design made from a bent sheet of metal. In contrast, international ergonomic guidelines and standards like GSA A-A-2122A emphasize or require angle adjustability for user comfort.
≠IS 9236 is a prescriptive standard, detailing exact dimensions and material thickness. GSA A-A-2122A is more performance-oriented, specifying what the holder must do (e.g., be stable, hold paper) rather than its exact dimensions.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 9236 and GSA A-A-2122A specify steel as a primary material of construction for the letter-rest.
≈Both standards include requirements for a protective finish (e.g., painting, enamel) to prevent corrosion and provide a smooth, uniform appearance.
≈The fundamental purpose defined in both standards is identical: to provide a stable, free-standing device to hold documents in an upright position on a desk.
≈Both standards require the product to be free from sharp edges, burrs, or other defects that could cause injury to the user or damage to the work surface.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Product Variants
Size 1 (350x250 mm) and Size 2 (250x200 mm)
Type I (Non-magnetic), Type II (Magnetic); Class 1 (Desktop), Class 2 (Flexible arm)
GSA A-A-2122A
Primary Material
Mild steel sheet conforming to IS 1079 or Aluminium alloy sheet conforming to IS 737
Cold-rolled steel, commercial quality
GSA A-A-2122A
Steel Sheet Thickness
0.80 mm
Not less than 0.0359 inch (approx. 0.91 mm)
GSA A-A-2122A
Angle Adjustability
Not specified; design implies a fixed angle.
Shall be adjustable to various angles of vision.
GSA A-A-2122A
Finish
Stoving synthetic enamel or other suitable paint; Aluminium may be anodized.
Enamel or powder coat, color gray. Must pass adhesion and humidity resistance tests.
GSA A-A-2212A
Stability
The rest shall be stable and shall not tilt with paper on it.
The holder shall be stable and shall not tip over on a smooth level surface.
GSA A-A-2122A
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Minimum thickness of mild steel sheet0.80 mm
Typical angle of inclination of rest plate60 to 75 degrees