ASP / CSP Preparation

Domain 03
Ergonomics

Self Exam 01
Correct answer: Risk assessment

Risk assessment, also known as an ergonomic assessment, is often

used to prevent ergonomic injury. An ergonomic assessment
measures the ergonomic risk factors and existing controls within the
work environment.
Fit testing ensures that the space between a respirator and the face of
the user is sealed. Fit-for-duty testing is a method to ensure the
physical, mental, and emotional fitness of a worker. Purchasing
expensive equipment may be the result of an ergonomic assessment
or a recent injury.
Correct answer: Rollover from turning

Rollover from turning is likely to occur in powered vehicles, where

there is a high center of gravity. Hand-operated material-handling
vehicles include hand trucks, dollies, carts, and wheelbarrows. Some,
such as a powered pallet dolly, use a battery or other power source.
Hazards include:
•When pulling a load, an operator may slip or fall.
•The operator's foot may slide under the vehicle.
•The operator may have trouble seeing over a load when pushing it.
•The operator may strike a hand against a wall or objects in tight
spaces.
•A load can shift, tip, or fall.
Correct answer: Molded earplugs should only be fitted by a professional
Exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss or impairment.
Specifically, designed protection is required. Pre-formed or molded
earplugs should be individually fitted by a professional.
Plain cotton is ineffective as protection against hazardous noise. Some
effective earplugs are single-use and disposable. Waxed cotton, foam, or
fiberglass wool earplugs are self-forming; when properly inserted, they
work as well as most molded earplugs.
Correct answer: It can stop the skin from absorbing radiant heat
Reflective clothing, which can vary from aprons and jackets to suits
that completely enclose the worker from neck to feet, can stop the
skin from absorbing radiant heat. However, the reduction of radiant
heat must more than offset the corresponding loss in evaporative
cooling.
Most reflective clothing does not allow air exchange through the
garment. It should be worn as loosely as possible, and it can often
be combined with auxiliary cooling systems to minimize the risk of
heat stress.
Correct answer: Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome results from restriction of the blood supply

or compression of the nerves passing from the neck to the shoulder.
This can be caused by cradling a telephone between the shoulder and
the neck over long periods, among other things.
Symptoms can include lateral arm pain, tingling of the ring and pinky
fingers, and hand swelling or weakness.
Correct answer: Distance of the hands away from the midpoint
between the ankles
Horizontal location is the distance of the hands away from the
midpoint between the ankles. It is measured from the midpoint
of the line joining the inner ankle bones to a point projected on
the floor directly below the midpoint of the hand grasps. It is
typically measured at the origin and destination of the lift.
Correct answer: Any employee whose noise exposure equals or exceeds
an 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) sound level of 85 decibels (dB) on
the A-scale
OSHA requires an employer to implement a continuing hearing
conservation program whenever an employee’s noise exposure equals or
exceeds an 8-h TWA sound level of 85 decibels (dB) on the A-scale (slow
response) or equivalently a dose of 50%. According to OSHA standards,
when noise exposure is not reduced by any noise-attenuation devices
(earplugs, earmuffs, or bands) to an acceptable level, employees should
be included in a hearing conservation program.
Although it might be ideal to include all employees in a hearing
conservation program, this can become expensive and is not required by
OSHA.
Correct answer: A person cannot hold a large object as close to
their body as a small object
The size of a load can contribute to the moment. Someone
cannot hold a large object as close to their body as a small
object.
Depending on its distance away from the body, a large but
relatively light object may produce a greater moment than a small
heavy object. A load should always be kept close to the body for
this reason.
Correct answer: Slip, trip, and fall

Ergonomics plays an important role in the prevention of muscle

strains, carpal tunnel, and repetitive motion disorders. It is
primarily a field used to study the interaction between humans,
machinery, and other equipment to determine the best ways to
prevent work-related accidents.
Correct answer: Raynaud's syndrome

Raynaud's syndrome is also called white finger and results when

blood vessels in the fingers constrict from cold temperature,
vibration, emotion, or unknown causes. Signs and symptoms
include fingers becoming cold, blue or white, and numb, as well
as the loss of fine manipulation of objects.
Correct answer: 5,000 lbs

The minimum breaking strength for lanyards is 5,000 lbs. They

must be rated to sustain at least 5,000 lbs of impact loading.
Positioning devices and certain fall restraint systems can be rated
for a lower value, but if they are part of a fall arrest system, a
5,000-lb value is a minimum.
Correct answer: 15 minutes

The lifting frequency is defined as the average number of lifts

per minute over a 15-minute period. It is represented by F in
the NIOSH lifting equation.
Correct answer: Lifting equation

