Manual Material Handling & Industrial Ergonomics Flashcards

A task analysis reveals workers bend forward more than 30° at the waist frequently. This is best classified as which type of exposure?

Answer: Awkward posture — trunk flexion

Forward trunk flexion beyond 30° significantly increases lumbar disc compression and shear forces and is classified as an awkward posture ergonomic risk factor.

What is the maximum recommended horizontal reach distance for power grip tasks at workstation height?

Answer: 16 inches (normal zone)

The normal work zone for power grip tasks extends to approximately 16 inches from the body, where shoulder and elbow forces remain manageable.

Segmental vibration exposure (hand-arm vibration) is most associated with which occupational disorder?

Answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) / Raynaud's phenomenon

HAVS includes vascular (white finger), neurological, and musculoskeletal components caused by prolonged exposure to vibrating tools like jackhammers and chainsaws.

Which engineering control most effectively reduces vibration transmission from a vibrating tool to the hand?

Answer: Vibration-dampening handle materials or suspension systems

Vibration-dampening handles or isolation mounts reduce the vibration transmitted to the hand-arm system at the source, which is more effective than PPE alone.

The recommended minimum aisle width for pedestrian walkways in an industrial facility where forklifts operate is approximately:

Answer: At least 3 feet (36 inches) for pedestrians, wider for mixed traffic

OSHA 1910.22 requires aisles to be at least 3 feet wider than the largest equipment used or at minimum 36 inches for pedestrian-only aisles.

Job rotation is classified as which type of ergonomic control?

Answer: Administrative control

Job rotation is an administrative control that limits each worker's cumulative exposure to a specific ergonomic stressor by rotating tasks, but it does not eliminate the hazard.