Category: Original article

The Efficiency Study of Local Exhaust Ventilations Performance Conducted in the Welding Workshop a Case Study at Technical College

The Efficiency Study of Local Exhaust Ventilations Performance Conducted in the Welding Workshop a Case Study at Technical College

Yurizman JAMIL1 and Nor Halim HASAN1

1 Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Federal Territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 13 – 15   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

Full text

Abstract

Students who carried out their study in welding workshop may be exposed to health risks from inhaling welding fumes. There are a total of 10 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system installed in the welding workshop which consists 6 sets – special types of arc welding and 4 sets – special types for welding of MIG / TIG. A total of 7 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation System that tested the effectiveness for (Capture Velocity) were used to measure the reading at a distance of 6 inches from the air openings and compared with standards set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). There were 3 sets of Local Ventilation system that cannot function due to damage to the circuits and equipment. Scope of the study revolved around the aspects focused on the measurement aperture (hood) where Capture Velocity data were taken and observations throughout the effectiveness of the system. Instruments used were Anemometer, Smoke Tube Tracer Set and Measuring Tape. There was an availability velocity measurement that fails when comparing to the standard that is set for the welding process. There were no maintenance records and test reports of Hygiene Technician II recognized by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) as provided under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, Regulations – Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. According to this study, it is suggested to immediately perform maintenance/repairs to the ventilation system and run a full test of the entire system by Hygiene Technician II. Ensure suitable personal protective equipment is used for welding work. Compliance with the requirements of Regulation 17(1) (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 that mentions any engineering control equipment provided shall be inspected at each interval being no longer than one month by the employer; and examined and tested for its effectiveness by a registered hygiene technician at each interval being no longer than twelve months.

Keywords

Local Exhaust Ventilation System, Engineering Control Equipment, Welding Workshop, Capture Velocity, ACGIH, USECHH Regulations 2000

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia for the permission of using instrumentations and opportunity to facilitate fruitful research.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Study on Non-Ionizing Radiation (Radio Frequency) at Broadcasting Sector

Study on Non-Ionizing Radiation (Radio Frequency) at Broadcasting Sector

Yurizman JAMIL

Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Federal Territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 9 – 12   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Application of non-ionizing radiation is growing in line with the rapid technological developments which impact on human exposure may result in danger if not controlled. As such, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn. Bhd. has been selected to be assessed regarding electromagnetic radiation – radio frequency (RF) measurement around its broadcast facilities at ASTRO complex in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. This study was conducted on the 3rd and 4th of February 2016. The measurement was encompassed only on the assessment of the electromagnetic radiation (radio frequency – RF) in the accessible areas within and around the ASTRO’S broadcast facilities (about 1.5 meters from the floor/ground). Mapping plot measurements method on the radiation source was made for non-ionizing radiation exposure readings for the electric field and magnetic field (near field) between 1 to 5 meters and the distance (far field) between 10 up to > 100 meters in the area that can be in access. 

The time measurements were taken and recorded for six minutes (RF) for each point of measurement (ICNIRP 1998, IEEE 1991, HWC 1999 and ARPANSA 2002). Measured radiations were assessed and evaluated against the mandatory standard exposure limits and the recommendations issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The electromagnetic (RF) radiations present within the ASTRO complex were measurable but of low levels. The electrical field strengths and magnetic field strength were well below the exposure limits stipulated by the MCMC guidelines for members of the public and workers. The determined level of power density measured for the public at all locations around 0.04 μW/cm2 to 0.54 μW/cm2 exposure where the percentage was only about 0.004% to 0.054% when compared to the limits set by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 

Based on the finding of these measurements, it was strongly believed that the presence of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the equipment within the ASTRO complex with the present loads would not lead to any significant radiation exposure received by workers around the facilities. Based on observation and preliminary inspection, at some places, especially those which were very close to the transmitting and receiving antennas, are expected to experience much higher radiation level than what was observed during the survey. This is because the range of frequencies produced by the antenna is more focused on the micro-wave frequency. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that limited accessing to these antennas to be provided with proper control measure such as by putting up radiation warning signs and notices at their entrance so that chances form personnel to get any significant or unnecessary exposure to radiation can be minimized.

