ASSIGNMENT 02

ASSIGNMENT 02
ARCH 601
Ergonomics
Submitted To :
Patrick D’ Rozario
Assistant Professor
Department of Architecture
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Submitted By :
Anika Dey Puja
2201059
Level I Term II
Department of Architecture
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Write down the significance of Ergonomics, state the
considerations while performing hand and arm posture and
lifting activity.
Ergonomics is crucial in addressing social problems related to safety,
health, comfort, and efficiency. It helps reduce accidents and disasters in
various settings. Poor design of equipment, technical systems, and tasks
can lead to health issues like lower back pain and psychological
illnesses. It prevents injuries, enhances productivity, and boosts
employee satisfaction. Organizations benefit from cost savings, reduced
healthcare expenses, and reduced absenteeism. Ergonomics also ensures
long-term health benefits, supporting aging workers and maintaining
productivity. Therefore, it's a cornerstone of effective workplace design
and management. Ergonomics can improve working conditions,
preventing injuries, and improving performance. In complex technical
systems like process installations, nuclear power stations, and aircraft,
ergonomics is a key factor in reducing operator error. Official standards,
such as ISO, CEN, and national standards, encourage the application of
ergonomics, and specific ergonomic standards are applied in individual
companies and industrial sectors.
HAND AND ARM POSTURE
Working long periods with poor posture can cause wrist, elbow, and
shoulder complaints. Bented wrists inflame nerves, causing wrist pain
and tingling. Tennis elbow is another ailment. Long-term work with
unsupported, raised arms, especially from handling tools, can lead to
repetitive strain injuries. Correct hand and arm postures can be promoted
by maintaining necessary steps given below-
• Selection of the right model of tool-
Select the appropriate tool model for the task and posture to maintain
neutral joint position, as illustrated in figure below-
• Using curved tools –
Avoid bending the wrist by using curved tools, keeping wrists
straight, and avoiding repetitive or forceful motions that
strain tendons.
• Hand-held tools must not be too heavy –
Hand-held tools should not exceed 2kg when used with one hand,
and heavier weights allowed on surfaces, with lifting weights
considered. Heavy tools can be suspended on a counterweight.
• Maintenance of tools -
Proper tool maintenance reduces bodily stress, wear, noise, and
vibration, especially for blunt knives, saws, and motorized hand-held
tools that require greater force.
• Paying attention to the shape of handgrips –
Handgrips on equipment should be shaped and located considering

the position of the hands and arms. For full hand exertion, the
handgrip should be 1cm diameter and 10cm long, slightly convex,
and not constrained by fingers or gloves.
• Avoiding carrying out tasks above shoulder level –

To avoid tasks above shoulder level, keep hands and elbows
below shoulder level. If work is unavoidable, limit duration and
taking regular breaks can solve the problem.
• Avoiding working with the hands behind the body –
Avoid working with hands behind the body, as this posture occurs
when sliding away objects, such as at supermarket check-outs.
LIFTING
Despite mechanization and automation, manual lifting remains a
common cause of lower back complaints. Many lifting situations do not
meet ergonomic requirements. This section provides guidelines and
measures for lifting, including production technique, task organization,
workplace position, load shape, weight, handgrip presence, lifting
accessories, and working methods. Proper lifting techniques are crucial
to minimize the risk of injury and improve efficiency. Considerations for
Proper Lifting Techniques –
• Restricting the number of tasks which require displacing loads

manually –
Production systems should utilize mechanization to reduce manual

lifting, but it's crucial to address new posture and movement
issues, such as prolonged manual operation of machines or lifting
accessories, heavy maintenance work on difficult-to-access
machines, noise and vibration, monotony, and reduced social
contacts. If heavy or frequent lifting isn't possible, it should be
alternated with light activities like job enrichment. Work pace
should be set by the individual involved, and avoid situations
where the rate of lifting is imposed by a machine, colleagues, or
supervisor.
• Creating optimum circumstances for lifting –
To optimize manual lifting for heavy loads up to 23kg, ensure the

load is held close to the body, with a horizontal distance of 25cm
from hand to ankles, initial height of 75cm, vertical displacement
not exceeding 25cm, and both hands can pick up the load. Fit the
load with handles or hand-hold cut-outs, and choose the lifting
posture freely. Avoid twisting the trunk during lifting, and
maintain a lifting frequency of less than one lift per five minutes.
The lifting task should last no more than an hour, followed by
resting time.
• Ensuring that people always lift less –
People should lift less than 23kg in optimal lifting situations.

However, lifting conditions are never optimum, so the maximum
allowable load should be significantly less. The load should not
exceed a few kilograms if picked up far away and displaced over a
large vertical distance.
• Using NIOSH method –
The American National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) developed the NIOSH method to assess lifting
situations. This method considers factors such as horizontal and
vertical distance, trunk rotation, vertical displacement, lifting
frequency and duration, and coupling between hands and load. The
NIOSH equation assumes that the lifting posture can be freely
chosen and the load is lifted with both hands. The recommended
weight limit is reduced for unfavourable conditions using a series
of multipliers. If the lifting situation doesn't meet the NIOSH
method's requirements, the method may result in too high values.
Software packages have been developed to analyze lifting
situations using the NIOSH method, helping to develop
improvements.
• Not too much lightweighted individual loads –
Load weight must be carefully chosen, not exceeding NIOSH

recommendations under normal conditions, and not too light to
avoid frequent lifting and the risk of lifting multiple loads
simultaneously.
• Making the workplace suitable for lifting activities -

The workplace should be designed for lifting activities, with tables,
shelves, and machines providing optimal conditions. Loads should
be approached properly, with sufficient foot and legroom for
stability and knee bend. Twisting the trunk is unnecessary, and the
load should be at a height of approximately 75cm and close to the
trunk. Higher and closer load positions can increase lifting activity
admissibility.
• Loads should be fitted with handgrips –
Loads should be fitted with two handgrips for easy grasping and
lifting, avoiding fingers for less force, and ensuring the load cannot
twist when lifted.
By following these considerations, individuals can lift objects

safely, preventing injuries and promoting long-term health. Proper
lifting techniques are not only essential for physical well-being but
also contribute to enhanced productivity and workplace safety.

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ASSIGNMENT 02

• Paying attention to the shape of handgrips –

Handgrips on equipment should be shaped and located considering

• Avoiding carrying out tasks above shoulder level –

• Restricting the number of tasks which require displacing loads

Production systems should utilize mechanization to reduce manual

• Creating optimum circumstances for lifting –

To optimize manual lifting for heavy loads up to 23kg, ensure the

• Ensuring that people always lift less –

People should lift less than 23kg in optimal lifting situations.

• Not too much lightweighted individual loads –

Load weight must be carefully chosen, not exceeding NIOSH

• Making the workplace suitable for lifting activities -

By following these considerations, individuals can lift objects

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