The NIOSH lifting equation is a tool for assessing the physical stress of two-
handed manual lifting tasks. The lifting equation was designed to meet
specific lifting-related criteria that encompass biomechanical, work
physiological, and psychophysical assumptions and data. The revised NIOSH
lifting equation is based on the assumption that manual handling activities
other than lifting are minimal and do not require significant energy
expenditure, especially when repetitive lifting tasks are performed.
The lifting index is calculated by dividing the object's weight (L) by the
recommended weight limit (RWL). The horizontal component is calculated
by multiplying the horizontal location by a predetermined multiplier. The
distance component is calculated by multiplying the vertical travel distance
of the hands by a distance multiplier.
Correct answer: Use the legs as much as possible
Suspension trauma, also known as “harness hang” or “orthostatic
incompetence,” is the medical effect of immobilization in a vertical
position. Suspension trauma presents an immediate threat of death to
anyone immobilized in a vertical position. In order to minimize the
effects of the trauma, lift your knees into a sitting position or at least
higher than your hips, relax as much as possible, and—if you can—
swing yourself upside down periodically.
Avoid using your legs, as you want to avoid blood being sent there if
possible.
Correct answer: Ergonomics

Fit for duty is part of a site's ergonomic program. It is common to

confuse the fit-for-duty test with fit testing for a respiratory
protection program. The fit test is to ensure a proper seal on a
respirator in order to protect the user from breathing in toxins. Fall
protection and machine guarding do not involve fit-for-duty testing.
Correct answer: Accidents due to low light and inability to see clearly
Lighting or lack of lighting can lead to accidents or injuries. Some
aspects of lighting can create distractions or interfere with tasks.
Glare is a qualitative aspect of lighting and is the presence of bright
light in the visual field. Glare can lead to errors in perception and
detection that result in accidents. It may produce afterimages or delay
visibility due to the need for the eyes to adjust. The presence of bright
light can be distracting and can even injure the receptor cells in the
eyes.
Correct answer: Bring the object closer to the worker at the destination
Bringing the object closer to the worker at the destination would
increase the horizontal multiplier factor value in the NIOSH lifting
equation, thereby increasing the RWL.
The other options would lower the RWL and make the lift even more
likely to lead to injuries.
Correct answer: Lifting a small box from a pallet on the ground to a
conveyor next to it with both hands
The NIOSH lifting equation is a tool for assessing the physical stress of
two-handed manual lifting tasks. It assumes minimal non-lifting tasks
such as carrying, pushing, pulling, walking, and climbing.
Correct answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median

nerve, median artery, and tendons passing through the carpal tunnel of
the wrist. Extreme bending of the wrist causes tissues in and
surrounding the carpal tunnel to become irritated and swell. Symptoms
include tingling or pain in the thumb and first three fingers, as well as
reduced manipulative skills in the hand.
Correct answer: Back injuries

Manual material handling incidents can result in a variety of injuries.

By far, back injuries are the most common in manual material
handling. According to several studies, lower back injuries account
for about one-quarter of all workers' compensation claims.
Correct answer: Coupling

The nature of the hand-to-object coupling or gripping method can affect

not only the maximum force that a worker can or must exert on the object
but also the vertical location of the hands during the lift. A good coupling
will reduce the maximum grasp forces required and increase the
acceptable weight for lifting, while a poor coupling will generally require
higher maximum grasp forces and decrease the acceptable weight for
lifting.
Lifting refers to the act of forcing an object against gravity, and the NIOSH
lifting equation is solely meant to address the various components of
lifting. Frequency refers to the number of lifts over a certain time. Load
weight simply refers to the weight of the object to be lifted.
Correct answer: They must be trained within 30 days of exposure and
repeated annually
Any employee entered into the hearing conservation program must be
trained initially within 30 days of the exposure and repeated annually
thereafter, as long as they are in the program. This training must include,
as a minimum, the effects of noise on hearing, the purpose of hearing
protectors (advantages, disadvantages, attenuation of various types, and
instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care), and the purpose of
audiometric testing.
Correct answer: Eight-hour duration
The NIOSH lifting equation applies to repeated, two-handed lifting tasks for an eight-hour
day without increased risk of developing lower back pain. The method has limits and does
not apply to the following:
•One-handed lifting tasks
•Tasks longer than eight hours
•Lifting from a seated or kneeling position
•Tasks in a restricted workspace
•Lifting unstable objects
•Lifting while carrying, pushing, or pulling
•Lifting with wheelbarrows or shovels
•High-speed lifting movements
•Lifting while on slippery surfaces
•Lifting in elevated temperature and humidity conditions
Correct answer: Fit-for-duty test

