Experiment No: 4 Experiment Name: Study of manual lifting operation and

determination of the recommended weight limit using the NIOSH lifting equation
Introduction Manual handling is an important application of ergonomic principles
that particularly addresses back injury prevention. A large proportion of the
accidents which occurs in industry involve the manual handling of goods. In the
United Sates, the report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH,l981) stated that back pain was attributed to overexertion by 60%
of back pain sufferers. About 500,000 workers in the US suffer some type of
overexertion injury per year. Approximately 60% if the overexertion injury claims
involve lifting and 20% involve pushing or pulling. The main contribution of
ergonomics to the reduction of hazards in manual handling is to redesign tasks and
to identify techniques and specify workloads which are safe. NIOSH has produced
a work practice guide for the design of manual handling tasks and an equation for
determining safe loads. In Europe, a new directive for design of these task has been
issued in 1990 and the U.K. Health and Safety Commission Consultative
Document (Health and Safety Commission, 1991 ) provides interesting proposals
for the design of manual handling tasks. Objective The objective of this
experiment is to study manual lifting operation and determination of recommended
weight by using the NIOSH lifting equation. The Revised Lifting Equation 1
Definition of Terms 1.1 Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) The RWL is the
principal product of the revised NIOSH lifting equation. The RWL is defined for a
specific set of task conditions as the weight of the load that nearly all healthy
workers could perform over a substantial period of time (e.g., up to 8 hours)
without an increased risk of developing lifting-related LBP. By healthy workers,
we mean workers who are free of adverse health conditions that would increase
their risk of musculoskeletal injury. The RWL is defined by the following equation:
RWL : LC X HM X VM X DM X AM X FM X CM
1.2 Lifting Index (LI)
The LI is a term that provides a relative estimate of the level of physical stress
associated with a
particular manual lifting task. The estimate of the level of physical stress is defined
by the
relationship of the weight of the load lifted and the recommended weight limit.
The LI is defined by the following equation:
LI= Load Weight/ Recommended weight Limit RWL =
RWL
L
1.3 Terminology and Data Definitions
The following list of brief definitions is useful in applying the revised NIOSH
lifting equation.
For detailed descriptions of these terms, refer to the individual sections where each
is discussed.
Methods for measuring these variables and examples are provided in Sections 1
and 2.
Lifting Task Defined as the act of manually grasping an object of definable size
and mass
with two hands, and vertically moving the object without mechanical
assistance.
Load Weight (L) Weight of the object to be lifted, in pounds or kilograms,
including the
container.
Horizontal Distance of the hands away from the mid-point between the ankles, in
inches
Locations (H) or centimeter (measure at the origin and destination of lift). See
Figure 1.
Vertical
Location (V)
Distance of the hands above the floor, in inches or centimeters (measure at
the origin and destination of lift). See Figure l.
Vertical Travel
Distances (D)
Absolute value of the difference between the vertical heights at the
destination and origin of the lift, in inches or centimeters.
Asymmetry
Angle (A)
Angular measure of how far the object is displaced from the front
(mid sagittal plane) or the worker’s body at the beginning or ending of the
lift, in degrees (measure at the origin and destination of lift). See Figure 2.
The asymmetry angle is defined by the location of the load relative to the
workers’ mid- sagittal plane, as defined by the neutral body posture, rather
than the position of the feet or the extent of body twist.
Neutral Body
Position
Describes the p body and there is minimal twisting at the legs, torso, or
shoulders. Position of the body when the hands are directly in front of the
Lifting
Frequency
(F)
Average number of lifts per minute over a 15 minute period.
Lifting Duration
Three-tiered classification of lifting duration specified by the distribution of
work-time and recovery-time (work pattern). Duration is classified as earlier
short (1 hour), moderate (1-2 hours), or long (2-8 hours), depending on the
work pattern.
Coupling
classification
Classification of the quality of the hand-to-object coupling (e.g., handles,
cut- out, or grip). Coupling quality is classified as good, fair, or poor.
