Introduction to Ergonomics

Definition: Ergonomics is the study of interactions between human and the work environment. It studies and employees various context specific human compatibility factors in man-usable commodity/ machinery and environment/workstation interaction system.It promises humanizing work and work environment. Ergonomics based development and marketing policies are well adopted in Design, Production process, Safety and Occupational Health, and in Management. Mismatch between the work environment and the worker imposes negatively on a worker's ability to perform a task resulting in poor quality, reduced productivity and increased risk of injury. It deals with the means and methods of using optimum human resources to achieve maximum benefit. By acquiring this knowledge, user's satisfaction leading to product acceptance in market will increase, and during production, optimum productivity and sustainable growth be ensured. In technology and management education ergonomics has become one of the core input. In our country well equipped laboratories are very few and all also do not have all the facilities. This is an effort to make the techniques familiar for applying and measuring ergonomics interfaces relevant to the humanising technology.

Domains of Ergonomics (IEA- International Ergonomics Association): Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system,and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance. Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments, and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities, and limitations of people.Ergonomics promotes a holistic approach in which considerations of physical, cognitive, social, organisational, environmental and other relevant factors are taken into account.There exist domains of specialisation within the discipline, which represent deeper competencies in specific human attributes or characteristics of human interaction. Physical ergonomics is concerned with anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. (Relevant topics include working posture materials handling, repetitive movements, materials handling, repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.) Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. (Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress, and training as these may relate to human-system design). Organisational ergonomics is concerned with the optimisation of sociotechnical systems, including their organisational structures, policies, and processes. (Relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, and work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work paradigms, virtual organisations, telework, and quality management).

Human body-Physical Dimension: The human body may be said to be designed for the type of life man led earlier. The use of his limbs was mainly for his survival, for collecting food, etc., and to run away from danger. These are no more the only users in the present day context. Due to the progress of civilization and the innovation in life-styles, man unconsciously and continuously adapts himself to new ways, while using the same body and same physical capabilities. Normally, we use only a portion of our total physical and mental capacity in our day-to-day life. At present, it is only on the sportsfield that we move freely and expend the maximum energy. Imitation of the skills of various creatures and their specialized movements based on what they require for their survival, are a very important means of increasing the skilled use of our limited physical resources. Excellence in motor performance has been the focus of research in sports nowadays. A complex chain of physical movements requires a high level of neuromuscular coordination with a high level of strength and power. To attain that level, necessary training is required with a full knowledge of biomechanics, medical and kinesiological sciences. Today, we are innovating various aids that can minimize or optimize the physical efforts and exertion that are required. The use of such aids could result in excellent performance. These aids are to be designed in such a manner that, they should consider the normal physical skills of movement within comfortable limits i.e. designing for ease of human use. If we are aware of the basic structural mechanisms and various in-built facilities and limitations in shape, size, range of movements that the human structure provides, we can apply these in various design concepts. Obviously these innovations should be compatible with the human body. For that purpose, we must know our body structure in general. Anthropometric landmarks are the external points of the body structure with their muscles and skinny covers on it and these should be taken into consideration.

Body Planes: The bi-lateral human body could be described in terms of three reference planes in relation to the three planes of directional motions corresponding to these reference planes. These imaginary planes are used for the identification of relationships between the positions of things and the postural configuration, and for description of any location. For example, it could be said that while standing and attentively working in an upper anterior median plane, it is not possible to reach for anything kept in the location of a lower posterior plane very near the floor, without distracting the attention of the central work area.

Anthropometry: Static Anthropometry: When a man is placed in a static posture that is standing, sitting or adopted postures e.g. height, breadths, depths and circumferences, are termed as static anthropometry.

Dynamic Anthropometry: The human body is not rigid but rather, always dynamic. The dimensional measurements of the human body with various movements taken into consideration in different adopted postures which the work context demands are termed dynamic anthropometry.

