Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
e-ISSN: 2278-1684,p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 11, Issue 5 Ver. V (Sep- Oct. 2014), PP 100-105
www.iosrjournals.org
Abstract: Ergonomics is one of the major point of concern in the manufacturing of any product or commodity
in any industries or workshops. It deals with the study of men machine and work environment for achieving
optimal performance without causing any physiological and psychological discomfort. This paper presents an
overview of the situations in workplaces (industries; workshops etc.) which would assist in user
friendlyenvironment and hence will lead to good scale of PRODUCTION.
I. Introduction
Ergonomics is concerned with making the workplaceas efficient, safe and comfortable as
possible.Effective application of ergonomics in work systemdesign can achieve a balance between
workercharacteristics and task demands. This can enhance operator productivity provide worker safety
andphysical and mental well-being and job satisfaction.Many research studies have shown positive effects
design.
Research studies in ergonomics have also produced data and guidelines for industrial applications.
Thefeatures of ergonomic design of machines,workstations, and facilities are well known.However, there is still
a low level of acceptance andlimited application in industries, especially indeveloping countries. The main
concern of worksystem design is usually the improvement ofmachines and tools. Inadequate or no consideration
isgiven to the work system design as a whole.Therefore, poorly designed work systems are acommon place in
industry. Neglect ofergonomic principles brings inefficiency and pain tothe workforce. An ergonomically
deficient workplacecan cause physical and emotional stress, lowproductivity and poor quality of work
.Workstation should be laid out such that it minimizesthe working area so that while carrying out theoperations
the worker could use shorter motions andexpend less energy and thus reduce fatigue. Similarly there are many
more points of concern which assists or helps he workforce for a greater productivity rate which is illustrated in
the coming sections.
III. Balancers
These overhead devices provide and perform functions similar to overhead hoists in that they can lift
and lowera load. The balancer configurations and suspensions are similar to a hoist.
The balancer functions differently from a hoist. The functional difference is indicated in the name
"balancer."A balancer balances the load in a near weightless condition during the lifting operation. This feature
allows the operator to maneuver the load easily. Balancers are often used for awkward and/or rapid load
movements.Balancers can also be used to suspend equipment which is used in repetitive operation. A variety of
controloptions are available. A very broad range of load handling devices (end effectors) can expand this
product's.Balancers are typically supported on small jibs, light monorail systems or tubular track
monorailsystems, or as part of a workstation.Both air-powered and electronically driven balancers are
commonly available. Balancers can weigh up toapproximately 100 lbs. and have approximate lifting capacities
of 500 lbs.
IV. Manipulators
A manipulator has a mechanical arm which can move a load horizontally as well as vertically.
Manipulators, unlike thehoist or balancer, can provide more than vertical lifting and lowering. Manipulators
combine mechanical arms, cylinders/motors and application-specific load handling devices. The devices are
generally dedicated to a single product.Manipulators can be floor-mounted, column-mounted, mounted
overhead on a rail system orattached to a ceiling.The machines are generally operator-controlled at or near the
load control devices. The operator can manually manipulatethe load in the pick, move and place functions. The
load is in a near weightless condition similar to the balancer. Sincethe manipulator is often used to "reach" in the
pick, move and place cycle, it is slower and may require more operatoreffort than a balancer.Manipulators and
balancers can be designed for a specific application. Before choosing a piece ofequipment, you shouldconsider
itsintended use. Either piece ofequipment can adapt to different load sizes and shapes. Lift and lower
distancesare generally limited to the operator's reach.
V. Workstation Cranes
Enclosed track workstation cranes are ergonomically designed for lighter loads, from 150 lbs. to 4,000
lbs capacities.Horizontal movement is usually pushbut can be powered. The high strength enclosed track design
keeps rolling surfacesclean, which contributes to easier crane movement and longer wheel and track life. The
tracks' low weight per footreduces the dead weight, which makes for easier movement, increased worker safety
and increased productivity.Enclosed track workstation bridge cranes push very easily - typically 1 pound of
force for every 100 pounds of load. Thisis much easier than an I-beam crane system that typically takes 3
pounds of force to move every 100 pounds of loadErgonomically designed, easy to move workstation cranes put
less stress on operators. They offer precise load positioning,significant productivity improvements, fewer
injuries and less fatigue.Equipment configurations include single or double girder bridge cranes, jib cranes and
monorails. Both steel and aluminium cranes are available. Suspension is varied. The options include free
standing floor support, ceiling suspended cranesor a combination of the two.Load suspension trolleys, which
ride on wheels inside the enclosed track, have devices that hang below the track openingto support vertical lift
devices. These vertical lifting options include hoists, balancers, vacuum lifters and manipulatorswhich contain
holding and orienting devices such as hooks, slings, grabs, spreader bars, vacuum devices, custom endeffectors
and magnets.