Keywords

Non-Ionizing Radiation, Electromagnetic Field, Radio Frequency, Broadcasting Sector, Electric Field, Magnetic Field, Near Field, Far Field, Mandatory Standard Exposure Limits, MCMC

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia for the permission of using instrumentations and opportunity to facilitate fruitful research.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

A Study on the Usage of Blood-Volume-Pressure as a Driver’s Mental Workload Evaluation Tool

A Study on the Usage of Blood-Volume-Pressure as a Driver’s Mental Workload Evaluation Tool
Ahmad Khushairy Bin MAKHTAR1 and Makoto ITOH2

1 Department of Risk Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

Page 1 – 8   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Estimating a driver’s mental workload level is challenging part nowadays. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to explore mental workload using blood-volume-pressure (BVP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Participants performed two secondary tasks at two levels of task difficulty and also in two types of traffic conditions. The results show that increasing task difficulty seems to increase heart rate (HR) and reduce the heart rate variability (HRV) data simultaneously. Especially, data for HR was high when the drivers were performing the most difficult task for the mathematical arithmetic task. Results from BVP and ECG also show that they correlate each other showing that BVP can be used as a potential candidate as a mental workload measurement tools. Potential applications of this research include developing a method to estimate a driver`s mental workload level through blood volume pressure as the main measurement for evaluation of mental workload as it is non-intrusive to drivers.

Keywords

Driver, Mental Workload, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Blood Volume Pressure

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Preliminary Study on the Best Working Posture for Motorcycling

Preliminary Study on the Best Working Posture for Motorcycling
Muhammad Izzat Nor MA’AROF1, Abdul Rahman OMAR2, Zamalia MAHMUD2, Nasir SENIN3

1 Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying, INTI International
University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

2 Motorcycle Engineering Test Lab (METAL) of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

3 Mechanical and Human Factor Department (MHFD), MIMOS Berhad, Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Page 39 – 47   |   Vol. 1, No. 2 (2016)   |    Available online on 1 December 2016

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Abstract

Motorcycle riding posture has generally been documented to be ergonomically unfitting for human. This is because the human operator is mostly seated at static with minimal sitting support and without a backrest. Thus, it is emphasized that there is a link between motorcycling riding posture (motorcycle ergonomics) with motorcycle road accidents. The objective of this study was to identify the best riding posture for motorcycling based on a survey study. The significance of this study was to investigate the public perception on the best motorcycling riding posture. A survey research with 30 healthy motorcyclists (between the ages of 18 – 25 years old) from diverse backgrounds via questionnaire was conducted. The data was analyzed via the Statistical Package Service and Solution (SPSS) with the statistic for level of confidence at 95% (1.96), expected proportion (in proportion of one) at 0.5 and the precision (in proportion of one) at 0.1 (due to the limitation of resources). For greater grasp of understanding in regards to the results obtained, veteran motorcyclists (above 14 years of riding experience) were also consulted. 

The results summarized that the best riding posture for motorcycling is the upright riding posture. From the consultation, it was detailed that the particular riding posture was most probably selected due to the following reasons: i) being the most versatile/flexible riding posture, ii) capable of providing an acceptable level of motorcycling comfort, iii) propose minimal level of physical hazard. Even so, the results also highlighted by the consultants that other factors such as modes of travelling and riding styles would also influence in determining the best riding posture. Conclusively, based on the survey, the upright riding posture is the best riding posture. Nevertheless, the result is only limited to physical and psychological (perceptions) evaluations without examining the riding postures from the physiological perspective such as via the use of sEMG measurement.