Need for Indian Anthropometry: Age, sex, race, geographical regions, even different occupations all influence human body dimensions. Accurate dimensions of clothing and personal equipment used by persons, e.g. headgear, footwear, spectacles, lifesaving and support equipment would be of great value because human functional dimensions and the range of movements possible demand that appropriate allowances should be made when specific designs are developed. It is advocated by experts that the anthropometric data to be used for specific design considerations of specific user's groups, should be based on the same population groups. Anthropometric data obtained from a specific group may differ in acceptance value, when similar data are obtained from others. For solving specific design problems of a specific user group, anthropometric data should come from the same population group, solving specific design problems of a specific user group, anthropometric data should come from the same population group, using different percentile selections. The use of non-Indian

anthropometric data in Indian designs and other imported ready-made designs often results in mismatches with the requirements of Indian users. Accidents and serious mistakes may occur if any design dimensions do not exactly match the body dimensions of specific groups. Indian behaviour is also not similar to that of foreigners. Some Indians prefer sitting on the floor and performing a range of activities there. Non-Indian data sources do not provide the references for these requirements.Indian being a multicultural nation with an ethnically diverse population, it would be of direct relevance to strengthen design practice in India with data on human dimensions collected from Indian population groups for the specific needs of Indian users. Guidelines for Design Use (Usage of the anthropometric percentile values): The relevant anthropometric supports, along with the intended users' behavioural pattern, should be seen together while designing. To make an article of the correct size, to create a system of multiple units and a work space, or to design an article for a single individual's need, the individual's own dimensional requirements may be of direct importance. But for mass production and use, proper percentile (definition: Experiment), selections of the anthropometric data should be made and adequate allowances should be considered. Data provided here (Experiments) are taken from subjects wearing minimum clothes and without footwear or head-wear, etc. Hence, while using height dimensions for any design application, appropriate height adjustment for sole and head-wear may be an added consideration. Dimensional allowances and movement restrictions due to wearing of heavy clothes, etc., need to be considered carefully. Support of anthropometric data (collected from the specific population groups) to design specific articles,e.g. product, equipment,furniture, machine tools, etc., should be looked into. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there is no person with all his or her body dimensions in the 95th or 50th or 5th percentiles. All body parts do not follow the same proportions and even show different somatotype features. A person with a 50th percentile body height may have 75th percentile hand length, 25th percentile foot length and 95th percentile abdominal circumference; a person of 75th percentile height may have 25th percentile chest circumference and 50th percentile head circumference; a mesomorph type general body structure may have hip portion of endomorphic nature. These mixed body types and proportions among the body parts constitute the common population. Dimensions of equipment or work accessories and work spaces should be considered while designing, in order to achieve effective accommodation layout and for enabling easy handling of equipment by moving within and around the space provided. As an example, the height of the work surface for a very small height housewife, using a cooking platform, must be fixed according to her height to make her feel comfortable while cooking. It should take into account, the dimensions of the cooking accessories, so that these can come within the range of her free arm reach and movement while cooking. Percentile selection for design use: Depending on the nature of the design and the context of use, the design should usually be conceived to accommodate the population in between the 5th and 95th percentile, keeping the 50th as mid-value, so that most of the population is covered. Data tending towards the lowest, below the 5th percentile, with the highest values above 95th percentile are generally considered as freak data. Hence, these are normally neglected unless there are extreme

requirements. As a general rule, to "avoid reach" higher percentiles and to "get easy reach" lower percentile values would be of relevance in design. Designing an article for the large-sized users means that the higher percentile values of all dimensions should be considered, because when the maximum number of the population has lower values than those of large-sized users, the users with lower percentile values will not be able to get easy reach and hence will keep away from those unwanted things beyond their reach, thereby ensuring safety. For designing doors, stature heights of higher than the maximum value, must be considered with appropriately defined allowances for articles supposed to be carried on the head by intended users. A feeling of psychological clearance may be an added dimension. A higher percentile value of the maximum body breadth for passageways, etc., may be taken into account to provide free movement facilities. Small-sized users should also be considered while designing things of easy reach. This has to be done keeping in mind the contextual use the application of strength or any other consideration involving human endeavour. This means that the lower percentile values of any dimension should be considered for accommodating the maximum number of people who have higher values than that, in order to be able to perform physical tasks more easily and with good control of the body. Normally, for the moving parts of a machine that are dangerous and not to be touched, i.e. those which must be kept out of armsreach the higher value of the "leaning forward" arm reach along with appropriate allowances for safety distances should be considered, in order to ensure safety. But, if an "on-off" type handle or switch requires to be used only a few times throughout the whole working period, then it can be placed at a distance of the 75th percentile or so of the normal "standing forward" grasp reach. While working, it should not create any obstacle to normal work. When required, it could be grasped by leaning, as it comes within the 5th percentile of the "leaning forward" grasp reach limit. If anything has to be operated smoothly, it should be placed nearer, say, within the lower percentile range (may be the 5th) of the am grasp reach. This means that people having a higher value than that can reach it easily. Below this value, people can handle it with little difficulty, but the number of such people would be very limited. Hence, these may be ignored for general purposes, if there is no specific requirement. Use of "Average" Selection of the average or mean value of a dimension depends on its contextual use and whether it demands critically to be fitted into the whole range of the users population. The terms mean or average, and median or the 50th percentile value may not be identical. But if there is no dearth of sample sizes on which data were collected, the median (50th percentile) value normally is closed to the mean value. Hence, in practice, the average is used as synonym for the 50th percentile. Average value should not always be considered blindly while designing. As a classical example, while conceptualizing a common counter height for general purpose use, the 50th percentile elbow height may be considered, because the height differences of people lying in both halves of the data distribution may be accommodated. This may be the 95th percentile values, so that, for specific needs the height may be adjusted accordingly. Door heights with 50th percentile stature value may work, but tall people can only pass through by bending. This creates inconvenience to them and should not be used. If we consider people of averageweight say, 55 kg and design a lift system to carry 10people, it means that the carrying capacity is 550 kg. if 10 people of less-weight board it, there would be no problem but, when one or more with a 75th or 95th percentile value, say of 60 kg or 75 kg or more than 100 kg do so, then it may not be safe.

