Environmental

Noise
• Noise levels do not interfere with normal
conversation at a distance of 3ft.
• Mental tasks ( e.g. calculations, gauging)
are not performed in a high noise area
( grater than 85db).
• Auditory signals and alarms are at least 10
db greater than background noise
 ENVIRONMETAL
Vibration
• Top minimize vibration transforming to the hands, grip
forces applied to a vibrating tool are minimized (power
grip force < 7.5 lbs)
• Push forces applied to a vibrating tool are minimized
(push force < 2.8 lbs
• The hand and/ or arm does not contact vibrating tools or
equipment.
• No part of the whole body, contacts vibrating equipment
(e.g. equipment, platforms, fork trucks, etc>)
• Equipment vibration does not affect operator’s ability to
read displays.
 ENVIRONMETAL

Visual Tasks

• Viewed materials are positioned perpendicular to the worker’s line-of-sight

• For visual inspection tasks, the foreground and background colors enhance
contrast without creating eye fatigue.
• The worker does not lean forward to view the material.
• Daylight shining through windows does not shine in the worker’s eyes or on
the worksurface.
• Light reflected from shiny or light colored walls or equipment does not strike
the worker’s eyes or worksurface.
• For visually intensive work, task lighting is used.
• Task lighting from the other workplaces does not shine in the worker’s eyes
or on the worksurface.
• Lighting does not cast shadows on the work or the worksurface.
 ENVIRONMETAL
Temperature

• The worker is shielded or removed from hot equipment, processes,

or walls.
• For a fan to be an effective control measure, the air temperature is
less than 95’ F (35’ C).
• Workers know and understand the symptoms of heat exhaustion
( nausea, headaches, weakness, thirst, vertigo).
• Workers know and understand the things they can do to avoid heat
stress : drink fluids, avoid caffeinated beverages ( coffee, tea,
colas).
• Air conditioned rest areas are available for recovery breaks.
• Sources of water are available and consumption is encouraged.
 ENVIRONMETAL

Information Display
• Displays can be accurately read at normal working distance and
position.
• The operator can detect emergency conditions at all workstations.
• Critical components , such as emergency shutoffs, are located at the
primary workstation.
• Critical displays are shield or removed from areas of vibration, dust
and lint accumulation, low light and glare.
• Controls are label clearly.
• Controls are located beneath their corresponding display.
• Frequently used controls require low force to activate.
 ENVIRONMETAL
Facilities
• Equipment is arranged to allow adequate maintenance access.
• The following work area is provided for maintenance performed in :
A). Standing B) Stooping C) Kneeling D) Squatting
• Areas of high forktruck travel ( e.g. shipping & receiving) allow for safe
pedestrian travel)
• Forktruck travel is restricted to aisles outside work areas.
• Blind spots at heavy traffic areas are eliminated or minimized ( e.g.
intersections, restrooms, office entry).
 MANUAL TOOLS
• There are no potential pinch points on the tool.
• The tool can be used with either hand
• The tool handle is large and contacts most of the
hand and fingers.
• The tool sharpness is consistently maintained
• If the tool weight is greater than 4.5 lbs. the tool
is counterbalanced or supported.
• If a tool balancer is used, the tension will allow
freedom or motion to perform the tasks
( operator should not have to fight the balancer).
 MANUAL TOOLS
• All sharp edges and contact points are rounded, padded,
or eliminated.
• The user can hold the tool with a power grip rather than
a pinch grip (i.e. thumb and fingertips).
• For a power grip, the handle grip is approximately 5”
long and 1.5” in diameter.
• The tool is operated with the wrist in a straight.
• The operator releases or asides the tool when not in use.
• For cutting and gripping tools, a spring is used to return
the tool to its open position. (Spring-loaded tools,
scissors, snips, etc.)
 MANUAL TOOLS

• For gripping tools such as pliers and

scissors, the initial grip span is between
2.5” and 3.5”
• The tool forces are distributed over more
muscle groups. (More muscle groups e.g.3
fingers instead of one finger.) (Larger
muscle groups e.g. Shoulder and biceps
instead of hands and fingers.)
 MANUAL TOOLS

Powered Tools

• The tool handle is angled appropriately for the orientation

of the work piece.
• For a power grip the handle grip is approximately 5” long
and 1.5 “ in diameter
• The forces to move a tool through a material are low or
negligible (e.g. pushing an electric knife through fabric in
cutting operations).
• Tools weighing more than 4.5 lbs are supported or
counterbalanced
 MANUAL TOOLS
• For balanced tools; the grip is positioned near the centre
of gravity
• The electrical or pneumatic supply line allow freedom of
motion to perform the tasks.
• The operator can use the tool at or below his or her
shoulder height (48”)
• Tool torque is minimized by using torque-limiting
clutches, reaction bars, or their means of transmitting
tool forces adequate view of the workpiece.
• For tools requiring precise guidance or positioning, the
tool allows adequate view of the workpiece.
 MANUAL TOOLS

