ASP Ergonomics & Occupational Health Flashcards

What is the recommended maximum horizontal reach distance for lifting at the origin in the NIOSH Lifting Equation?

Answer: 15 inches (38 cm)

The NIOSH Lifting Equation defines 15 inches (38 cm) as the maximum acceptable horizontal distance from the body to the load at the lifting origin.

Which occupational illness is caused by repeated trauma to the hand and arm from operating vibrating tools such as jackhammers and grinders?

Answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) results from prolonged use of vibrating tools and can cause vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal damage to the hands and arms.

Which approach best represents the preferred strategy for managing occupational health hazards according to the hierarchy of controls?

Answer: Eliminate or substitute the hazard before relying on engineering, administrative, or PPE controls

The hierarchy of controls prioritizes elimination and substitution above all other control methods because they address hazards at the source.

What does 'TWA' stand for in occupational health exposure monitoring?

Answer: Time-Weighted Average

TWA stands for Time-Weighted Average, representing the average exposure concentration over a specified time period, typically an 8-hour workday.

Which type of hearing loss results from prolonged exposure to high noise levels and is permanent and irreversible?

Answer: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a permanent sensorineural hearing loss caused by damage to hair cells in the cochlea from chronic noise exposure.

Which ergonomic intervention involves redesigning a hand tool to maintain the wrist in a neutral, straight position during use?

Answer: Engineering control

Redesigning a tool to promote wrist-neutral posture is an engineering control because it changes the physical characteristics of the equipment.