Hence, the values tending towards higher levels, even the highest limits, should be considered, along with the allowances for the articles supposed to be carried by the people on board, as well as other safety allowances for the articles supposed to be carried by the people on board, as well as other safety allowances so that, overloading beyond the lift's capacity is ruled out. Another example of the same case with reference to weight may be considered while determining the structural strength of a seat, or in the case of an individual or a family, a design for a suspended garden swing. Then, not only should the highest value be used but the proper allowances for the different ways of using the seat should be considered. The user may carry something on his lap; he may even stand and do some work. This could be an added consideration. Concept of male-female combined data for design use Anthropometric data are obtained separately for males and females and also sometimes also presented separately. We may require these separate data for designing separately for males and females. Designers quite often speak about the 5th percentile of the female data as the lowest value and the 95th percentile of male data as the highest value of the dimensional range of the human body in general, for various uses of design. It is seen that all the dimensions do not always follow this rule. Nowadays, as there is very limited scope for such divisions of jobs exclusively for males and females, for general purposes, percentile values of anybody dimension comprising both males and females might serve well for producing designed articles or for conceptualizing the work spaces. According to requirements, percentile values may be derived irrespective of whether there is predominantly a male population or female population. For example, to avoid reaching towards a dangerously moving part in any equipment, its location in terms of the human operator should be such that most of the population should not get within easy reach. The higher percentile value of the forward arm reach in the "standing in front leaning" posture, say the 95th percentile, is found to be 1336mm for males and 1199mm for females. To ensure safety, irrespective of this data, whether for males or females, the higher value of the two must be considered, because we are not sure whether the intended users will be only females, males or both. Here, the male and female combined value of the 95th percentile figure, 1309mm, may also be considered in general and the moving part can be fixed at that distance. If the equipment is unguarded, to avoid all risks, the combined maximum value, 1500mm, irrespective of for males (1500mm) and for females (1250mm), should be used. Another example, where easy accommodation is the prime concern, is when designing a seat with arm rests. The mid-breadth of the seat should accommodate the relaxed mid-thigh to thigh distance. When the higher values say, the 95th percentile for males and females, are found to be 449mm and 529mm respectively, the combined 95th percentile value, i.e. 479mm for general purposes or the higher of these two may be considered. For general use we may select: a) lowest and highest value of any dimension taken from separate male and female data sources or b) the whole data collected from both males and females may be computed as a single population data with combined values, irrespective of whether these are collected from male or female sources.

Consideration for regular percentiles For considering shoe lengths, a single percentile value of a foot length dimension cannot support the purpose of accommodating a large percentage of the population. To accommodate most of the people, wecan never specify any single percentile value, like the 95th percentile of the foot length. This can never be appropriate. It requires different percentile values so that they fit the users of different foot sizes.

Experiment 1

Static Anthropometry and Standing Heights

Static Anthropometry and Standing Heights: This Study aims at understanding the various basic anthropometric landmarks, dimensions in standing posture it also involves measuring techniques and equipment used andto provide same reference data to acquaint with the data set in Indian population context in various ranges of percentile figures and respective ratio value between parameters and height. The presentation acquaints: 1. To understand the common anthropometric terms (with appropriate illustrations) in a standing posture heights, lengths, breadths and depths. 2. To understand the basic measuring technique using low cost devices. 3. To acquaint with the standing anthropometric dimensions in a holistic presentation, the tabular flow interlinking the definition, measuring land marks illustrations and data set being provided.