Significant
Control
Significant control is defined as a condition requiring precision placement
of the load at the destination of the lift. This is usually the case when (1) the
worker has to re-grasp the load near the destination of the lift, or (2) the
worker has to momentarily hold the object at the destination, or (3) the
worker has to carefully position or guide the load at the destination
Fig: 4.1: Graphic Representation of Hand
Fig: 4.2: Graphic Representation of Angle of Asymmetry (A) 2 Lifting Task
Limitations The lifting equation is a tool for assessing the physical stress of two-
handed manual lifting tasks. As with any tool, its application is limited to those
conditions for which it was designed. Specifically, the lifting equation was
designed to meet specific lifting-related criteria that encompass biomechanical,
work physiology, and psychophysical assumption and data, identified above. To the
extent that a given lifting task accurately reflects these underlying conditions and
criteria, this lifting equation may be appropriately applied.
The following list identified a set of work conditions in which the application of
the lifting equation could either-or over-estimate the extent of physical stress
associated with a particular work-related activity. Each of the following task
limitations also highlight research topics in need of further research to extend the
application of the lifting equation to a greater range of real world lifting tasks. 1.
The revised NIOSH lifting equation is based on the assumption that manual
handling activities other than lifting are minimal and do not require significant
energy expenditure, especially when repetitive lifting tasks are performed.
Examples of non-lifting tasks include holding, pushing, pulling, carrying, walking,
and climbing. If such non-lifting activities account for more than about 10% of the
total worker activity, then measures or workers' energy expenditures and/or heart
rate may be required to assess the metabolic demands of the different tasks. The
equation will still apply if there is a small amount of holding and carrying, but
carrying should be limited to one or two steps and holding should not exceed a few
seconds. For more information on assessing metabolic demand, see Garg et al.
(1978) or Eastman Kodak (1986). 2. The revised lifting equation does not include
tasks factors to account for unpredicted conditions, such as unexpectedly heavy
loads, slips, or falls. Additional biomechanical analyses may be required to assess
the physical stress on joints that occur from traumatic incidents. Moreover, if the
environment is unfavorable (e.g., temperatures or humidity significantly outside
the range of l9o to 26oC [66o to 79oF] or 35% to 50%, respectively), independent
metabolic assessments would be needed to gauge the effects of these variables on
heart rate and energy consumption. 3. The revised lifting equation was not
designed to assess tasks involving one-handed lifting, lifting while seated or
kneeling, or lifting in a constrained or restricted work space.3 The equation also
does not apply to lifting unstable loads, For purposes of applying the equations, an
unstable load would be defined as an object in which the location of the center of
mass varies significantly during the lifting activity, such as more containers of
liquid or incompletely filled bags, etc. The equation does not apply to lifting of
wheelbarrows, shoveling, or high-speed lifting.4 For such task conditions,
independent and task specific biomechanical, metabolic, and psychophysical
assessments may be needed. For information on other assessment methods refer to
Eastman Kodak (1986), Ayoub and Mital (1989), Chaffin and Andersson (1991), or
Snook and Ciriellos (1991). 4. The revised lifting equation assumes that the
worker/floor surface coupling provides at least a 0.4 (preferably 0.5) coefficient of
static friction between the shoe sole and the working surface. An adequate
worker/floor surface coupling is necessary when lifting to provide a firm footing
and to control accidents and injuries resulting from foot slippage. A 0.4 to 0.5
coefficient of static friction is comparable to the friction found between a smooth,
dry floor and the sole of a clean, dry leather work shoe (nonslip type). Independent
biomechanical modeling may be used to account for variations in the coefficient of
friction,
5. The revised lifting equation assumes that lifting and lowering tasks have the
same level of
risk for low back injuries (i.e. that lifting a box from a table to the floor). This
assumption
may not be true if the worker actually drops the box rather than lowering it all the
way to
the destination. Independent metabolic, biomechanical, or psychophysical
assessments may
be needed to assess worker capacity for various lowering conditions. (See
references
provided above.)
In summary, the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation does not apply if \f any of the
following
occur.
* Lifting/lowering with one hand
* Lifting/lowering for over 8 hours
* Lifting/lowering while seated or kneeling
* Lifting/lowering in a restricted work space
* Lifting/lowering unstable objects
* Lifting/lowering while carrying, pushing or pulling
* Lifting/lowering with wheelbarrows or shovels
* Lifting/lowering with high speed motion (faster than about 30 inches/second)
* Lifting/lowering with unreasonable foot/floor coupling, (<0.4 coefficient of
friction between the sole and the floor)
* Lifting/lowering in an unfavorable environment (i.e., temperature significantly
outside 66-79oF (19-26oC) range; relative humidity outside 35-50% range)
For those lifting tasks in which the applications of the revised lifting equation is
not appropriate,
a more comprehensive ergonomic evaluation may be needed to quantify the extent
of other
physical stressors, such as prolonged or frequent non-neutral back postures or
seated postures,
cyclic loading (whole body vibration), or unfavorable environmental factors (e.g.,
extreme heat,
cold, humidity, etc.).
