Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ergonomic Tools?
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It says that they are ergonomic, but are they and why?
Biomechanical Considerations
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Tissue Compression
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Poor handle design causes compression of nerves and blood vessels in the
hand.
Reshaping the tool can improve the functionality of the handle, as shown in
this redesign soldering iron.
Bent Pliers
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Bent handle scissor designs put the wrist in a better posture than
conventional designs.
Ergonomic Knives
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Ergonomic Knives
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Some knife designs use a sawing action and a straight wrist can be
maintained when the handle curves upwards.
Grip spans that are too small or large reduce grip strength and stability.
Grip span depends upon gender and anthropometric dimensions.
2.5-3.5 is optimal.
Poor design:
Ergonomic Design:
Posture and Adjustable handles
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Many different pen/pencil designs, but the principles of optimal grip span and
wrist posture still apply.
Pens/pencils should:
Ergonomic Instruments
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Hand tool use can become more difficult with many ageing disorders, such as
arthritis.
Numerous add-ons are available to help people with restricted dexterity to
perform commonplace manual tasks.
Resonant Frequencies
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Direction of vibration
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Vertical (up/down)
Horizontal (forwards/backwards)
Lateral (side-to-side)
Vertical Vibrations
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Vibration as a Nuisance
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Vibration-induced white finger (VWF) is the most common condition among the operators of
hand-held vibrating tools. Vibration can cause changes in tendons, muscles, bones and joints,
and can affect the nervous system. Collectively, these effects are known as Hand-Arm
Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). The symptoms of VWF are aggravated when the hands are
exposed to cold.
Attacks of whitening (blanching) of one or more fingers when exposed to cold
Tingling and loss of sensation in the fingers
Loss of light touch
Pain and cold sensations between periodic white finger attacks
Loss of grip strength
Bone cysts in fingers and wrists
Stage 0 No symptoms
OT - Intermittent tingling
ON - Intermittent numbness
OTN - Tingling and numbness
Stage 1 - Blanching of one or more fingertips with or without tingling and numbness.
Stage 2 - Blanching of one or more fingers with numbness, usually during winter only. Slight
interference with home and social activities; no interference with work.
Stage 3 -Extensive blanching with frequent episodes during both summer and winter. Definite
interference with work, home and social activities; restricted hobbies.
Stage 4 - Extensive blanching of most fingers; frequent episodes during summer and winter; finger
ulceration, gangrene. Occupation change required to avoid further vibration exposure.
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VWF Prevalence
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VWF Latency
Vibration Limits
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0.3-0.45 m/s for 8 hrs day for tractors, heavy vehicles, construction machinery (mostly 2-5 Hz vibrations)
Dampen hand-tool vibrations