Figure showing measuring body height (shoulder height in the figure) using anthropometric rod set.

About experiment: Those physical human body dimensions which have an impact on primary design dimensions are static anthropometry. Body measurements include direct measurements of various body parts; say heights, lengths, depths, breadths and the circumferences of head, neck, trunk, hands and legs in some standard positions.

As standard practice, the collection of body structural data in static body positions is easier than the collection of body functional data in dynamic body positions. When this dimensions are taken in standing static posture it is called standing static anthropometry. Measuring Procedures: Both direct and indirect measuring procedures are followed to collect anthropometric data from selected subjects in a particular population. Direct and indirect body measuring procedures may bedone separately or taken both simultaneously, depending on the context of the dimensional requirement and the suitability of the study. Step by step procedure: Measuring dimensions: technique: The measuring methods as demonstrated in the video and illustrations presented herein may be followed with the relevant experimental set up using: A. Anthropometer set (e.g., rods marked in part millimetre scale are joined together to make a single scale from 0 to 200 cm and using various sliding branches) B. Anthropometric board and other relevant devices specifically developed forsuitability to measure respective measurements. Data treatments relevant calculations are to be followed. Data usage- principles and thumb rules are to be maintained. Direct methods: Direct body measuring instruments mostly used are:

A common set of anthropometric instruments. Anthropometric board with grid marks. Some other special measuring devices such as adjustable foot measuring instruments box and blocks, marked conical devices for measuring the grip diameter and inner circumferences. Special various diameter holes containing panels for measuring finger diameter etc. For circumferences, non-stretchable tapes are used. For specific measurements specific devices may also be created.

Figure demonstrating height and breadth measurement through anthropometric rod

Indirect methods: Indirect measurements may be taken through photographic methods, using still photography and filming the whole body and/or parts from different angles against a marked grid background, or superimposition of a grid on the photographed human body. To guard against parallax errors (problems where the actual dimensions may change) much care must betaken for dynamic measurements, subjects are asked to perform the intended tasks in actual and/or simulate situations and the relevant measurements are taken. Subjects may leave some marks denoting the limits to which they can stretch their limbs in a comfortable position. Different types of grids are also used to measure these mark.

Experiment 2

Arm forward reaches, Standing erect and Forward Bend

This Study aims at understanding the various arm reach values in standing posture it also involves measuring techniques and equipment used and to maintained and measurements ofbody parts in such positions should be taken with extension and flexing movements so that various reach values in different positions are normally taken care of. The presentation acquaints 1. To understand the common anthropometric terms (with appropriate illustrations) in a standing posture and arm reach values. 2. To understand the basic measuring technique using low cost devices. 3. To acquaint with the standing anthropometric dimensions in a holistic presentation, the tabular flow interlinking the definition, measuring land marks illustrations and data set being provided. With various movements taken into consideration in different adopted postures which the work context demands are known as dynamic anthropometry. Reach anthropometry is required mainly while designing. The human body is not rigid but rather always dynamic. Even in sleep it has movement and the dimensional measurements of the human body.

Procedure: In the case of dynamic body dimensional measurements, as the body functional contexts vary, comfortable work postures should be maintained and measurements of body part in such positions should be taken with extension and flexing movements so that various reach values in different positions are normally taken care of. Measuring procedure: Both direct and indirect measuring procedures are followed to collect anthropometric data from selected subjects in a particular population. Direct and indirect body measuring procedures may be considered separately or taken both simultaneously, depending on the context of the dimensional requirement and the suitability of the study.

Step by step procedure (Measuring dimensions: Technique) The measuring methods may be followed with the relevant experimental set up using A. Anthropometer set (e.g., rods marked in part millimetre scale are joined together to make a single scale from 0 to 200 cm and using various sliding branches) B. Anthropometric board and other relevant devices specifically developed for suitability to measure respective measurements. Data treatments relevant calculations are to be followed. Data usage- principles and thumb rules are to be maintained. Direct methods: Direct body measuring instruments mostly used are:

A common set of anthropometric instruments. Anthropometric board with grid marks. Some special measuring devices such as adjustable foot measuring instruments box and blocks, marked conical devices for measuring the grip diameter and inner circumferences. Special various diameter holes containing panels for measuring finger diameter etc. For circumferences, non-stretchable tapes are used. For specific measurements specific devices may also be created.