Any of the above factors, alone or in combination with manual lifting, may
exacerbate or initiate
the onset of low back pain.
2. The Equation and Its Function
The revised lifting equation for calculating the Recommended Weight Limit
(RWL) is based on
a multiplicative model that provides a weighting for each of six task variables. The
weightings
are expressed as coefficients that serve to decrease the load constant, which
represents the
maximum recommended load weight to be lifted under ideal conditions. The RWL
is defined by
the following equation:
RWL : LC X HM X VM X DM X AM X FM X CM
Where
METRIC U.S. CUSTOMARY
Load Constant LC 23 kg 51 lb
Horizontal Multiplier HM (25/H) (10/H)
Vertical Multiplier VM 1-(.003 V-75) 1-(.0075 V-30)
Distance Multiplier DM .82 + (4.5/D) .82 + (1.8/D)
Asymmetric Multiplier AM 1-(.0032A) 1-(.0032A)
Frequency Multiplier FM From Table 5 From Table 5
Coupling Multiplier CM From Table 7 From Table 7
The term task variables refers to the measurable task descriptors (i.e., H, V, D, A, F,
and C);
whereas, the term multipliers refers to reduction coefficients in the equation (i.e.,
HM, VM, DM,
AM, FM, and CM).
Each multiplier should be computed from the appropriate formula, but in some
cases it will be
necessary to use linear interpolation to determine the value of a multiplier,
especially when the
value of a variable is not directly Available from a table. For example, when the
measured
frequency is not a whole number, the appropriate multiplier must be interpolated
between the
frequency values in the table for the two values that are closest to the actual
frequency.
3.1 Horizontal Component
3.1.1 Definition and Measurement
Horizontal Location (H) is measured from the mid-point of the line joining the
inner ankle
bones to a point projected on the floor directly below the mid-point of the hand
grasps (i.e., load
center), as defined by the large middle knuckle of the hand (Figure 1). Typically,
the worker's
feet are not aligned with the mid-sagittal plane, as shown in Figure l, but may be
rotated inward
or outward. If this is the case, then the mid-sagittal plane is defined by the worker's
neutral body
posture as defined above.
If significant control is required at the destination (i.e., precision placement), then
H should be
measured at both the origin and destination of the lift.
Horizontal Location (H) should be measured. In those situations where the H value
can not be
measured, then H may be approximated from the following equations:
Metric [All distances in cm] U.S. Customary [All distances in inches]
H = 20 + W/2 for V > 25 cm H = 8 + W/2 for 10 inches
H = 25 + W/2 for V < 25 cm H = 10 + W/2 for V<10 inches
Where: W is the width of the container in the sagittal plane and V is the vertical
location of the
hands from the floor.
3.1 .2 Horizontal Restrictions
If the horizontal distance is less than 10inches (25 cm), then H is set to 10 inches
(25 cm).
Although objects can be carried or held closer than l0 inches from the ankles, most
objects that
are closer than this cannot be lifted without encountering interference from the
abdomen or hyper
extending the shoulders. While 25 inches (63cm) was chosen as the maximum
value for H, it is
probably too large for shorter workers, particularly when lifting asymmetrically.
Furthermore
objects at a distance of more than 25 inches from the ankles normally cannot be
lifted vertically
without some loss of balance.
3.1.3 Horizontal Multiplier
The Horizontal Multiplier (HM) is l0/H, for H measured in inches, and HM is
25/H, for H
measured in centimeters. If H is less than or equal to 10 inches (25 cm), then the
multiplier is
1.0, HM decreases with an increase in H value. The multiplier for H is reduced to
0.4 when H is
25 inches (63 cm). If H is greater than 25 inches, then HM = 0. The HM value can
be computed
directly or determined from Table l.
