Preferred tool shapes for various horizontal and vertical work locations

Details

• Personal Author:
  Armstrong TJ ; Herrin, Gary D. ; Snook SH ; Ulin SS
• Description:
  A study was conducted on levels of perceived exertion in subjects performing work tasks using three tool shapes and 11 work positions. Volunteers used three power screwdrivers with different shapes to drive 25 screws at seven vertical and four horizontal positions. Each combination was rated. Perceived exertion levels were lowest on the horizontal surface using the right angle tool and the pistol tool had the lowest ratings on the vertical surface. The highest ratings were seen at the lowest and highest work locations. Ratings increased on the horizontal surface as work location was moved farther away from the subject. Statistical analysis showed that work orientation, work location, and tool shape were significant factors in the perceived exertion. Preferred vertical work orientations using the pistol and in line tools were at 114 and 140 centimeters (cm) and, using the right angle tool, at 89, 114, 140, and 165cm. A majority of the subjects preferred work locations between 13 and 38cm on the horizontal beam using any of the three tools. Results agreed with predictions based on anthropometric data and theoretical arguments. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Biomechanical Phenomena Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Diseases Occupational Health Safety Staff Development
• Keywords:
  Anthropometry Biomechanics Hand-tools Musculoskeletal-system-disorders NIOSH-Grant NIOSH-Publication Physical-stress Power-tools Training
• ISSN:
  1047-322X
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Michigan ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  327-337
• Volume:
  7
• Issue:
  5
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:00206956
• Citation:
  Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1992 May; 7(5):327-337
• Contact Point Address:
  Industrial & Operations Engr University of Michigan 2254 G G Brown Laboratory Ann Arbor, Mich 48109
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  1992
• Performing Organization:
  University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  19820701
• Source Full Name:
  Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• End Date:
  19950630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:a3e84c4185925b208151cb381f76cce96eb86b38666fd54105870525bba7ca4404e1a79bf1fc07149bdb46cd3d73ff786768db6cfe866598341ea14f9f351669
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/205389/cdc_205389_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.24 MB ]