Indirect methods: Indirect measurements are taken through photographic methods, using still photography and filming the whole body and/or parts from different angles against a marked grid background, or superimposition of a grid on the photographed human body. For dynamic measurements, subjects perform the intended tasks in actual and/or simulated situations and the relevant measurements are taken. Subjects may leave some marks denoting the limits to which they can stretch their limbs in a comfortable position. Different types of grids are also used to measure these marks.

Anthropometric board

Experiment 3

Sitting Anthropometry and Static Heights

Those physical human body dimensions which have an impact on design dimensions are static when structural. Structural body measurements include direct measurements of various body parts; say heights, lengths, depths, breadths and the circumferences of head, neck, trunk, hands and legs in some standard positions. As standard practice, the collection of body structural data in static body positions is easier than the collection of body functional data in dynamic body positions. When these dimensions are taken in sitting static posture it is called sitting static anthropometry. External human body dimensional measurements i.e. heights, lengths, breadths, depths and circumferences, taken reference data to acquaint with the data set in Indian population context in various ranges of percentile figures and respective ratio value between parameters and height. For detailed data for other dimensions refer the Home page data sheet.

Adaptation of a bent neck posture due to a faulty work surface and body-supportive furniture: Proper anthropometric dimension to be considered.

About experiment: For sitting measurements, subjects are asked to sit erect on a comfortable height stool where he maintains heel, knee, hip and elbow at 90 degrees with chest forward, chin up, arms extended forward with upper arm hanging down verticalbody measuring procedures may be considered separately or taken both simultaneously, depending on the context of the dimensional requirement and the suitability of the study.

Step by step procedure Measuring dimensions: Technique The measuring methods as demonstrated in the video and illustrations presented herein may be followed with the relevant experimental set up using: A. Anthropometer set (e.g., rods marked in part millimetre scale are joined together to make a single scale from 0 to 200 cm and using various sliding branches) B. Anthropometric board and other relevant devices specifically developed for suitability to measure respective measurements. Data treatments - Relevant calculations are to be followed. Data usage- Principles and thumb rules are to be maintained. Direct methods: Direct body measuring instruments mostly used are:

A common set of anthropometric instruments. Anthropometric board with grid marks. Some other special measuring devices such as adjustable foot measuring instruments box and blocks, marked conical devices for measuring the grip diameter and inner circumferences. Special various diameter holes containing panels for measuring finger diameter etc. For circumferences, non-stretchable tapes are used. For specific measurements specific devices may also be created.

Demonstration of land marks and measuring procedure using anthropometric rod set.

Indirect methods: Indirect measurements may be taken through photographic methods, using still photography and filming the whole body and/or parts from different angles against a marked grid background, or superimposition of a grid on the photographed human body. To guard against parallax errors - problems where the actual dimensions may change - much care must be taken. For dynamic measurements, subjects are asked to perform the intended tasks in actual and/or simulate situations and the relevant measurements are taken. Subjects may leave some marks denoting the limits to which they can stretch their limbs in a comfortable position. Different types of grids are also used to measure these marks.

Experiment 4

Horizontal Work Surface at Around Elbow Height

Most of the muscular skeletal disorders and some occupational health problems are due to bad postures adopted while working as well as in one's daily life. The more one neglect this, the more one has to suffer and it becomes a chronic problem. The most of the common work surfaces are horizontal and in some cases vertical or slanting in various degrees, and a combination of all these types, are seen in daily life. On a horizontal work surface, the nature and importance of work, the attention to be given to the task, the layout with arm reach limits, well defined work zone area should be specified. The primary work zone of a single person working at a table would be the area in front of the table, i.e., the 50th percentile of the span akimbo distance, so that he can perform his normal reading, writing, or even dining without any hindrance. For normal seating clearances in sitting arrangement in a row the same may be considered. Horizontal work surfaces may have an upward slope of 0 to 15 degrees and sometimes different heights also.

The experiment provided here aims at understanding the various horizontal work surfaces are in effect in our daily life, may be the office table, kitchen platform, console or any interactive work counter and various work component layout there in. Various work area covered by respective arm reach limits defines different work zones e.g., primary, secondary, and tertiary. This experiment acquaints with various horizontal work zones with the reference data set in Indian population context in various ranges of percentile values and respective ratio value between parameters and height.

About experiment: This Study aims at understanding relevant arm reaches at horizontal surface for a seated person. Standing posture at(around) elbow label. It also involves measuring techniques and equipment used and to provide some reference for workspace design purposes.