Table I
Horizontal Multiplier
H HM H HM
in cm
10 1.00 25 1.00
11 .91 28 .89
12 .83 30 .83
13 .77 32 .78
14 .71 34 .74
15 .67 36 .69
16 .63 38 .66
17 .59 40 .63
18 .56 42 .60
19 .53 44 .57
20 .50 46 .54
21 .48 48 .52
22 .46 50 .50
23 .44 52 .48
24 .42 54 .46
25 .40 56 .45
>25 .00 58 .43
60 .42
63 .40
>63 .00
3.2 Vertical Component
3.2.1 Definition and Measurement
Vertical Location (V) is defined as the vertical height of the hands above the floor.
V is
measured vertically from the floor to the mid-point between the hand grasps, as
defined by the
large middle knuckle. The coordinate system is illustrated in Figure 1 ( page 7).
3.2.2 Vertical Restrictions
The vertical location (v) is limited by the floor surface and the upper limit of
vertical reach for
lifting {i.e.,70 inches or 175 cm). The vertical location should be measured at the
origin and the
destination of the lift to determine the travel distance (D).
3.2.3 vertical Multiplier
To determine the vertical Multiplier (VM), the absolute value or deviation of v
from an optimum
height of 30 inches (75cm) is calculated. A height of 20 inches above floor revel is
considered
“knuckle height” (66 inches or 165 cm). The Vertical Multiplier (VM) is {1-
.0075*(V-30)} for
V measured in inches, and VM is {1-.003*( V-75)}, for measured in centimeters.
When v is at.3-0 inches (75 cm), the vertical multiplier (VM) is- 1.0. The value of
VM decreases
linearly with an increase or decrease in height from the position. At floor level, VM
is 0.78, and
at 70 inches (175 cm) height VM is 0.7. If V is greater than 70 inches, then VM= 0.
The VM
value can be computed directly or determined from Table 2.
Table 2
Vertical Multiplier
V VM V VM
in cm
0 .78 0 .78
5 .81 10 .81
10 .85 20 .84
15 .89 30 .87
20 .93 40 .90
25 .96 50 .93
30 1.00 60 .96
35 .96 70 .99
40 .93 80 .99
45 .89 90 .96
50 .85 100 .93
55 .81 110 .90
60 .78 120 .87
65 .74 130 .84
70 .70 140 .81
>70 .00 150 .78
160 .75
170 .72
175 .70
>175 .00
3.3 Distance Component
3.3.1 Definition and Measurement
The vertical Travel Distance variable (D) is defined as the vertical travel distance
of the hands
between the origin and destination of the lift. For lifting, D can be computed by
subtracting the
vertical location (V) at the origin of the lift from the corresponding V at the
destination of the lift
(i.e., D is equal to V at the destination minus V at the origin). For a lowering task,
D is equal to
V at the origin minus V at the destination.
3.3.2 Distance Restrictions
The variable (D) is assumed to be at least 10 inches (25 cm), and no greater than
70 inches [75
cm]. If the vertical travel distance is less than 10 inches (25 cm), then D should be
set to the
minimum distance of l0 inches (25 cm).
3.3.3 Distance Multiplier
The Distance Multiplier (DM) is (.82 + (1.8/D)) for D measured in inches, and DM
is (.82 +
(4.5/D)) for D measured in centimeters. For D less than 10 inches (25 cm) D is
assumed to be l0
inches (25 cm), and DM is 1.0. The Distance Multiplier, therefore, decreases
gradually with an
increase in travel distance. The DM is 1.0 when D is set at 10 inches, (25 cm); DM
is 0.85 when
D = 70 inches (175 cm). Thus, DM ranges from 1.0 to 0.85 ad the D varies from 0
inches (0 cm)
to 70 inches (175 cm). The DM value can be computed directly or determined from
Table 3.