Keywords

Motorcycle Ergonomics, Riding Posture, Working Posture

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Education (MOE) Malaysia for funding this research through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2014/TK01/UITM/02/3). The authors would like to express their utmost
gratitude to Muhammad Fauzi Mohd Talib, Muhammad Firdaus Azhar, Muhammad Hafizudin Kamal, Wan Muhammad Syahmi Wan Fauzi, Mohd Afham Azmi, Muhammad Adzri Adzman, the staffs of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Institute of Graduate Studies in Universiti Teknologi MARA and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia who have, directly or indirectly, contributed to this research.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

The Effects of Temperature Levels on Task Performance: A Review

The Effects of Temperature Levels on Task Performance: A Review
Ezrin Hani SUKADARIN1, Tan Zhen SHENG1, Junaidah ZAKARIA1, Fazrina SALLEH1 and Khairul Amri Abdul AZIZ2

1 Occupational Safety and Health Program, Faculty of Engineering Technology

2 Centre for Modern Language and Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia

Page 48 – 52   |   Vol. 1, No. 2 (2016)   |    Available online on 1 December 2016

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Abstract

Temperature may negatively affects human performance rate and human physical response if it is not properly controlled. Effects of temperature on task performance and its contribution to the occurrence of thermal comfort had been a major focus in hundreds of studies. However, until now inconsistent results were yielded from those studies. This paper presents the literature review of the researches on the effects of temperature on task performance. To gain better understanding, thermal comfort issue and task performance also have been reviewed. Conclusively, there are some researches which have proved that the variations in temperature levels can affect task performance and thermal comfort, while some researchers disagreed with the finding.

Keywords

Temperature, Task Performance, Thermal Comfort

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank the Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), for the continuous support in terms of facilities provided.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

A Case Study of on the Usage of Safety Helmet Among Agricultural Workers in Palm Oil Plantation

A Case Study of on the Usage of Safety Helmet Among Agricultural Workers in Palm Oil Plantation
Ammar ADNAN1, Roya LATIFI1, Shamsul Bahri MOHD TAMRIN1, Yee Guan NG1, Khairul Nazri ABD WAHIB1, Ahmad Rizal ABDUL RAHMAN2, Shahriman ABU BAKAR3

1Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia

2 Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia

3 School of Mechatronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis

Page 53 – 57   |   Vol. 1, No. 2 (2016)   |    Available online on 1 December 2016

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Abstract

Personal protective equipment or PPE is important to protect the user against safety or health risks at work. In oil palm plantation, safety helmet is one of the important PPE to protect against falling object or impact. The aim of this study was to gather data regarding the knowledge, attitude and practice on the usage of safety helmet among oil palm workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 178 workers in two oil palm plantation located in Melaka, Malaysia. A set of questionnaires was used to collect data on socio-demographic, safety information, knowledge, attitude and practice on the usage of safety helmet. Based on the descriptive analysis, results indicate that the workers lack in knowledge, attitude and practice of the safety helmet used. Thus, intervention program on usage of safety helmet should be carried out to increase safety awareness among the workers.

Keywords

Safety helmet, harvester, oil palm

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Prevalence of Cataract, Climatic Droplet Keratopathy and Eye Lid Diseases Among Fishermen in Jazan in Saudi Arabia, and the Association of Risk Factors

Prevalence of Cataract, Climatic Droplet Keratopathy and Eye Lid Diseases Among Fishermen in Jazan in Saudi Arabia, and the Association of Risk Factors
Ahmed ALIBRAHIM1, Shamsul BMT1, Nasser ALSSABANI2, Yee Guan NG1, Nazri OMAR3, Faisal SHAIKH1

1 Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia

2 Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khaled University

3 Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Page 58 – 63   |   Vol. 1, No. 2 (2016)   |    Available online on 1 December 2016