A fit-for-duty test is used to ensure a candidate's physical, mental, and

emotional abilities to perform a work task. An employer would utilize
this test to determine whether an employee is fit for work.
A hearing test is used for hearing conservation programs. Industrial
hygiene testing and written testing are both false terms in this context.
Correct answer: An estimate of the level of physical stress associated
with a particular lifting task
The lifting index is an estimate of the level of physical stress associated
with a particular lifting task.
The lifting task in the NIOSH equation is the act of manually grasping an
object of a defined mass and size with two hands and vertically moving
the object without mechanical assistance.
The lifting frequency is the average number of lifts per minute over a
15-minute period.
The recommended weight limit (RWL) is an estimate of the weight of
the load that nearly all workers could lift over a long period.
Correct answer: Exposed electrical parts

Exposed electrical parts present the most common type of hazard on a

construction site. To prevent injuries from exposed electrical parts,
workers should isolate the parts by the use of guards or barriers and
replace missing covers. Conductors going into electrical cabinets, boxes,
or fittings must be protected, and unused openings must be closed.
Junction boxes, pull boxes, and fittings must have approved covers.
Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings must be closed, and
there must be no missing knockouts.
While open trenches, overhead power lines, and inadequate wiring may
all be hazardous and must be monitored, they are not as common as
exposed electrical parts.
Correct answer: Carpenter

Epicondylitis results from the combined action of pronation of the

hand and ulnar deviation. An example of this would be swinging a
hammer or tennis racket. Epicondylitis also has activity-related
names, like tennis elbow or carpenter's elbow.
Correct answer: The space between the hard hat and the suspension
Hard hats are an extremely important control used to prevent head
injuries. When the headband is adjusted to the right size, it provides
sufficient clearance between the shell and the suspension.
There should be a minimum of 1 to 1 1/4″ clearance between the
hard hat and the suspension. This space, known as the safety zone, is
extremely important in the absorption of an impact on the hard hat.
Correct answer: Cumulative trauma disorder

Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is a term for ergonomic injury of

the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. CTD is often caused by
repetitive motions, sustained postures, vibrations, overuse, and
improper techniques.
The remaining terms are unrelated to ergonomic injury.
Correct answer: Hooks

Hooks are an engineering control. Engineering controls involve risk

analysis of jobs and redesign of work and equipment. Materials-
handling system alternatives involve materials-handling equipment
and job aids, such as hooks, bars, rollers, and other devices.
Correct answer: Carbohydrates and fats should be the preferred source
of energy production
Nutrition is extremely important in preventing injuries, and
carbohydrates and fats should be the preferred source of energy
production. Fluid intake should also be carefully monitored to prevent
dehydration.
Normally, a calorie intake of 3,500 calories per day would be adequate,
but heavy workloads and activities can require 4,500–6,000 calories per
day. Ideally, workers' diets should consist of 20% protein, 45%
carbohydrates, and 35% fat. The diet of all workers engaging in physical
tasks is an important factor to consider when reducing the likelihood of
both heat- and cold-related injuries.
Correct answer: Musculoskeletal disorder

Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is an injury that affects the body's

movement. The remaining answers are false terms that are unrelated
to ergonomic injury.
Correct answer: Lifting task

Lifting task is a term used in the NIOSH lifting equation. It is defined as

the act of manually grasping an object of definable size and mass with
two hands and vertically moving the object without mechanical
assistance.
Lifting frequency is the average number of lifts per minute over a 15-
minute period. A condition requiring precision placement of the load at
the destination of the lift is known as significant control. A relative
estimate of the level of physical stress associated with a particular
manual lifting task is the lifting index.
Correct answer: Excellent

Classification, according to the NIOSH lifting equation, is defined as

the classification of the quality of the hand-to-object coupling (e.g.,
handle, cutout, or grip). Coupling quality is classified as good, fair, or
poor.
Excellent is not a classification of coupling quality.
Correct answer: Object weight divided by recommended weight
limit (RWL)
The lifting index, a relative estimate of the level of physical stress
associated with a particular manual lifting task, is defined by
the relationship between the weight of the load lifted and the RWL.
To calculate the lifting index, divide the object weight (L) by the
RWL.
Correct answer: Load

Here is a checklist for ergonomic risk factors for the lower back:
•Twisting: with or without load
•Bending: more than 15 degrees with load
•Load: large size or weight held a significant distance from the body
•Frequency: continuous lifting throughout the shift
Correct answer: The maximum weight that an employee could lift
over 8 hours
The NIOSH lifting equation is the maximum weight that an
employee can lift over 8 hours. The equation is a tool used by
safety professionals to assess the risk of manual lifting over an 8-
hour workday.
Correct answer: Human factors principle