3.4 Asymmetry Component
3.4.1 Definition and Measurement
Asymmetry refers to a lift that begins or ends outside the mid-sagittal plane as
shown in Figure 2
on page 8. In general, asymmetric lifting should be avoided. If asymmetric lifting
cannot be
avoided, however, the recommended weight limits are significantly less than those
limits used
for symmetrical lifting.5
Table 3
Distance Multiplier
D DM DM DM
in cm
10 1.00 25 1.00
15 .94 40 .93
20 .91 55 .90
25 .89 70 .88
30 .88 85 .87
35 .87 100 .87
40 .87 115 .86
45 .86 130 .86
50 .86 145 .85
55 .85 160 .85
60 .85 175 .85
70 .85 >175 .00
>70 .00
An asymmetric lift may be required under the following task or workplace
conditions: 1. The origin and destination of the lift are oriented at an angle to each
another. 4 The lifting motion is across the body, such as occurs in swinging bags or
boxes from one location to another. 5 The lifting is done to maintain body balance
in obstructed workplaces, on rough terrain, or on littered floors. 6 Productivity
standards require reduced time per lift. The asymmetric angle (A), which is
depicted graphically in Figure 2, is operationally defined as the angle between the
asymmetry the and the mid-sagittal line. The asymmetry line is defined as
horizontal line that join the midpoint between the inner ankle bones and the point
projected on the floor directly below the midpoint of the hand grasps, as defined by
the large middle knuckle. The sagittal line is defined as the line passing through the
mid-point between the inner ankle bones and lying in the mid-sagittal plane, as
defined by the neutral body position (i.e., hands directly in front of the body, with
no twisting at the legs, torso, or shoulders). Note: The asymmetry angle is not
defined by foot position or the angle of torso twist, but by the location of the load
relative to the worker’s mid-sagittal plane. In many cases of asymmetric lifting, the
worker will pivot or use a step turn to complete the lift. Since this may vary
significantly between workers and between lifts, we have assumed that no pivoting
or stepping occurs. Although this assumption may overestimate the reduction in
acceptable load weight, it will provide the greatest protection for the worker. The
asymmetry angle (A) must always be measured at the origin of the lift. If
significant control is required at the destination, however, then angle A should be
measured at both the origin and the destination of the lift. 3.4.2 Asymmetry
Restrictions The angle A is limited to the range from 00 to 1350 . If A> 1350 ,
then AM is set equal to zero, which results in a RWL of zero, or no load. 3.4.3
Asymmetric Multiplier The Asymmetric Multiplier (AM) is 1-(.00324). The AM
has a maximum value of 1.0 when the load is lifted directly in front of the body.
The AM decreases linearly as the angle of asymmetry (A) increases. The range is
from a value of 0.57 at 1350 of asymmetry to a value of 1.0 at 00 of asymmetry
(i.e., symmetric lift). If A is greater than 1350 , then AM: 0, and the load is zero.
The AM value can be computed directly or determined from Table 4.
Table 4
Asymmetric Multiplier
A AM
deg
0 1.00
15 .95
30 .90
45 .86
60 .81
75 .76
90 .71
105 .66
120 .62
135 .57
>135 .00
3.5 Frequency Component
3.5.1 Definition and Measurement
The frequency multiplier is defined by (a) the number of lifts per minute
(frequency), (b) the
amount of time engaged in the lifting activity (duration), and (c) the vertical height
of the lift
from the floor. Lifting frequency (F) refers to the average number of lifts made per
minute, as
measured over a 15-minute period. Because of the potential variation in work
patterns, analysis
may have difficulty obtaining an accurate or representative 15-minute work sample
for
computing the lifting frequency (F). If significant variation exists in the frequency
of lifting over
the course of the day, analyst should employ standard work sampling techniques to
obtain a
representative work sample for determining the number of lifts per minute. For
those jobs where
the frequency varies from session to session, each session should be analyzed
separately, but the
overall work pattern must still be considered. For more information, most standard
industrial
engineering or ergonomics texts provide guidance for establishing a representative
job sampling
strategy (e.g., Eastman Kodak Company, 1986).
3.5.2 Lifting Duration
Lifting duration is classified into three categories-short-duration moderate-duration
and longduration.
These categories are based on the pattern of continuous work-time and recovery-
time
(i.e., light work) periods. A continuous work-time period is defined as a period of
uninterrupted
work. Recovery-time is defined as the duration of light work activity following a
period of
continuous lifting. Examples of light work include activities such as sitting at a
desk or table,
monitoring operations, light assembly work, etc.
1. Short-duration defines lifting tasks that have a work duration of one hour of
less, followed by
a recovery time equal to 1.2 times the work time [i.e., at least a 1.2 recover-time to
work-time
ratio (RT/WT)].
For example, to be classified as short-duration, a 45-minute lifting job must be
followed by at
least a 54-minute recovery period prior to initiating a subsequent lifting session. If
the required
recovery time is not met for a job of one hour or less, and subsequent lifting
session is required,
then the total lifting time must be combined to correctly determine the duration
category.
