Ergonomics considerations in the design and use of single disc floor cleaning machines

This study investigated ergonomics issues connected with the use of single-disc floor cleaning machines (buffers/polishers). Methods included interview/questionnaire surveys of users and other groups (maintenance personnel, purchasing managers, manufacturer representatives), along with video analysi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied ergonomics 1999-10, Vol.30 (5), p.391-399
Main Authors: Haslam, R.A., Williams, H.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Applied physiology
Arm
Biological and medical sciences
Cleaning equipment
Cleaning tasks
Design engineering
Electric machinery
Electric Power Supplies
Equipment Design
Ergonomics
Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology
Female
Floor cleaning machines
Floors and Floorcoverings - instrumentation
Hand
Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology
Humans
Industrial equipment
Interviews as Topic
Janitors
Low Back Pain - etiology
Machine design
Maintenance - manpower
Male
Man-Machine Systems
Medical sciences
Musculoskeletal Diseases - etiology
Musculoskeletal system
Occupational Diseases - etiology
Shoulder Pain - etiology
Surface Properties
Surveys and Questionnaires
Wrist
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Description
Summary:This study investigated ergonomics issues connected with the use of single-disc floor cleaning machines (buffers/polishers). Methods included interview/questionnaire surveys of users and other groups (maintenance personnel, purchasing managers, manufacturer representatives), along with video analysis. A notable proportion of users (56%) reported discomfort from machine use, mostly musculoskeletal in origin. Main locations were hand (39%), shoulder (19%), wrist (7%), lower back (7%) and arm (6%). Deficiencies were identified with the design and configuration of the handle/operating-switch. Problems were also found arising from the trailing power cable, along with manual handling implications due to machine size and weight. It is concluded there is scope to improve on current designs.
ISSN:0003-6870
1872-9126
DOI:10.1016/S0003-6870(98)00061-1