• The tool directs any byproduct and/ or

exhaust away from operator.
• The controls can be operated by either
hand. ( e.g. central location or duplicate
left and right controls).
 GENERAL WORK POSTURE

Upper Extremity CTD’s

• Pinch grip force does not exceed 2.0 lbs

• Power grip forces do not exceed 8 lbs
• Rapid or repetitive forearm rotation is minimized
for eliminated.
• Hand and finger pressing forces should be
minimized.
• Sharp contact edges on the machine or table are
eliminated.
 GENERAL WORK POSTURE

Upper Extremity CTD’s

• The worker’s off-hand does not serve as a workpiece

fixture or jig
• Wrists are maintained in straight, neutral postures
• Work rate is self-paced and is not dictated by machine
line, or incentives.
• There are no high frequency finger manipulations
required. (High frequency= greater than 2 per minute)
 GENERAL WORK POSTURE

Seated Tasks

• The workstation is easily adjustable for different

workers.
• For visually intensive work, the fixed height of
the worktable ( with adjustable chair and
footrest) is 2” to 4” above elbow height (or 34”)
• For light assembly work, the fixed height of the
worktable (with adjustable chair and footrest) is
1” to 2” below elbow height (or 29”).
 GENERAL WORK POSTURE
Seated Tasks

• For manual work, the fixed height of the worktable (with

adjustable chair and footrest) is 28”
• For visual work, the display is positioned so that neutral
neck postures are maintained (height from floor = 45”)
• Frequent reached than 14”, a reaching toll I sued.
• All vertical reaches are maintained below shoulder height
(36” from floor).
 GENERAL WORK POSTURE
Standing Tasks

• Fo rlight assembly , the workpiece and materials are near elbow height
( effective height=42”)
• For visually intensive work, the workpiece is 2” to 4” above elbow height=
44”)
• For tasks requiring high hand and arm force, the worpiece is 4” to 6” below
elbow height to utilize body weight ( effective height = 36”).
• No machine controls are foot activated (Foot controls should be avoided-
they require uneven weight distribution.)
• The workplace provides the option of sitting or leaning
• Foot rails are provided.
• Tow clearance beneath the machine or worksurface is provided.
• Anti-fatigue mats are provided.
 GENERAL WORK POSTURE
Visual Tasks

• Viewed materials are positioned perpendicular to the

worker’s line-of-sight.
• For visual inspection tasks, the foreground and
background colors enhance contrast without creating
eye fatigue.
• The worker does not lean forward to view the material
• Daylight shining through windows does not shine in the
worker’s eyes or on the worksurface
 GENERAL WORK POSTURE
Visual Tasks

• Light reflected form shiny or light colored walls or

equipment does not strike the worker’s eyes or the
worksurface
• For visually intensive work, task lighting is used.
• Task lighting from other workplaces does not shine in the
worker’s eyes or on the worksurface.
• Lighting does not cast shadows on the worksurface.
 MANUA: MATERIAL HANDLING
Lifting Tasks

• Objects are lifted from heights above 30” from floor (i.e.
knuckle height) and below 50” (i.e. shoulder height).
• The forward reach to the object should not exceed 10”
from body
• Workers do not twist at the waist to get or position
material
• Work rate is self-paced and is not dictated by machine,
line or incentives.
 MANUAL: MATERIAL HANDLING

Lifting Tasks

• Precisely lowering or positioning objects at

their destination is avoided.
• Weight of manually lifted object does not
exceed 51 lbs
• Employees are provided and use
mechanical assist devises where needed (
hoist, lifts, etc.)
 Carrying Tasks
• The carry distance is less than 20 feet
• The weight of the object is equally distributed within its
container
• The object has handles
• If no handles, a hook grasp can be used
• The object does not obstruct the person’s line-of-sight
while carrying.
• A cart is used instead of carrying
• Object is carried by the operator with the arms fully
extended and down at this or her side
• Before beginning the carry , the object is lifted from a
hand height of 30”
 Pushing & Pulling Carts
• Both the cart and material are below the
worker’s line-of-sight (55”)
• To initially move the object , a smooth , non
jerking motion is used.
• Cart handles are oriented vertically
• If handles are horizontal, these are located at
36” from floor.
• Cart handles are placed within the width of the
cart to avoid knuckles scraping on walls or
doorways.
 Pushing & Pulling Carts
• Shelf heights of carts are between 20” and 50” (i.e.
between knees and shoulders).
• To percent reaching and stooping, the cart shelves are
narrow, inclined, and / or retractable
• To improve the directional control of the cart, only 2 of
the 4 wheels swivel ( those closest to the worker)
• All casters or wheels are operable (e.. No under inflated
tires, flat tires, strings on wheels, wheels not greased.)
• For moving heavy loads, all cart casters are at least 6” in
diameter ( the larger the caster, the lower the necessary
push or pull forces).
 Pushing & Pulling Carts
• Pushing the cart or object on irregular
surfaces is prevented or minimized.
(Irregular surfaces, door still, elevator
threshold, material in floor, floor drains,
inclined ramps)
• All carts are pushed instead of pulled
• The floors surface void grease , moisture,
or debris.
 Standing Use
A standing workstation is because of:-