Moreover, if the recovery period does not meet the time requirement, it is
disregarded for
purposes of determining the appropriate duration category.
As another example, assume a worker lifts continuously for 30 minutes, then
performs a light
work task for 10 minutes, and then lifts for an additional 45-minute period. In this
case, the
recovery time between lifting sessions (10 minutes) is less than 1.2 times the initial
30-minute
work time (36 minutes). Thus, the two work times (30 minutes and 45 minutes)
must be added
together to determine the duration. Since the total work time ( 75 minutes) exceeds
1 hour, the
job is classified as moderate-duration. On the other hand, if the recovery period
between lifting
sessions was increased to 36 minutes, then the short-duration category would
apply, which
would result in a larger FM value.
[Link]-duration defines lifting tasks that have a duration of more than one
hour, but not
more than two hours, followed by recovery period of at least 0.3 times the work
time [i.e., at
least a 0.3 recovery time to work-time ratio (RT/WT)].
For example, if a worker continuously lifts for 2 hours, then a recovery period of at
least 36
minutes would be required before initiating a subsequent lifting session. If the
recovery time
requirement is not met, and a subsequent lifting session is required, then the total
work time must
be added together. If the total works time exceeds 2 hours, then the job must be
classified as a
long-duration lifting task.
3. Long-duration defines lifting tasks that have a duration of between two and
eight hours, with
standard industrial rest allowances (e.g., morning, lunch, and afternoon rest
breaks).
Note : No weight limits are provided more than eight hours of work.
The difference in the required RT/WT ratio for the short-duration category (less
than 1 hour),
which is 1.2, and the moderate-duration category (1-2 hours), which is 3, is due to
the difference
in the magnitudes of the frequency multiplier values associated with each of the
duration
categories. Since the moderate-duration category results in larger reductions in the
RWL than the
short-duration category, there is less need for a recovery period between sessions
than for the
short duration category. In other words, the short duration category would result in
higher weight
limits than the moderate duration category, so larger recovery periods would be
needed.
3.5.3 Frequency Restrictions
Lifting frequency (F) for repetitive lifting may range from 0.2 lifts/min to a
maximum frequency
that is dependent on the vertical location of the object (V) and the duration of
lifting (Table 5).
Lifting above the maximum frequency results in a RWL of 0.0. (Except for the
special case of
discontinuous lifting discussed above, where the maximum frequency is 15
lifts/minute.)
3.5.4 Frequency Multiplier
The FM value depends upon the average number of lifts/min (F), the vertical
location (V) of the
hands at the origin, and the duration of continuous lifting. For lifting tasks with a
frequency less
than 2 lifts per minute, set the frequency equal to 2 lifts/minute. For infrequent
lifting (i.e., F > 1
lift/minute), however, the recovery period will usually be sufficient to use the 1-
hour duration
category. The FM value is determined from Table 5.
Table 5
Frequency Multiplier Table (FM)
Frequency
Lifts/min (F)
Work Duration
1 Hour 1 but 2 Hours 2 but 8 Hours
V < 30 t V 30 V< 30 V 30 V< 30 V 30
0.2 1.00 1.00 .95 .95 85 .85
0.5 .97 .97 .92 .92 81 .81
1 .94 .94 .88 .88 75 .75
2 .91 .91 .84 .84 65 .65
3 .88 .88 .79 .79 55 .55
4 .84 .84 .72 .72 45 .45
5 .80 .80 .60 .60 35 .35
6 .75 .75 .50 .50 27 .27
7 .70 .70 .42 .42 22 .22
8 .60 .60 .35 .35 18 .18
9 .52 .52 .30 .30 00 .15
10 .45 .45 .26 .26 00 .13
11 .41 .41 .00 .23 00 .00
12 .37 .37 .00 .21 00 .00
13 .00 .34 .00 .00 00 .00
14 .00 .31 .00 .00 00 .00
15 .00 .28 .00 .00 00 .00
>15 .00 .00 .00 .00 00 .00
Va1lues of V are in inches For lifting less frequently than once per 5 minutes, set F
=0. 2 lifts/minute. 3.5.5 Special Frequency Adjustment Procedure A special
procedure has been developed for determining the appropriate lifting frequency(F)
for certain repetitive lifting tasks in which workers do not lift continuously during
the 15 minute sampling period. This occurs when the work pattern is such that the
worker lifts repetitively for a short time and then performs light work for a short
time before starting another cycle, As long as the actual lifting frequency does not
