CES Industrial & Manual Handling Ergonomics

Question 1

According to the revised NIOSH Lifting Equation, what is the load constant (maximum RWL) under ideal lifting conditions?

Accepted Answer

51 pounds (23 kg)

Answer

Under ideal conditions where all multipliers equal 1.0, the NIOSH load constant is 51 lbs (23 kg), representing the maximum safe lift achievable in the best possible scenario.

Question 2

Which job factor in the Strain Index (SI) is weighted most heavily in calculating MSD risk for distal upper extremity tasks?

Accepted Answer

Intensity of exertion

Answer

In the Strain Index, intensity of exertion carries the highest weight because force demands on tendons and muscles most strongly predict cumulative trauma to the distal upper extremity.

Question 3

What is the recommended maximum initial pushing force for a loaded cart on a level surface for male workers per Liberty Mutual tables?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 50 lbs (222 N) for initial force

Answer

Liberty Mutual Manual Material Handling Tables indicate approximately 50 lbs as an acceptable initial push force for most male workers on level surfaces, with lower sustained force limits.

Question 4

Which ergonomic control most effectively reduces the risk of back injury during palletizing tasks?

Accepted Answer

Installing a pallet turntable and scissor lift table to keep loads at waist height

Answer

Scissor lift tables and turntables eliminate extreme trunk flexion and trunk rotation, addressing the primary biomechanical hazards of palletizing tasks.

Question 5

What is 'team lifting' and when is it recommended as a control measure?

Accepted Answer

Two or more workers sharing a load too heavy or awkward for one person, used when engineering controls are unavailable

Answer

Team lifting divides load weight between workers when the object exceeds safe single-person limits or is too bulky to handle alone, and is used when equipment-based solutions are not feasible.

CES - Certified Ergonomic Specialist Practice Test

CES - Certified Ergonomic Specialist Practice Test

CES Industrial & Manual Handling Ergonomics