MULTIPLE ACTIVITY
CHART
DEFINITION
• A multiple activity chart is a chart on which the activities
of more than one subject (worker, machine or
equipment) are each recorded on a common time scale to
show their interrelationship.
THE PRINCIPLES OF MOTION ECONOMY
• Use of the human body.
• Arrangement of the workplace.
• Design of tools and equipment.
USE OF THE HUMAN BODY
• The two hands should begin and complete their movements at the
same time.
• The two hands should not be idle at the same time except during
periods of rest.
• Motions of the arms should be symmetrical and in opposite
directions and should be made simultaneously.
• Continuous curved movements are to be preferred to straight-line
motions involving sudden and sharp changes in direction.
USE OF THE HUMAN BODY
• "Ballistic" (i.e. free-swinging) movements are faster, easier and
more accurate than restricted or controlled movements.
• Rhythm is essential to the smooth and automatic performance of a
repetitive operation. The work should be arranged to permit easy
and natural rhythm whenever possible.
• Work should be arranged so that eye movements are confined to
a comfortable area, without the need for frequent changes of focus.
ARRANGEMENT OF THE WORKPLACE
• Definite and fixed stations should be provided for all tools and
materials to permit habit formation.
• Tools and materials should be pre-positioned to reduce searching.
• Gravity feed, bins and containers should be used to deliver the
materials as close to the point of use as possible.
• Tools, materials and controls should be located within the
maximum working area and as near to the worker as possible.
• Materials and tools should be arranged to permit the best
sequence of motions.
ARRANGEMENT OF THE WORKPLACE
• "Drop deliveries" or ejectors should be used wherever possible so
that the operator does not have to use his hands to dispose of the
finished work.
• Provision should be made for adequate lighting, and a chair of the
type and height to permit good posture should be provided. The
height of the workplace and seat should be arranged to allow
alternate standing and sitting.
• The colour of the workplace should contrast with that of the
work and thus reduce eye fatigue.
DESIGN OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
• The hands should be relieved of all work of "holding" the
workpiece where this can be done by a jig, fixture or foot-
operated device.
• Two or more tools should be combined wherever possible.
• Where each finger performs some specific movement, as in
typewriting, the load should be distributed in accordance with the
inherent capacities of the fingers.
DESIGN OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
• Handles such as those on cranks and large screwdrivers should be
designed so as to permit as much of the surface of the hand as
possible to come into contact with the handle. This is especially
necessary when considerable force has to be used on the handle.
• Levers, crossbars and handwheels should be so placed that the
operator can use them with the least change in body position and
the greatest "mechanical advantage".
CLASSIFICATION OF MOVEMENTS