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Abstract

The fishermen in the coastal region of Jazan are subjected to long working hours in the sun where the risk for cataract, climatic droplet keratopathy (CDK) and Eyelid diseases due to solar radiation are high. The objective of this study to determine the prevalence of anterior segment eye disorders, specifically cataract, CDK and eyelid diseases among fishermen in Jazan and examination of its association with the sociodemographic and occupational among fishermen in Jazan. This study employed a cross-sectional design conducted in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 511 fishermen were included in the study. All the respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire and subsequently undergone an eye examination. The prevalence of the cataract was found to be 3.3 %, CDK, 0.4 % and the eyelid diseases affecting 3.2 % of the respondents. A significant association was seen between the prevalence of anterior segment eye disorders (p<0.05). Overall, CDK for fishermen with less than five days of work per week was found to be 75 % while for fishermen with more than five days of work per week the CDK was found to be 25 %. The overall eyelid disease on the other hand was found in all the respondents with over five days of work per week. The overall cataract for the same group of fishermen was however 64.7 % while for fishermen with less than five days of work per week it was found to be 35.3 %. Knowledge and awareness training as well as future research are warranted to assess the health implications of fishermen in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. It is imperative for all involved to take notice of such implications on health with the government implementing regulatory frameworks that can aid these fishermen. Future research is also recommended.

Keywords

CDK, UV, eyes disorders, cataract, eyelid diseases

Acknowledgement

This research was funded by Rawaat Almaha optical company, Saudi Arabia.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Absence of Physical Exercise and Incidence of Musculoskeletal Discomforts Among Office Workers: A Short Review

Absence of Physical Exercise and Incidence of Musculoskeletal Discomforts Among Office Workers: A Short Review
Ardalan SHARIAT1, *, Shamsul Bahri Mohd TAMRIN1, Mahmoud DANAEE2

1 Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia.

2 University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (Umcas), Malaysia.

Page 16 – 21   |   Vol. 1, No. 2 (2016)   |    Available online on 1 December 2016

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Abstract

Lower back, neck and shoulder pain are the most prevalent musculoskeletal problems affecting office workers worldwide. Several hypotheses regarding the underlying mechanisms and the maintenance behind office work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been presented. There is some evidence, based on epidemiological studies as well as studies upon smaller groups of subjects, that individuals who sit and work for a long time not only show cognitive impairment at the workplace, but also suffer from poorer and fragmented daytime sleep, in addition to increased risks of developing various psychological, physiological and medical impairments and musculoskeletal disorders. The related physical mechanisms behind musculoskeletal disorders are discussed in the context of new findings. The main causes, as well as varying levels in severity of musculoskeletal disorders, not to mention the link between such disorders in the neck, shoulder and lower back regions and physical activity among office workers are also stated. The main objective of this review paper is to conduct a systematic review to identify musculoskeletal disorders and how these disorders are correlated with physical activity among office workers. The results of this review indicate that the musculoskeletal disorder is a critical issue among office workers and the main cause is related to the absence of physical activity as well as the subjects’ sedentary lifestyle.

Keywords

Sedentary life style, Musculoskeletal disorders, Office workers, Physical activity

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Reduction of Maximum Effort Level of Lumbar Muscle Among Workers in Aerospace Industry

Reduction of Maximum Effort Level of Lumbar Muscle Among Workers in Aerospace Industry
Seri Rahayu KAMAT1, Norhidayah HASHIM1, Isa HALIM1, Mohd Shahrizan OTHMAN1, Mohammad Firdaus ANI1

1 Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia.

Page 10 – 15   |   Vol. 1, No. 2 (2016)   |    Available online on 1 December 2016

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Abstract

In the new era of world industrialization, ergonomics plays an important role to improve occupational safety and health, and productivity in most industries including an aerospace industry. However, the manufacturing industry in Malaysia does not put any priority on ergonomics awareness, for an example, by not selecting a suitable height of workstation with operators’ anthropometry. Ergonomics so far has litle impact in Malaysia as majority of the Malaysian managers had believed that the ergonomics is not considered to be associated with performance. In a recent study on ergonomics awareness in Malaysian manufacturing industries by Mustafa et al., (2009), the researchers discovered that the main factors for the lack of ergonomics awareness were the lack of information/education/training and no pressure from the top management to initiate the ergonomics programmes. As a consequence, operators are exposed to various ergonomic risk factors and prone to have ergonomic injuries. The objective of this study was to reduce the maximum effort level of lumbar muscles of operators by changing the height of workstation using suitable anthropometry among operators. 

