A biomechanical, physiological and metabolic job task analysis, engineering intervention and validation for cokeoven standpipe cleaning.

摘要

Biomechanical, physiological and metabolic loads of the cokeoven standpipe cleaning job were quantified onsite, used to guide the design of ergonomic engineering interventions and then recollected post intervention implementation to assess the efficacy of the interventions. Direct force measurement (ChatillonRTM force gauge), electromyography (Delsys MyomonitorRTM IV; reference voluntary contraction normalized; amplitude probability density, average rectified value and peak calculated), heart rate (Polar monitor), galvanic skin response (sweat rate), skin and near-body temperatures and energy expenditure (SenseWear(TM) Armband) revealed that the job was physically very heavily demanding and in a high heat environment. A platform and a phase-change cooling vest were purchased while a lid-lifter and mechanical and pneumatic scraper holder devices were custom designed and built. The post-intervention implementation assessment revealed that awkward postures, biomechanical loading and energy expenditure were reduced indicating that the interventions had a positive impact on reducing work-related risk factors.