Boo, Mei Ling

From: Teo, Siew Tai

Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 10:41 AM
To: Boo, Mei Ling; Chen, Cherry; Chua, Andrew; Diao, Shuo; Dubey, Dinesh Kumar; Hung, Hsiao
Fan; Ko, Hun; Lee, JH; Susiraj, P; Uchida, Katsuhiro; Xu, Zoe; Yang, Sindy; Mehta, Suhash
Cc: Chan, Kok Heng
Subject: EHS Info: Ergonomics - Applied Anthropometrics in Design

Dear all,

Anthropometrics is the branch of ergonomics which deals with body measurements, particularly those of size, strength and
physical capacity. Good ergonomic design makes provision for the range of variability to be expected in the user
population.

In general, there are 4 principles of applied anthropometrics in design:

1. Design for the Smallest

a. Applies primarily to application of physical force and vertical and lateral reach distances, such as the forces
required to pull, push or turn a handle.
b. Criterion – 5th percentile person. E.g. reach of the 5th percentile person or the maximum force that can be
readily applied by the 5th percentile person.

2. Design for the Largest

a. Applies primarily to clearances, such as overhead clearances, escape hatches or maintenance access.
b. Criterion – 95th percentile person.

3. Design for the Average

a. Applies to workstations that are not adjustable e.g. fixed height tables.
b. Criterion – 50% percentile person.

4. Design for the Range

a. Applies to determining the amount of adjustability that should be built into such things as variable height
work surfaces and workstation seating.
b. Criterion – 5th to 95th percentile person.

Design Aim Examples Measurement to consider

Easy reach Vehicle dashboards Arm length, shoulder height Smalle

Clearance Manholes Shoulder or hip width Larges

Easy operation Screw bottle tops, door handles Grip strength, hand width, height Smalle

1
 Ensure item can’t be reached or Machine guarding Finger width Smalle
operated
Comfortable and safe posture Monitor positions, work surface Elbow height, sitting eye height Maxim
heights

Regards,
TEO Siew Tai (CIH, CSP)
Regional EHS Manager, Asia
Tyco Flow Control Asia
26 Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2
Level 4
Singapore 569507

DID: 65 6664 3765

HP: 65-9113-3786

Zero Harm To People and The Environment