The presentation acquaints: 1. To understand the common terms (with appropriate illustrations). 2. To understand the basic measuring technique using low cost devices. 3. To acquaint with the dimensions in a holistic presentation, the tabular flow interlinking the definition, measuring land marks illustrations and data set being provided.

Procedure: Measuring procedures: Both direct and indirect measuring procedures are followed to collect anthropometric data from selected subjects; it may be done separately or both taken consideration simultaneously, depending on the context of the dimensional requirement and the suitability of the study. Measurements can be done using photographic methods, using still photography and filming the whole body and or parts from different angles how people used to perform their daily activity on the horizontal work surface, the nature and the importance of work, how much attention is given to which task, their arm reach limits and accordingly work zones are specified. Dimensions are also measured creating a physically simulated work condition and subjects are asked to do the movements as originally is expected to be done.

For general requirement, Primary work area should be considered by taking the measurement of 50th percentile of the span akimbo distance, so that one can perform his normal activity like reading, writing etc. without any hindrance; to get easy reach consider lower value of any reach dimension and to avoid reach towards ensuring safety, the higher values and sometimes additional clearances may be considered.

Experiment 5

Effective work platform height, standing

This study aims at understanding the various work surface heights relevant to normal work platform, table, kitchen platform, or any interactive work counters, with the reference data set in Indian population. The presentation acquaints 1. To understand the common features for selecting relevant work platform heights standing posture, this may be converted to sitting purpose considering sitting elbow height. 2. To assist practical understanding of low cost measuring technique (anthropometric rod set or board) with the help of animated experiment provided here in. About experiment: Those physical human body dimensions based on elbow heights (arm hanging vertical downward at the side of the body) assists fixing various work platform heights for comfortable work, normal, upper permissible and lower respectively for inspection etc fine work and handling heavy material. This experiment gives a feeling of real experiment for preferred real experiment for preferred heights of horizontal work surface in standing posture. For general purposes, 50th percentile of elbow height may be considered; for writing, etc., it may be fixed at elbow height + (50 to 100 mm), and for minute attention it may go up to 200 mm; for heavy manual material handling it may go down to 200mm from the elbow height. Procedure: In the case of dynamic body dimensional measurements, as the body functional contexts vary, comfortable work postures should be maintained and measurements of body parts in such positions should be taken with extension and flexing movements so that various reach values in different positions are normally taken care of. Measuring procedures: Basic anthropometric data is the elbow height from the floor or against a reference surface like for chair seating it may be seat surface. The same elbow point may be taken for standing, sitting posture on a chair and other posture such as sitting on floor with cross-leg and squatting. Data may be collected from selected subjects in a particular population group. Both direct and indirect measurement may be considered separately or taken both simultaneously, for considering the following measurement. Analysis of photographic records of an activity against a suitable grid and anthropometric rod set also can be used.

Direct and indirect body measuring: Direct body measuring instruments mostly used are: A common set of anthropometric instruments and anthropometric board with grid marks. Create a physical simulation where a horizontal platform can be adjusted in various heights in respect to the subject where he feels comfortable to normal read-write and regular hand work, at the height he feels appropriate for inspection that requires very close to eye position and for handling relatively heavy object below the elbow the preferred lower height. Take note directly the preferred heights and treat the data statistically. Indirect measurements may be taken through photographic methods, using still photography and filming the above mentioned experiments with the subject against a marked grid background, or superimposition of a grid on the photographed human body. To guard against parallax errors - problems where the actual dimensions may change care must be taken. For dynamic measurements, subjects are asked to perform the intended tasks in actual and/or simulate situations and the relevant measurements are taken. Subjects may leave some marks denoting the limits to which they can stretch their limbs in a comfortable position. Different types of grids may also be developed that suits the specific working situation, if the measurements are taken in the real working condition. Step by step procedure: Measuring dimensions: Technique The study can be done with the photographic record of a real work situation or in a laboratory with simulated work condition where the work platform height can be adjusted according to working comfort with three different types of activities, normal, close to eye for work demanding close inspection and lower limit for working with relatively heavy load. The measuring methods as demonstrated in the video and illustrations presented herein may be followed with the relevant experimental set up using (A) anthropometer set ((B) anthropometric board and other relevant devices specifically developed for suitability to measure respective measurements. Data treatments as relevant calculations are to be followed. Data usage- principles and thumb rules are to be maintained.

