CEA Ergonomic Tool & Equipment Selection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When selecting a power screwdriver for assembly work, which grip style best reduces wrist deviation?
- Pistol grip angled at 90°
- Inline (pencil) grip for horizontal surfaces (Correct answer)
- T-handle grip for overhead tasks
- Trigger grip with extended barrel
Correct answer: Inline (pencil) grip for horizontal surfaces
An inline grip keeps the wrist in a neutral position when driving fasteners on horizontal surfaces, minimizing ulnar and radial deviation.
Question 2: A worker uses vibrating hand tools for 4 hours daily. Which glove feature MOST reduces risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)?
- Thick leather palm for abrasion resistance
- Anti-vibration padding meeting ISO 10819 requirements (Correct answer)
- Tight-fitting neoprene for grip control
- Heated lining to maintain circulation
Correct answer: Anti-vibration padding meeting ISO 10819 requirements
Anti-vibration gloves meeting ISO 10819 are specifically tested and rated to attenuate vibration transmission to the hand and reduce HAVS risk.
Question 3: Which characteristic of scissors makes them most ergonomically appropriate for left-handed users?
- Longer blade length
- Symmetric loop handles
- Offset blade orientation matching left-hand cutting action (Correct answer)
- Spring-loaded open mechanism
Correct answer: Offset blade orientation matching left-hand cutting action
Left-handed scissors have blades offset so the cutting edge faces correctly when held in the left hand, preventing the wrist twist that causes strain.
Question 4: A warehouse team must move pallets weighing up to 500 lbs. Which powered equipment selection criterion is MOST important from an ergonomic standpoint?
- Top travel speed of the vehicle
- Operator posture and visibility while driving (Correct answer)
- Brand warranty and service contract
- Load capacity rating exceeding the task requirement
Correct answer: Operator posture and visibility while driving
Operator posture and sightlines directly affect musculoskeletal loading and fatigue during prolonged powered equipment use.
Question 5: For repetitive pinch-grip tasks on a production line, which tool handle modification would MOST reduce pinch force requirements?
- Narrowing the handle diameter
- Adding a textured non-slip coating to increase friction
- Increasing handle diameter to allow a power grip (Correct answer)
- Removing the guard to improve reach
Correct answer: Increasing handle diameter to allow a power grip
A larger handle diameter converts a high-force pinch grip into a lower-force power grip, significantly reducing fingertip and thumb forces.
Question 6: Which feature of an ergonomic stapler most directly reduces peak hand force during stapling?
- Increased staple magazine capacity
- Full-strip staple loading vs. half-strip
- Extended lever arm that distributes force over a wider range of motion (Correct answer)
- Metal construction for durability
Correct answer: Extended lever arm that distributes force over a wider range of motion
A longer lever arm increases mechanical advantage, spreading the required force over a greater distance and reducing peak force exerted by the user.
Question 7: When evaluating pliers for electrical maintenance work, which factor is MOST relevant to reducing contact stress?
- Insulated handles with a diameter between 1.25 and 2 inches (Correct answer)
- Chrome-vanadium steel construction
- Joint pivot placement close to the tip
- Weight under 0.5 lbs
Correct answer: Insulated handles with a diameter between 1.25 and 2 inches
Handles in the 1.25–2 inch diameter range with insulation cushion pressure points on palm and fingers while also providing electrical protection.
CEA Ergonomic Tool & Equipment Selection 2
When selecting a power screwdriver for assembly work, which grip style best reduces wrist deviation?