There are four principles to consider when designing a workstation

layout:
•Importance principle: consider how important a component is to the
operation of a system; put important components directly in front of the
operator
•Frequency-of-use principle: consider how often someone uses
components, including placing more frequently used components in a
convenient location for the operator
•Functional principle: functionally related items should be placed close
together
•Sequence-of-use principle: consider the order in which one reads
displays or operates controls; place them together and in sequential
order
Correct answer: Spirituality

A true fit-for-duty test will ensure the mental, emotional, and physical
stability of the person for the essential work function of their job.
Spirituality is not part of that assessment.
Correct answer: Sitting perfectly straight

Sitting back in a chair can help alleviate stress and tension in the
back, unlike sitting perfectly straight. There should be forward and
backward movement of the seatback to provide good support for
the lower and middle back.
Correct answer: The distance of the hands away from the midpoint
between the ankles
According to the NIOSH lifting equation, the horizontal location (H) is
defined as the distance of the hands away from the midpoint between
the ankles, in inches or centimeters. This distance is measured at the
origin and destination of the lift.
The distance of the hands above the floor is the vertical location (V). The
asymmetry angle (A) is the angular measure of how far the object is
displaced from the front of the worker’s body at the beginning or end of
the lift. The lifting index (LI) is a relative estimate of the level of physical
stress associated with a particular manual lifting task.
Correct answer: To assess the physical stress of two-handed manual
lifting tasks
The NIOSH lifting equation is a tool for assessing the physical stress of
two-handed manual lifting tasks. Specifically, the lifting equation was
designed to meet specific lifting-related criteria that encompass
biomechanical, physiological, and psychophysical assumptions and
data.
The NIOSH lifting equation does not determine the energy required
for workers whose main task is lifting, calculate the time it will take
for one worker to lift a load of a defined weight, or ensure that the
benefits outweigh the risks of lifting tasks.
Correct answer: Vibration

Vibration can cause various ergonomic-related injuries such as "white

finger." This is a disorder that affects the blood vessels, nerves,
muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. White finger injury
can cause poor blood circulation, causing the skin to become pale or
waxy.
Although various injuries can result from poor posture, repetition,
and force, white finger is not one of them.
Correct answer: 25%

In the US, 25% of all worker's compensation claims are from lower-
back injuries. Lower-back injuries represent the largest single-
source of worker's compensation claims.
Correct answer: 8 hours

The RWL is the primary product in the NIOSH lifting equation. It is

defined for a specific set of task conditions as the weight of the load
that nearly all healthy workers could perform over a substantial
period, without an increased risk of developing lifting-related lower
back pain or injury. This "substantial period" is defined as
approximately 8 hours.
Correct answer: 6 lbs

The only information needed to find the RWL is the lifting index and
the weight of the object.
Lifting Index = Object Weight / RWL
2.5 = 15 / RWL
RWL = 15 / 2.5
RWL = 6 lbs
Correct answer: The act of grasping an object of definable size with
mass with two hands and vertically moving it without mechanical
assistance
Here are some definitions for the NIOSH lifting equation terms:
•Lifting task: The act of grasping an object of definable size with mass
with two hands and vertically moving it without mechanical assistance
•Load weight: The weight of the object to be lifted, in pounds or
kilograms, including the container
•Vertical location: The distance of the hands above the floor in inches or
centimeters (measured at the origin and destination of the lift)
•Lifting index: A relative estimate of the level of physical stress
associated with a particular manual lifting task
Correct answer: The science of measuring the human body
Anthropometry is the science of measuring the body. There are two
classes of anthropometric data:
•Static—measuring standing height, length, and breadth
•Functional or dynamic—measuring reach, range of motion, and
forces generated
Correct answer: Raynaud's syndrome

Raynaud's syndrome or traumatic vasospastic disease—commonly

referred to as white-knuckle syndrome—is a condition in which the
fingers turn white from a reduced blood supply to the affected area.
This reduction is commonly caused by excessive vibration and
exposure to the cold.
It primarily affects employees working with vibrating equipment such
as jackhammers and chainsaws.
Correct answer: Poor

The coupling component in the NIOSH lifting equation addresses the

nature of the hand-to-object coupling or gripping method, which can
affect both the maximum force a worker needs to exert and the vertical
location of the hands during the lift.
There are three hand-to-object classifications:
•Good: handles or hand-hold cutouts of optimal design or a
comfortable grip in which the hands can be easily wrapped around the
object
•Fair: handles or hand-hold cutouts of less-than-optimal design or a
grip in which the hand can be flexed about 90 degrees
•Poor: containers with a less-than-optimal design or loose parts that
are hard to handle or nonrigid bags that may sag in the middle