Experiment 6

Effective Vertical Work Surface

There are three types of work surfaces, i.e., horizontal, vertical and diagonal. There exists a curved work surface suitable to touch by hand approximately 1 meter from the body and suits to vision. Such curved surfaces may be useful to work in standing as well as in seating position where at the same the time person is required to touch top, horizontal and lower comfortable reach. Few aspects may be considered about the movement pattern of arm arc in erect posture and bending forward and the eye movement. The viewing distance of a vertical work surface should not be more than 750mm and never be less than 330 mm, preferably not less than 510mm from the eye position while adopting different postures, because a short viewing distance as well as a long distance creates undue strain on the eye. The vertical plane of the visual field follows a stepwise curvature over the head and below the waist of approximately 5 degrees inward inclination at each 200mm. A vertical work surface might have a concave feature to fit the arc of the front arm reaches, because both extreme ends of the arm reaches are smaller in length than that at the mid-position. As a matter of general convenience, it could be said that the area in front of a person, from waist level to head level may be straight and vertical and the extreme ends of the surface may be curved in order to make it easy for the arms to reach both the upper and lower areas. Initially starting at around 15 degrees, it should gradually be nearer the user. By combining the visual curvature and the arm reach curvature, a specific vertical work surface can be designed. To ensure comfortable reach and vision, it may have an inclination of 10 degrees at every 200mm length approximately over the head and below the waist, and from waist to head level it can be straight and vertical. About experiment: Those physical human body dimensions which have an impact on design dimensions are static when structural. Structural body measurements include direct measurements of various body parts; say heights, lengths, depths, breadths and the circumferences of head, neck, trunk, hands and legs in some standard positions. As standard practice, the collection of body structural data in static body positions is easier than the collection of body functional data in dynamic body positions. When these dimensions are taken in sitting static posture it is called sitting static anthropometry. Procedure: In the case of dynamic body dimensional measurements, as the body functional contexts vary, comfortable work postures should be maintained and measurements of body parts in such positions should be taken with extension and flexing movements so that various reach values in different positions are normally taken care of.

Measuring procedures: In the case of dynamic body dimensional measurements, as the body functional contexts vary, comfortable work postures should be maintained and measurements of body parts in such positions should be taken with extension and flexing movements so that various reach values in different positions are normally taken care of. To suit proper arm reach and vision comfort, a suitable experimental set up can be created where standing erect and bending arm reaches can be measured and visual objects display are located in such a distance which can be used as a comfortable surroundings where both arm reach at around 1 meter distance and easy to see is conceptualized. Only to measure the arm arcs animated experiment is being presented herein towards a practical acquaintance of the above fact, as shown in the figure. A person may be asked to stand on an erect posture keeping heels close against a board placed at the side. He is asked to extend arm on a arc motion without bending and leave a mark on the board to denote the arc lines; thereafter from the same standing position he is asked to bend forward and mark the maximum arm reach arc line. Arm arc points distance from the vertical axis passing through both heel joint position.

Experiment 7

Hand Dimension
Those physical human body dimensions which have an impact on design dimensions are static when structural. Structural body measurements include direct measurements of various body parts; say heights, lengths, depths, breadths and the circumferences of head, neck, trunk, hands and External human body dimensional measurements i.e. heights, lengths, breadths, depths and circumferences, taken when a man is placed in a legs in some standard positions. As standard practice, the collection of body structural data in static body positions is easier than the collection of body functional data in dynamic body positions. When these dimensions are taken in sitting static posture it is called sitting static anthropometry.

About Experiment: This Study aims at understanding the various hand dimensions which also involves measuring techniques and equipment used and to maintained and measurements of body parts in The presentation acquaints 1. To understand the common anthropometric terms (with appropriate illustrations) in a standing posture and arm reach values. 2. To understand the basic measuring technique using low cost devices. 3. To acquaint with the standing anthropometric dimensions in a holistic presentation, the tabular flow interlinking the definition, measuring land marks illustrations and data set being provided. such positions should be taken with extension and flexing movements so that various reach values in different positions are normally taken care of. Procedure: Measuring procedures: Direct measuring procedures are followed to collect anthropometric data from selected subjects in a particular population. Direct body measuring procedures may be considered separately or taken both simultaneously, depending on the context of the dimensional requirement and the suitability of the study.

Step by step procedure: Measuring dimensions: technique The measuring methods has been illustrations presented herein may be followed with the relevant experimental set up using (A) Caliper.

