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

• 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
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/S0003-6870(98)00061-1

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.