• Movement in the workplace

• Application of force
• Large work pieces
• Long reaches
 Seated Use
• A worksurface is provided for paperwork (like
production recording/ labeling tasks) whole
standing ( e.g. check writing stand at a store).
• Storage is provided of paper work or labeling
supplies
• Adjustments can be easily made for different
sized workers.
• The primary tasks, such as loading and
unloading material , are performed between
knuckle and elbow heights (30”-40”)
 Seated Use
• Frequently used controls are located between
elbow and shoulder heights (40”- 48”)
• Frequently used equipments components are
located close together to reduce travel distance.
• Vertical reaches are maintained between
knuckle and shoulder height (30”-48”)
• Forwards reaches are suitable for samller
workers (10”-15”)
• Overhead clearances are suitable for larger
workers (73”)
 Seated Use
• Thigh clearance is available for sit/ stand or leaning
workstations.
• Finished goods are unloaded or discharged from the
machine between knuckle and elbow heights (30”-40”)
• Equipment or machinery is located away from
obstructions such as building supports (I-beam columns)
or walls (minimum standing workplace depth is 28”)
• Visual work is located in standing worker’s line-of-sight
(60”)
• Raw materials used at the workstation are accessible at
heights between knuckle and shoulder height (30” to 50”)
 Seated Use
The workstation should be seated if :