VI. Workstations
Considerations for a well designed workstation:
1) Everything the worker needs for the task should be available without stretching or reaching and should be
easy to handle.
2) Items being handled should not require the hands towork at a level which averages more than 6" above the
work surface.
3) Items in excess of 10 pounds should use a mechanical assist - nothing needs to be lifted from the floor.
4) The ideal work area should be semicircular around the worker.
5) The work surface should be at elbow height orslightly below it, so the forearm is horizontal orslightly slanted
down.
6) Optimum height ofwork surface should be: For writing orlight assembly - 27.5" to31";forheavier manual
work - range of26" to28.5"
VII Stackers.
Manually propelled lift trucks, commonly called stackers, can be an extremely versatile group of
ergonomic assistproducts. They are designed to efficiently transport work from one work station to another, as
well as, for elevatingloads to comfortable ergonomic work heights.
Stackers are available with platforms, adjustable forks or fixed forks. Capacities range from 250 Ibs. to
3,000 Ibsand load centers to 24", to handle load sizes up to 48" square.
Fork model stackers offer vertical level from floor level (5" for platform models) to 4',5',6',8', 10' and
12' in liftheight within a very small foot print. However, most ergonomic applications require only lower lift
height models.Hydraulics is the most frequently used method for lifting, although wire rope and winch are used
with some liftweight manual types. Battery lifting power is most frequently used, but manual, AC electric, and
air power modelsare available. A control lever is usually located at finger tip level on a control panel, but hand
pendants and footcontrols are also available.Stackers effectively move, raise, and
position wire baskets, tote boxes, crates, skids and pallets to proper ergonomicwork levels for
maximum efficiency, productivity, and worker safety. They are also available with numerous attachmentsand
accessories to transport and position special work loads such as barrels, coils, rolls, etc.
VII. Conveyors
Conveyors are used in a variety of industries to transport unit/package loads from one location to the
next. Conveyors in manufacturing operations are used primarily as part ofthe assembly process, while conveyors
in warehousingand distribution are frequently used to process order.A conveyor provides an ergonomic
advantage to the worker by providing a mechanized means of moving work tothe worker. Expandable
conveyors are ideal for assisting workers with tasks such as loading orunloading trucks andtrailers.
For order picking situations, conveyors provide workers with open cases at the proper height and in
fullview. This can mean fewer mistakes, less stooping, and less reaching.Workers interfacing with conveyors
are frequently engaged in bending, twisting, and reaching motions as they put on ortake off materials from a
conveyor. When using a conveyor system, it is important to evaluate the workstationdesign so that the
equipment adjusts for the 6' tall worker on the first shift and the 4' II" worker on the second shift.
VIII. ContainerTilters
Containers, boxes and baskets are widely used to store and transport parts and products. Although they
are efficient, loading and unloading them requires motions that can be unsafe for workers. Regardless ofhow
light the storedparts are, workers must repetitively bend, stoop, reach and lift as they work their way to the
bottom of these containers.To make the process safer and more productive, the container should be moved up
and toward the worker as it isunloaded. Proper positioning can eliminate the need for bending, stretching,
reaching and unnecessary lifting.Pictured are portable tilters which allow containers to be picked up, moved into
position, and tilted for easy access.There are similar stationary models which allow containers to be directly
placed on the tilter by hand pallet trucks orfork trucks. In addition, there are floor height pivot point devices and
tilters that mount on lift tables and other bases.There are nearly as many tilter designs as there are container
styles, and application information must be carefullyconsidered before equipment selection. Special attention
should be given to all container dimensions and the weightand configuration ofthe part.
X. Application
Processing and canning industries like tinplate, fritolay uses fast moving processing units and conveyor
belts for fast packaging processes.
Sugar and pulp industries uses machine driven computer automated devices for fast processind rate.
Modern offices in INDIA or anywhere in world which are be newly constructed are giving stress on
ergonomics aspect of the workforce and the working staff.A newly constructed office of TCS in jsr is a perfect
example of this setup.
Similar ergonomics aspect of the industries and offices are maintained various places for
manufacturing processing and packaging process where less stress is given on the workforce.
XII. Conclusion
Now, we have marched towards the end of our case study . Detail study of it reveal that in developing
countries more or less no concern is given on ergonomics aspects over the industrial development. various
ergonomics tools have been detailed in this case study which let to the overall development of the workforce
and hence will result good production rate without providing any discomfort at the manufacturing level.
Reference
[1]. Wikipedia:Human factors and Ergonomics.
[2]. Industrial Engineering And Management by Dr.B.Kumar
[3]. The publication Work Practices Guide forManual Lifting is available from NIOSH.