Ergonomics Principles and Guidelines
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Transcript of Ergonomics Principles and Guidelines
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Ergonomics Principles and
Guidelines
For Area OHS Supervisors
UNSW SCHOOL OF PHYSICS OHS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Based on UNSW Ergonomics Principles and Guidelines
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WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
ERGONOMICS is the scientific study ofhuman performance at work
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?Application of ergonomics principles to work
practices allows prevention and control
musculoskeletal injuries arising from repetitiveor forceful movement or/and maintainingawkward or constrained postures
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Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Injuries: sprains, strains, tears, degeneration
Symptoms: discomfort, pain, muscle fatigue,swelling, stiffness, inflammation, numbness,tingling, burning sensation, heaviness,weakness or clumsiness in hands
Disorders: Repetitive strain injury, Occupationaloveruse syndrome, Tendonitis, Carpal tunnelsyndrome, Degenerative disc disease, etc
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Area OHS Supervisors Responsibilities
Implementing and maintaining ergonomic principles Ensuring that people in your area are properly
trained in ergonomic principles Ensuring that people in your area follow safe
ergonomic practices Actively practicing and developing positive attitudes
towards ergonomic issues Ensuring that people in your area use the
ergonomic equipment provided Considering workplace layout, ergonomics and
individual needs when allocating tasks to people inyour area
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Responsibilities of Individuals
Complying with ergonomic safety instructions oftheir Area OHS Supervisors
Not putting themselves or other at risk by their
actions or omissions Making proper use of ergonomic equipment
provided
Using training received in applying ergonomic
principles to their tasks Reporting potential ergonomic hazards and
problem to their Area OHS Supervisors
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Work with Computers: What to
Consider Job design
Work practices: work breaks, keyboarding
duration, task rotation
Workstation: posture, chairs, desks,computer monitors, computer mouse,
ergonomic accessories
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Work with Computers: Job designand Task rotation
If possible, the job should be designed toallow rotation of work and inclusion oftask not involving repetitive and dynamic
muscle movement.
Work with Computers: Keyboarding
A safe working level of 4 hours ofintensive keyboard work per day (notincluding breaks) should not be exceeded
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Work with Computers: Work breaks
Where the job does not provide adequatebreaks through task variety, it isrecommended that short frequent breaksshould be taken during periods ofintensive computer use, i.e. 2-3 minutesevery 20-30 minutes. These breaks should
include whole body movement. Forexample, fatigue in the back is relived bystanding up and walking around
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Work with Computers: Posture
The feet are supported on the floor, or a footrest (if kneesare at greater that 900 )
No pressure caused by the front edge of the chair seatunder the thighs
The upper body is upright with the lower back firmlysupported by the backrest
The shoulders are relaxed and not hunched
The elbows and upper arm are close to the body
The head is upright or slightly inclined forward withminimum of strain on the neck
Forearms are horizontal and the wrists are straight whenthe fingers are on the keyboard
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Stable (a 5 star base)
Adjustable height range suited to the desk
A stable, independently adjustable backrest Freely moving castors when used on carpet or
glides for use on a hard floor surface
Armrests are not recommended as they arelikely to interfere with the ability to move thechair close enough to the desk
Work with Computers: Chairs
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Work with Computers: Desks
Height adjustable desks are the preferred option. Theheight to the top if the work surface should be between580mm and 730 mm above floor level
For a fixed height desk: between 680mm and 720mm The minimum work surface area: 1500mm x 900mm and
the maximum bench thickness 25mm The volume of leg space: minimum of 800 wide x
550mm deep x 580mm high The viewing distance to work: between 350 mm and 780
mm No sharp edges, protrusions or rough surfaces It is recommended that work surface be continuous due
to increase mouse usage, keyboard and mouse are onthe same level
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Work with Computers: Monitors
It is recommended that the screen is located
at approx arms length away from the
user
Directly in front of the user
Eye level and the bottom can be readwithout a marked inclination of the head
No glare and reflections
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Work with Computers: Mouse
To minimise fatigue when using the mouse:
Place the mouse on the a mouse pad to restrictthe area of movement for the hand and arm
Ensure the mouse is used with a straight wrist
The mouse pad should be placed as close aspossible to the keyboard to avoid over-reachingwith impact on shoulder/neck muscles
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Work with Computers: Ergonomic
AccessoriesConsider the following when trying to
address the ergonomic issues
A footrest
Document holder
Monitor stands and Monitor arms
Screen filter
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Look out For Other Repetitive
Actions or Sustained PosturesExamples:
Laboratory tasks, e.g. pipetting
Workshop task, e.g. repetitive hammering,repetitive lifting
Electronic workshop, e.g. soldering
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Environment: Lighting
Suitable light levels based on Australian Standard AS 16801990 Interior Lighting:
General background 200 Lux
Routine office work (typing, filing) 400 Lux
Work with poor contrast (proof reading) 600Lux
Overhead lighting should be fitted with glare reducing diffusersand light should fall from the side rather than from the front to
avoid reflection
Windows should be on the side of the user if possible, notdirectly behind or in front of the screen
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Work with Computers: Ventilation
Air movement of less than 0.1 meter per secondcan lead to stuffy rooms whereas air movementof more than 0.2 meters per second causes
droughts to be felt.
Australian Standard AS 1668.2 1991 Mechanicalventilation for acceptable indoor-air qualitysets
the minimum rate of 10 liters per second perperson for general office space or 10 liters persecond for every 10 square meters of floorspace
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Work with Computers: Indoor
Climate A comfortable temperature range for sedentary
work is between 210 and 240 C
The optimum range of relative humidity is 40-50%. Relative humidity below 20% can causedryness of the eyes, nose, throat and build up ofstatic charges. Humidity above 80% can cause
fatigues Draughts around the neck and the feet can
cause muscle contraction