CEA Manual Material Handling 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the asymmetry multiplier (AM) in the NIOSH lifting equation?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the RWL when lifts involve trunk rotation from the sagittal plane

Answer

The asymmetry multiplier penalizes lifts that require trunk twisting, which adds torsional and shear stress to lumbar structures.

Question 2

Which handle coupling type yields the highest coupling multiplier (CM = 1.0) in the NIOSH equation?

Accepted Answer

Good coupling — optimal handles within the power grasp zone

Answer

Good coupling (CM = 1.0) means handles allow a full power grasp without requiring deviated or awkward wrist positions.

Question 3

A worker carries a 30 lb tote 150 feet to a workstation 20 times per shift. Which engineering control would MOST effectively reduce cumulative lumbar load?

Accepted Answer

Replace the carry task with a wheeled cart or conveyor

Answer

Eliminating the carrying task by substituting mechanical transport (cart or conveyor) removes cumulative lumbar loading entirely.

Question 4

Snook psychophysical tables are used primarily to determine which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable force limits for lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying based on worker self-selection

Answer

Snook tables present maximum acceptable weights and forces based on psychophysical studies where workers self-selected loads they could sustain without excessive strain.

Question 5

A load's center of gravity is shifted unexpectedly during a lift. Which immediate injury mechanism is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Sudden asymmetric spinal loading causing disc herniation

Answer

Unexpected load shifts create sudden uncontrolled torques on the lumbar spine, substantially increasing the risk of acute disc herniation.

(CEA) Certified Ergonomics Associate Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Ergonomics Associate Practice Test

CEA Manual Material Handling 3