The Ergonomics Of Workspaces And Machines

A Design Manual

E. N. Corlett, T. S. Clark

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN:
  9780748403202
• eBook ISBN:
  9781351988728
• Topic: Design
• Subtopic: Industrial Engineering

This influential text was fully revised and updated for the second edition with the addition of substantial new material, and takes the reader, in a logical sequence, through the main areas of ergonomics relevant to design, in a way that allows ergonomics to be integrated with all aspects of the design process.

1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction to the ergonomics of machines	Every industrial system consists of Sonne or all of the following components: hardware (the physical aspects); software (the non-physical aspects); the physical environment; and organization. The contribution of ergonomics to these components is set out briefly with particular emphasis on workplace and machine design.
1.2 Main considerations in the application of ergonomics	General and iterative procedures are given for the application of ergonomic data and principles to the design of workplaces and machines. Formulation of an ergonomics specification to cover construction, operation, maintenance, safety and decommissioning. The conduct and use of task analysis.
1.3 Ergonomics check chart	A chart is provided for use in the preliminary design of a system, in the preparation of a brief, for general requirements, and for use during the design process to check on omissions. The main design and performance factors, with the ergonomics factors associated with them given in the chart are: functional requirements; safety; operability; size; and maintainability.
1.4 Interaction matrix	An interaction matrix summarizes the principal interactions, and their strengths, between ergonomics factors and the design and operational factors involved in workplace and machine designs.

1.1 Introduction to the ergonomics of machines

1.1.1 Definition

Ergonomics can be defined as the study of human abilities and characteristics which affect the design of equipment, systems and jobs. It is an interdisciplinary activity based on engineering, psychology, anatomy, physiology and organizational studies. Its aims are to improve efficiency, safety and operator well-being.

1.1.2 Content

Every work system consists of some or all of the following components, each of which interacts with the others and with technical, economic and other considerations and constraints.

Ergonomics is concerned with the interfaces and interactions between the human operator(s) and the other components and with the effects of these interactions on system performance.

Figure 1.1 Chart of the interactions in the work system.

Table 1.1 Components of the work system.

1.1.3 Ergonomics considerations in machine design

Figure 1.2 Ergonomics considerations in machine design.

1.2 Main considerations in the application of ergonomics

1.2.1 Important considerations

Good ergonomics design should be regarded as an essential part of good design, not as something separate.

Ergonomics implications should be considered at ALL stages of the design process, especially the early stages.

All design decisions are likely to have some implications for operators or maintenance personnel. It is not sufficient only to consider ergonomics in the final detail stage when all major design decisions have been made.

Ergonomics implications should be considered and discussed by all concerned with or affected by a design.

Co-operation is needed between members of a design team and between designers and the client’s production department, personnel, etc. The comments of users are particularly valuable.

Ergonomics requirements should be included in the brief or specification so that their consideration is ensured.

Requirements should be as specific as possible or they may not be adequately considered. If necessary, ergonomics requirements should be budgeted for (e.g., design time, trials, etc.).

There are few simple rules in ergonomics but there are often limits beyond which performance or safety is likely to deteriorate.

Most design decisions involve compromises. If an optimal ergonomics solution is not possible the consequences should be carefully considered, especially if limits are exceeded.

Ergonomics data should be applied intelligently and with caution. In applying any data care is needed to ensure that the data are applicable to the problem in hand. The origins and assumptions of any data should be examined.

For more difficult problems, where a logical approach alone is insufficient, or where the consequences of error are serious, ergonomics specialists should be consulted.

Mock-ups and prototype trials are important for confirmation.

Using ergonomics information is likely to result in a better first approximation and ultimate design. However, the use of mock-ups, even simple ones, with representative users is valuable for confirming details of fit, reach, layout, etc.

1.2.2 Suggested procedure

Figure 1.3 A suggested iterative approach to design.

1.2.3 Ergonomics specification

Specifies the user population and the levels of human attributes required to be accommodated. Defines the performances required of the users and the equipment, as well as the effects of the design on the people in the environment.

Take each phase of the life cycle of the machine or workspace in turn, e.g. manufacture/assembly; setting up; use, including loading, unloading and servicing; maintenance; dismantling/disposal.

Review proposed design under each of the above headings; assess whether people’s capacities are able to achieve the objectives in each phase. Redesign to reduce mis-matches.

Specify users in terms of sex, age, language, skill/training. Set limits or ranges for human and for machine performance. Use Tables 1.1 and 1.2 as a basis for outline, then increase the detail using the appropriate parts of this manual, e.g. maximum noise levels; handling requirements; control/display requirements.

Use Table 1.3 as an aid to priority ranking of specification features. Set out proposals for evaluating how well the specification has been met.

1.2.4 Task analysis

Prior to designing equipment, the designer needs a clear understanding of how people will use it, build it, maintain it or even misuse it. The procedure for defining people’s activities with equipment is known as task analysis.

Information from task analysis will be relevant in a number of the areas given in Figure 1.3.

Task analysis seeks to identify all the various sub-tasks required to achieve the system’s objectives. The various sources of information required by the users are identified, as are the actions they are required to take, the postures and movements needed and the working conditions under which the work will be done.

The better the quality of this information, the more readily can the designer meet the demands of the specification. The use of a relatively formal procedure is advised, so that the subsequent data can be assessed and verified by users, others in the design team and by the system ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Summary of Contents
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Workspace Design
• 3 Environmental Design
• 4 Control Design
• 5 Displaysand Information
• 6 Maintainability
• 7 Designing for Safety
• Bibliography
• Index