Ergonomic Work Equipment Quiz

Ergonomic Work Equipment and Tools

• Tools are anything used by hand, including pencils and rulers.
• Tools have components.
• Ergonomic aspects of tools focus on the parts people directly interact with.
• Tools are designed to save energy, with needs determined by form and function.
• Tool design must match intended function, respecting principles of anthropometry (human dimension) and biomechanics (human movement).
• Tool design aims to minimize user fatigue, through handle design, movements, and impact force.
• Tools are typically designed for the majority of users, based on average hand sizes. Specific user needs are harder to accommodate.

Requirements for Design Tools

• Tools consist of a head (the part you work with) and a handle (the part you hold).
• The handle is the focus of ergonomic design, impacting how people use the tool.

Work Tools and Equipment

• Work tools and equipment were the first inventions to save human energy.
• Human needs dictate form and function.
• Hand pressure point diagrams are used to help design ergonomic tools.

Tool Design Principles

• Tool design must comply with the function intended.
• Anthropometry (human dimension) and biomechanics (human movement) are crucial for ergonomic tools.

Considerations for Tool Design

• Tools cannot be designed for each individual.
• Design should adapt to both right-handed and left-handed users, if possible.
• Appropriate force and precision design is essential (e.g., a hammer vs. a nail-puller).
• "Feedback" mechanisms are crucial; how the tool gives information to the user (e.g., how the hammer's resistance tells the user about the nail).

Incorrectly Designed Handles

• Incorrect handle design may not affect tool efficacy, but cause issues like blisters, joint problems, or hand pathology.

Handle Design Considerations

• Handles should support natural palm grip, and avoid strong ribbed grips.
• Handle length and curvature should avert injuries by limiting the range of motion required.
• Suitable handle length ranges from 130 to 150 mm, and depend on force moment.
• 25-40 mm handle diameter is common with higher standards. Handle thickness should be at least 6mm.

Power Transmission and Comfort

• Handle design should maintain a straight line from the hands to the tools.
• The angle where the axis of the arm and the tool meet should fall between 100-110 degrees.

Materials and Personal Protective Equipment

• Tool materials affect conductivity (heat and electricity) and grip.
• Tool handles should be fairly smooth for optimal grip, and avoid porosity to reduce dust and accumulation.
• Design decisions must account for personal protective equipment (PPE) needed.

Ergonomic Considerations of Tool Handles

• Ergonomic tool handles prevent arthritis and back pain, and reduce repetitive strain injuries.
• Handles should adapt to diverse heights.

Different Tool Types and Materials

• Different tool types and materials exist (e.g. different spade handles, different materials).
• The best tools will vary for different people, needs, and tasks.

Ergonomic Hand Tools

• Designs must account for the maximum reach possible.
• Appropriate tool handles account for worker height differences.

Ergonomic Pruning Tools

• For tasks requiring significant power, use tools with longer handles and max wrist opening.

Trowels

• Good designs will support stress-free, functional use (e.g. neutral hand position).
• Poor designs will cause strain. (e.g., stretched tendons, callouses).

Bricklaying Trowels

• Specific tool design features (e.g., quality of blades, material, handle design).

Computer Mouses

• Vertical ergonomic mice help maintain neutral arm position.
• Typical or Ordinary mouses cause arm twisting.
• The correct mouse size is critical.
• Recommendations exist for mouse sizing based on hand size.

Additional Concepts

• Proper hand and wrist position is critical to avoid injury with various tools.
• Information about proper ergonomic considerations (video resources).
• Examples of different tool designs, for a variety of applications.

Test your knowledge on ergonomic work tools and equipment. This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of tool design, focusing on how ergonomics influences user interaction and fatigue reduction. Understand the components and requirements for effective ergonomic tool design.