exceed 15 lifts per minute, the lifting frequency (F) may be determined for tasks
such as this as follows: 1. Compute the total number of lifts performed for the 15
minute period (i.e., lift rate times work time). 2. Divide the total number of lifts by
15. 3. Use the resulting value as the frequency (F) to determine the frequency
multiplier (FM) from Table 5. For example, if the work pattern for a job consists of
a series of cyclic sessions requiring 8 minutes of lifting followed by 7 minutes of
light work, and the lifting rate during the work sessions is l0 lifts per minute, then
the frequency rate (F) that is used to determine the frequency multiplier for this job
is equal to (10 x 8)/15 or 5.33 lifts/minute. If the worker lifted continuously for
more than 15 minutes, however, then the actual lifting frequency (10 lifts per
minutes) would be used. When using this special procedure, the duration category
is based on the magnitude of the recovery periods between work sessions, not
within work sessions. In other words, if the work pattern is intermittent and the
special procedure applies, then the intermittent recovery periods for purposes of
determining the duration category. For example, if the work pattern for a manual
lifting at a rate of 10 lifts/minute, followed by 2 minutes of recovery, the correct
procedure would be to adjust the frequency according to the special procedure [i.e.,
F = (10 lifts/minute X 5 minutes)/ 15 minutes = 50/15 = 3.4 lifts/minute/]. the 2
minute recovery periods would not count towards the WT/RT ratio, however, and
additional recovery periods would have to be provided as described above.
3.6 Coupling Component
3.6.1 Definition & Measurement
The nature of the hand to object coupling or gripping method can affect not only
the
maximum force a worker can or must exert on the object, but also the vertical
location of the
hands during the lift. A good coupling will reduce the maximum grasp forces
required and
increase the acceptable weight for lifting, while a poor coupling will generally
require higher
maximum grasp forces and decrease the acceptable weight for lifting.
The effectiveness of the coupling is not static, but may vary with the distance of
the object, from
the ground, so that a good coupling could become a poor coupling during a single
lift. The entire
range of the lift should be considered when classifying hand-to-object couplings
with
classification based pm overall effectiveness. The analyst must classify the
coupling as good,
fair, or poor. The classifying a particular coupling design, the more stressful
classification should
be selected.
Table 6
Hand-to-Container Coupling Classification
1. For Containers of optimal
design, such as some boxes,
crates, etc., a “Good” hand-toobject
coupling would be
defined as handles or handhold
cut-outs of optimal
design [see notes 1 to 3 below]
1. For containers of optimal
design, a “Fair” hand-toobject
coupling would be
defined as handles or handhold
cut-outs of less than
optimal design [see notes 1 to
4 below.]
1. Containers of less than
optimal design or irregular
objects that are bulky, hard to
handle, or have sharp edges
[see note 5 below.]
2. For loose parts or irregular
objects, which are not usually
containerized, such as
castings, stock, and supply
materials, a “Good” hand-toobject
coupling would be
defined as a comfortable grip
in which the hand can be
easily wrapped around the
object [see not 6 below.]
2. For containers of optimal
design with no handles or
hand-hold cut-outs or for
loose parts or irregular
objects, a “Fair” hand-toobject
coupling is defined as a
grip in which the hand can be
fixed about 90 degrees [see
note 4 below.]
2. Lifting non-rigid bags (i.e.,
bags that sag in the middle).
1. An optimal handle design has .75 - 1.5 inches (1.9 to 3.8 cm) diameter, > 4.5
inches (11.5
cm) length, 2 inches (5 cm) clearance, cylindrical shape, and a smooth, non-slip
surface.
2. An optimal hand-hold cut-out has the following approximate characteristics:
1.5 inch
(3.8 cm) height, 4.5 inch (11.5 cm) length, semi-oval shape, 2 inch (5 cm)
clearance,
smooth non-slip surface, and 0.25 inches (0.60 cm) container thickness (e.g.,
double
thickness cardboard)
3. An optimal container design has 16 inches (40 cm) frontal length, 12 inches
(30 cm)
height, and a smooth non-slip surface.
4. A worker should be capable of clamping the fingers at nearly 900 under the
container,
such as required when lifting a cardboard box from the floor.