Experiment 8

Human Dimensional Consideration for General Seating

Though people sit on the floor also, a high platform for sitting purpose is usually designated as a seat. Normally, seats mean chair type seating with and without arm rest and stool types of seat without backrests. Depending on the various contextual requirements there are varieties of designs and some new ones are also being developed. Whatever the consideration, aesthetics, etc., the primary consideration should be comfort, so that, people can sit on the seat for a long time without feeling any physical as well as physiological discomfort. The general problems encountered in seats not meeting the body as shown. To arrive at a comfortable design for seats, the human body dimensions, and the static anthropometry of the user should be considered first, followed by dynamic dimensional variations along with task contextual behavioral demands. The selection of anthropometric details and the relevant design features would depend on these requirements. Generally, seating is directly to other furniture, e.g. tables, counters, desk, a variety of work surface and spaces. Seats for general purposes include chairs used in homes, offices, etc. Under the category of special seats, low seating arrangements range from sofas to car and train compartment seats. Everyone would not be comfortable on a seat if a proper back rest, full thigh-buttock support, arm rest and proper foot holding are not provided. Unlike the common seats, for certain tasks, like typing, drafting, etc., where forward bending is required, the concept of a 15 degree forward inclined seat has been developed as an alternative for use in sedentary work, e.g. Balans chair concept. No back rest is required as the hip angle is below 90 degrees. The forward inclined body is supported by a knee support. Though it has several advantages towards supporting the normal body posture adopted during some sedentary work, further exploration is awaited and possible beneficial effects are being tested. A combination of these two concepts of forward inclined and conventional horizontal or backward inclined seats using proper adjustable tilting mechanisms of forward and back inclinations, with appropriate back rests may be tried out for general purposes. Here, the general human dimensions related to specific parts of the seating device would be discussed instead of taking examples of every type of seat of various contextual requirements. The commonly used seats have the following parts, a) Seat surface, b) Seat stand for seat height, c) back rest d) arm rests and e)cushioning. Other seat related considerations are, a) Leg room, b) foot rest and, c) clearances.

Experiment 9

Squatting posture
Theory: The normal tendency of the diameter of the body increases from standing height to squatting height. While designing any workstation where posture is required proper distance must be maintain for the body to fit in the given space. Procedure: The subject is asked to take squatting posture and perform different activities like arm stretching. Measurements can be done using photographic methods, using still photography and filming the whole body from different angles how people used to perform their daily activity on the work surface. Analysis of photographic records of an activity against a suitable grid and anthropometric rod set also can be used. Direct and indirect body measuring: Direct body measuring instruments mostly used are: set of anthropometric instruments and anthropometric board with grid marks. A physical environment is simulated where the subject is asked to perform their activities and different measurement is taken. Indirect measurements may be taken through photographic methods, using still photography and filming the above mentioned experiments with the subject against a marked grid background, or superimposition of a grid on the photographed human body. To guard against parallax errors - problems where the actual dimensions may change, care must be taken. For dynamic measurements, subjects are asked to perform the intended tasks in actual and or simulated situations and the relevant measurements are taken. About experiment: This experiment aims at understanding the relevant space or distance required to perform different task in squatting posture. The experiment gives a feeling of real experiment to perform task in actual and or simulate situations Step by step procedure: Measuring dimensions: Technique The study can be done with the photographic record of a real work situation or in a laboratory with simulated work condition where the subject is asked to perform their tasks with comfortable squatting postures.

Experiment 10

Body movement ranges

About Experiment: This experiment focuses on different body movements mainly flexion, extension of different parts of the body with special emphasis on head, neck, trunk, arm, hip, and leg. These parts of the body are more flexible and are responsible in performing different activities in different workstations. Procedure: The measurements are made with the help of Goniometer, electro goniometer and video graphic analysis through different softwares as well as manually through different scales like RULA, REBA etc. To measure the range of motion at a joint, the center of the goniometer is positioned at the axis of rotation of a joint and the arms of the goniometer are aligned with the long axis of the bones of the adjacent segments or to an external reference Direct and indirect body measuring Direct body measuring instruments mostly used are: simple goniometer and electro goniometer. A physical environment is simulated where the subject is asked to perform their activities and different angular measurement of the body is taken. Indirect measurements may be taken through photographic methods, using still photography and filming the above work performed. For dynamic measurements, subjects are asked to perform the intended tasks in actual and or simulate situations and the relevant measurements are done through different softwares or manually through the help of different standard scales.

Electro Goniometer

Baseline adjusted Wall Goniometer