| Document ID (ISN) | 75248 |
| CIS number |
00-1181 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0169-8141 - International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics |
| Year |
1999 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Hermans V., Hautekiet M., Spaepen A., Cobbaut L., De Clerq J. |
| Title |
Influence of material handling devices on the physical load during the end assembly of cars |
| Bibliographic information |
Oct. 1999, Vol.24, No.6, p.657-664. Illus. 15 ref. |
| Abstract |
The effect of using a mechanical device on physical load was analysed during the end assembly of cars. Five tasks, further sub-divided into lifting and positioning, were performed by someone experienced in working with and without the mechanical tool. A practical methodology was used: the subjective walk and talk through method, the NIOSH equation (1991), a three-dimensional goniometer (Back Tracker) and surface electromyography (EMG) of the relevant muscle groups. According to the NIOSH equation, 8 out of 10 of the tasks should only be performed by trained workers and preferably with tools. The Back Tracker revealed that the mechanical tools reduced posture angles significantly (p≤0.05) for installing the windows, but not for left lateroflexion during pre-assembly of windows. It was clear from the EMG analysis that using tools did not always decrease muscular activity significantly. In general, the appropriateness of each tool needs to be evaluated separately taking subjective criteria into account. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
physical workload; motor vehicle industry; joining and fastening |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
posture recording; manual lifting; tools and work holding devices; lumbar column; maximum acceptable weight of lift; motion study; measurement of physical workload; electromyography; upper extremities |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Belgium |
| Subject(s) |
Occupational physiology
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Physiology, ergonomics
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Motor vehicle manufacturing industry
|