This study has conducted two analyses; analysis for quantify maximum effort level of lumbar muscle, and analysis for identify comfort level of working posture The surface Electromyography (sEMG) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method from Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) software are used to evaluate maximum effort level of lumbar muscle, and comfort level of working posture respectively. Results for maximum effort level of lumbar muscle and comfort level of working posture found that by changing the anthropometry with suitable height of workstation has diminished the physiological stress such as work load in lumbar fascia muscle as well as extreme working posture. 

The study concluded that anthropometry of operators associated with the height of workstation was influenced the maximum effort level of lumbar muscle and comfort level of working posture when operators performing their jobs. The appropriate selection of workstation’s height can contribute significantly to improve physiological performance of the operators.

Keywords

Maximum Effort Level of Lumbar Muscle, Anthropometry, Height of Workstation, RULA Method

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) for funding this research under Research Grant PJP/2012/FKP (6D) S1125. Special thank also goes to Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) Sdn. Bhd. for the permission and opportunity to facilitate a fruitful research.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Development of a Regression Model for Relationship Between Psychophysical and Biomechanics Factors of Push Activities

Development of a Regression Model for Relationship Between Psychophysical and Biomechanics Factors of Push Activities
Mohammad Firdaus ANI1, Seri Rahayu KAMAT1, Athirah GHAZALI1

1 Department of Manufacturing Management, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia.

Page 1 – 9   |   Vol. 1, No. 2 (2016)   |    Available online on 1 December 2016

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Abstract

In aerospace industries, many working tasks require their workers to perform the works in push-pull activities. The workers need to push or pull the mould tool in a long distance in to a workplace. Performing these activities continuously throughout the working hours, may lead to an early initiation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) symptoms as workers developed muscle fatigue particularly concerning the hand muscles. Grip strength is the force applied by the hand to pull objects and is a part of hand strength. Repetitive usage of hands will create an imbalance between closing and opening (antagonist) muscles, which can lead to problem such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). 

The primary purpose of this study was to develop a regression model based on psychophysical and biomechanical factors that contributes to fatigue, in which the models can predict the relationship between the input parameters and output responses. The methodology used for this study focused on three types of data collection which were questionnaire and observation which conducted as the preliminary study to prove the problems that have been stated and experimental was conducted by using surface Electromyography (sEMG) and Tekscan system to evaluate the muscle fatigue and hand grip pressure force of the Lay-up workers who were performing push activity. 

This study investigates the hand grip pressure force for the right hand and left hand within 5 minutes and 10 minutes of time exposure while workers pushing the mould tool, and study the relationship between time exposure with hand grip pressure force and muscle fatigue. The input parameters evaluated were time exposure, hand side and body mass index (BMI); while the output responses are muscle fatigue (voltage), hand grip pressure force (left hand), and hand grip pressure force (right hand). Two polynomial equations were successfully developed and validated. The modelling validation runs were within 90% prediction interval of the developed models and their residual errors compared to the predicted values were less than 10%. The significant parameters that influenced the output responses were also identified. Muscle fatigue was influenced by time exposure, hand side, BMI, and interaction between hand side and BMI; while hand grip pressure force was influenced by time exposure, hand side, BMI, interaction between time exposure and hand side, interaction between time exposure and BMI, and interaction between hand side and BMI.

Keywords

MSDs, CTS, sEMG, Grip strength, Psychophysical, Biomechanical

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) for funding this research under University Short Term Grant (PJP/2104/FKP (11D)/S01369 and the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering (UTeM) for
technical, educational and financial support through the UTeM Postgraduate Fellowship Scheme.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.