Core Knowledge Areas Flashcards
7 cards from real AEP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Core Knowledge Areas flashcards as text
An ergonomist is evaluating whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure for a truck driver. Which axis of vibration is weighted most heavily in ISO 2631-1 for seated workers?
Answer: Z-axis (vertical)
ISO 2631-1 applies a higher weighting factor to the vertical (Z-axis) for seated postures because spinal structures are most sensitive to vertical vibration.
Which psychophysical method is commonly used to determine maximum acceptable weights and forces in manual materials handling research?
Answer: The Liberty Mutual tables (Snook and Ciriello tables)
The Liberty Mutual Manual Materials Handling tables (Snook and Ciriello) were derived using psychophysical methods where workers adjusted loads to their maximum acceptable level.
In ergonomics, 'contact stress' refers to:
Answer: Localized pressure on soft tissue from a hard or sharp edge
Contact stress (also called mechanical compression) occurs when a hard or sharp surface concentrates force on a small area of soft tissue, restricting blood flow and nerve function.
According to the ACGIH Hand Activity Level (HAL) TLV, what combination of factors determines the Action Limit (AL)?
Answer: Hand activity level and normalized peak force
The ACGIH HAL TLV plots hand activity level (0–10 scale) against normalized peak force (0–1 scale) to define action limits and TLV thresholds.
A standing workstation should be designed so that precision work tasks are performed at approximately what height relative to the worker's elbow?
Answer: At or slightly below elbow height (0–5 cm below)
Precision standing work is best performed at or just slightly below elbow height to allow fine visual inspection while maintaining a neutral wrist and shoulder posture.
Which ergonomic intervention strategy involves changing the organization of work, such as job rotation and rest breaks, rather than changing the physical environment?
Answer: Administrative controls
Administrative controls—including job rotation, rest breaks, pacing, and task variety—manage exposure duration and frequency without altering the physical workplace.
A worker performing data entry is diagnosed with De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Which anatomical structures are inflamed in this condition?
Answer: Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons at the radial styloid
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is inflammation of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons where they pass through the first dorsal compartment at the radial styloid.