• Precision is required
• Long work durations
• Stability of the hands is required
• Ability to see while working is required
• Wide variety of workers
 Seated Use
• Thigh and knee clearances are suitable for larger workers. 95%
male : knee depth = 25” thigh clearance = 26”.
• Controls and material are obtainable without reaching or twisting
• Reach distances are suitable for smaller workers (10”-15”)
• If multiple users, the chair provides quick and easy adjustability (i.e.
within 10 seconds).
• Visual work is positioned for neutral neck postures (vertical height =
27”)
• Monitors and displays for both seated and standing use are
duplicated or made height adjustable.
• Equipment or machinery is located away from obstructions such as
building supports (I-beam columns) or walls (Such supports an
obstruct workers access into or around machine).
• Adjustments are available for different sized workers and can be
made within 10 seconds
 Maintainability
• Control and components are standardized
between similar equipment
• The machine is designed for longer
intervals between maintenance (e.g.
sealed-for-life bearings)
• Visual access is provided to prevent “
working blind’.
• Visual access is provided to prevent
“working blind”.
 Maintainability
• Physical clearance is suitable for maintenance
access without constrained postures.
• Large, difficult-to-remove machine components
do not prevent access to other parts.
• Individual components are utilized into
subassemblies for rapid, easy removal.
• Where machine components weighing over 50
lbs must be remove, access to mechanical lifting
devices is provided (e.g. hoists, lifts , lift trucks)
• Line connections are designed so that t hey
only fit one way, the correct way.
 Maintainability
• For panels that must be removed controls and displays
are also labeled internally.
• For equipment coverings or panels, quick-release fasters
are used.
• Fastener styles and head shapes are communized on
the equipment
• To prevent loose screws, nuts, and washers, captive
fasteners are used.
• Machines and equipment are located away from outside
exits ( to prevent exposure to high and low outside
temperatures)
• The number of specialty tools required is minimized or to
tool is stores with or inside the equipments.
Equipment Location & Controls
• For frequently used machine controls, low force or no
force palm buttons are utilized 9e.g. light beam controls)
• Size and spacing between controls is compatible with the
type of clothing worn (e.g. gloves, coveralls).
• For controls requiring fine adjustment, a support is
provided for the hand being used.
• Controls that require fine adjustment are placed on the
right side of the equipment for use with the right hand.
• Controls are placed as close as possible beneath the
displays they affect.
 A quick Checklist to Review &
Adjust Your Computer Workstation
• Position the body so that forearms are parallel to
the floor with elbows close to body
• Adjust angle of keyboard so writs are in a neutral
position
• Place mouse or trackball beside keyboard and
where it can be used without reaching
• Adjust chair to comfortable height with things
parallel to the floor
• Adjust chair tilt tension so chair tilts comfortably
and computer user can recline as needed.
 A quick Checklist to Review &
Adjust Your Computer Workstation
• Adjust chair seat pan to comfortable angle and ensure
that feet remain on the floor
• Add a footrest if feet are not supported
• Adjust monitor so the top of the screen is located at he
same height as the eyes.
• Bi- and tri focal prescription glasses wearers may require
a lower monitor position. Do not allow the head to tilt
backwards for an extended period time. Corrective
glasses for computer use may be required.
• Adjust the monitor so the screen 17-22 inches from the
eyes.
• Place he document holder next to monitor
 A quick Checklist to Review &
Adjust Your Computer Workstation
• Check for monitor glare and correct by
changing or shielding the light source or
by rearranging the work area. Do not
reduce glare by compromising the monitor
height , angle , or location.
• If all of the above adjustments are marked
“OK”, then your are now working in a
stress-neutral position.
 Workstation Considerations
• Workstation depth 15” at knee
• Workstation depth 23” at toe
• Height clearance under workstation 26”
• Work surface width > 20” where only a keyboard is used
OR Work surface wide enough for extended keyboard
and a mouse or trackball (placed adjacent to the
keyboard) with additional space for documents and
equipment
• Work surface depth > for standard monitor OR work
surface deep enough to allow the monitor and keyboard
to be positioned in comfortable work positions.
• Arms and shoulders relaxed
 Keyboard Support
• Arms and shoulders relaxed
• Forearms parallel to the floor
• Elbows close to the body
• Keyboard support surface height
adjustable 23” to 28”. If fixed, keyboard
height 28” to 30”, and chair adjustable.
• Keyboard and/ or keyboard support
adjustable and tilted toward the operator 0
degree to 15 degree from the horizontal
 Keyboard Support
• Keyboard support located so worker can directly
face keyboard
• Keyboard home row at same level as writing
surface
• Keyboard and keyboard support adjustment
controls conveniently located and easy to use.
• Rounded edges
• Mouse/ trackball at a same height & distance as
keyboard
 Keyboard Support
• Head straight above shoulders while
viewing the monitor
• Neck straight while viewing the monitor
• Allows for viewing the monitor directly in
front of the operator
• Variable viewing distance and angles
• Monitor support adjustment controls
conveniently located and easy to use.
 Document Support
• Holds source document at 75 degree to 90
degree tilt.
• Located as close o monitor as possible
(approximately the same height and
distance from the eyes as the monitor.
 Seating Posture / Seating
• Computer user’s thighs parallel to ground
or tilted downward slightly.
• Computer user’s back is straight
• Seat height adjustment range from 16” to
21”
 Seating Posture / Seating
• Seat depth between 15” to 17”
• Minimum seat width 19”
• Seat pan angle adjustable in the 0 degree to 10
degree angle or fixed in that range
• Seat back to seat pan angle adjustable from 90
degree to 105 degree
• Seat pan has front edge relief design
• Firm seat pan cushion (1” to 1.5” compression)
• Lumbar support 6” to 9” above the seat pan
 Seating Posture / Seating
• Back rest adjustable vertically
• Back rest adjustable horizontally
• Back rest vertically convex, and
horizontally concave
• Height to centre of lumbar support 6” to
10” above seat pan
• Arm rests at east 19” apart
• Arm rests do not restrict operator’s
mobility
 Seating Posture / Seating
• Arm rests 6” to 9” higher than seat pan
• Arm rests padded with rounded edges
• Swivel capability for L or U shaped
workstations or limited access areas.
• Appropriate chair casters for floor surface
• Five point base
• Adjustment controls conveniently located
and easy to use.
 Foot Rest
• Workers can rest feet flatly on floor or on
the foot rest
• At least 2” high
• Slope of 0 degree to 10 degree toward the
operator
• At least 13” wide and 13” deep
• Adjustment c controls conveniently located
and easy to use
 Lighting
• Wall, ceiling , floor and other surface non
glossy
• Task lighting on source documents
• Anti-glare screens used only as last resort
to control effects of glare
• No bright light sources in the operator’s
filed of view
• VDT operator has control over/his her own
lightning
 Wrist Support
• Cushioned
• Support for the upper forearms , wrists, or
lower palms
• Allow for neutral posture of wrists
( straight)
• Approximately as high as the space bar
when used/ compressed
• Used when there is heavy keyboard ,
mouse , trackball, or 10 key calculator use.
Speaker Phones / Telephone Headsets

• Used when the computer user has a multi-

line telephone or uses the phone and
works on the keyboard and/ or paperwork
simultaneously