5. A container is considered less than optimal if it has a frontal length > l6 inches
(40 cm),
height > 12 inches ( 30 cm), rough or slippery surfaces, sharp edges, asymmetric
center of
mass, unstable considered bulky if the load cannot easily be balances between the
handgrasps.
6. A worker should be able to comfortably wrap the hand around the object without
causing
excessive wrist deviations or awkward postures, and the grip should not require
excessive
force.
3.6.2 Coupling Multiplier 3
Based on the coupling classification and vertical location of the lift, the Coupling
Multiplier
(CM) is determined from Table 7.
Table 7
Coupling Multiplier
Coupling Type Coupling Multiplier
V < 30 inches (75 cm) V 30 inches (75 cm)
Good 1.00 1.00
Fair 0.95 1.00
Poor 0.90 0.90
Example
Job analysis Worksheet
Department................................................... Job
Description.........................................
Job Title........................................................
.................................................................
Analyst’s Name............................................
.................................................................
Date...............................................................
..................................................................
Step 1. Measure and Record Task Variables
Object
Weight
Hand Location Vert.
Dist.
Angle Freq Time Object
Origin Dest. Origin Dest. Lifts/min HRS Coupling
Avg Max H V H V D A A F C
20 20 53 38 63 160 122 0 0 0.2 8 Good
Horizontal Total Minimum
Body-to-Hand Vertical NIOSH
Distance (feet Lift Value
are locked in = Dest. – Origin Reportable
place) = 160 cm – 38 cm
= 53 cm + 10 cm = 122 cm
= 63 cm
Step 2. Determine Multipliers and Compute RWL
RWL = LC x HM x VM x DM x AM x FM x CM
Origin RWL = 23 x 0.47 x0.889 x 0.856 x 1 x 0.85 x 1 = 7.02kg Destination RWL
= 23 x 0.4 x 0.745x 0.856 x 1 x 0.85 x 1 =4.99 kg Origin of Lift LC = 23 kg =
fixed factor HM = 25/H = 25/53 = 0.47 VM = 1-0.003( V-75) = 1-0.003( 38-75) =
0.889 DM = 0.82 + (4.5/D) = 0.82 + (4.5/122) = 0.856 AM = 1 - 0.0032A = 1 -
0.0032(0) = 1 FM : 0.85 (since l lift/4 hrs = 0.004 lifts/min = approx. 0 on graph)
CM : 1.0, (since V = 75 cm and "good" grip) Destination of Lift LC = 23 kg =
fixed factor HM = 25/H = 25/63 = 0.4 VM = 1 - 0.003( V-75) = 1 - 0.003 (160 -
75) = 0.889 DM = 0.82 + (4.5/D) = 0.82 + (4.5/122)= 0.856 FM = 0.85 (since
1lift/4 hrs = 0.004 lifts/min = approx.0 on graph) CM = 1.0, (since V = 75 cm and
"good" grip Step 3. Compute the Lifting index Origin Lifting Index = Weight /
RWL = 20/7.02 = 2.85 Destination Lifting Index : Weight / RWL. = 20/4.99 = 4
Conclusion * Origin: the start of the lift is acceptable and safe since L1 < 3 *
Destination : the end of the lift is dangerous since L1> 3. The "stress level" is LI :
4, the larger of the values. This could be the point where serious low back injury
will occur. The task setup must be changed at the destination, or increased job
screening, medical monitoring, and training must be introduced.
Problem 1
Task
Moving trays from
conveyor belt and
putting them on
the cart
Other Items
* 10 kg trays
* 1 lift/min
* 4 hour shift
* feet are fixed ,
* “fair” grip
* upper body twist
motion at START
* tray placed
straight down
onto cart at END
Problem 2
Task
Moving boxes from
conveyor belt &
placing them onto
a cart
Other Items
* 15 kg boxes
* 3 lifts/min
* 3 hour shift
* feet are fixed
* “pool'” grip
* upper body twist
motion at START
* boxes placed
straight down onto
cart at END
Job analysis Worksheet
Department................................................... Job
Description.........................................
Job Title........................................................
.................................................................
Analyst’s Name............................................
.................................................................
Date...............................................................
..................................................................
Measure and Record Task Variables
Object
Weight
Hand Location Vert.
Dist.
Angle Freq Time Object
Origin Dest. Origin Dest. Lifts/min HRS Coupling
Avg Max H V H V D A A F C