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- Abeysekera, John D.A., et al.
(författare)
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A Scandinavian perspective on human factors testing of personal protective devices
- 1997
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Ingår i: Performance of protective clothing. - West Conshohocken, Pa : ASTM International. - 0803124023 ; , s. 283-292
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Testing for protection performance and human factors in personal protective devices (PPD) can be undertaken using a standardised methodology. The standardised methodology for performance testing is used for the certification of PPD. However, it is unfortunate that methods of testing for human factors and wearability of PPD are scarce, and even the methods that do exist are not always refined or standardised. In both hot and cold environments, thermal comfort is an important user need of PPD. To test the thermal characteristics of PPD, methods providing objective data are available, yet they are not always standardised. An exception exists for insulation testing of clothing, for which standardised methods have been developed. The fit of PPD is also a priority need among wearers. Clothing fit is often tested subjectively. The objective methods developed to test the fit of PPD and clothing again require refinement and standardisation. Wearability of PPD urgently requires the development and standardisation of both objective and subjective testing methods. This paper provides insights into some testing methods on human factors of PPD that have been particularly useful over the years.
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- Abeysekera, John D.A.
(författare)
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Ergonomics for effective collaboration
- 1997
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Ingår i: African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety. - 0788-4877. ; :2, s. 27-
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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- Abeysekera, John D. A., et al.
(författare)
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The need for research on human factors regarding personal protective devices in the cold environment
- 1996
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Ingår i: Performance of protective clothing. - West Conshohocken, Pa : ASTM International. - 0803119879
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The human factors or wearability needs of personal protective devices (ppd) and clothing (ppc) worn in the cold environment become more important as they must compromise with, and be adapted to, the clothing worn for cold protection. The occupational risks among outdoor workers in the cold can be aggravated if the wearability demands of ppd are not met. Failure to adequately meet user needs in currently used ppd in the cold environment has resulted in discomfort, injury, non-use and performance decrement among outdoor workers, particularly in the extreme cold regions. A preliminary study consisting of a literature survey in popular data bases and questionnaire survey among users of ppd, were carried out to ascertain what studies have already been conducted in this area and whether a wearability problem really exists among users, respectively. The literature revealed some specific areas where wearability problems exist and some research carried out on methods of testing of ergonomic characteristics of ppd. The questionnaire among ppd users in the cold climate confirmed that the workers do confront many inadequacies in the use of ppd. A case study carried out on ergonomic demands of safety shoes in the cold climate among users, manufacturers and experts revealed a similar trend of demands and priorities in ergonomics of shoes among all three groups. From the findings of the preliminary study it can be concluded that human factors research in ppd and particularly ppd worn on body extremities, viz. safety helmets, shoes and gloves, for use in the cold environment, seem urgent. Some research needs in the development of methods of testing for ppd evaluation are suggested.
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- Abeysekera, John, et al.
(författare)
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Ergonomics in Sri Lanka : a means to productivity development
- 1996
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Ingår i: 4th Pan-Pacific Conference on Occupational Ergonomics. - : Ergonomics society of Taiwan. ; , s. 323-327
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sri Lanka has declared 1996 as the 'Year of Productivity'. With a significant share of her national income being diverted for defence and security, productivity development becomes supreme for Sri Lanka's economic survival. Ergonomics or human factors which is a science well known for improving working conditions, is hardly known in Sri Lanka. Ergonomics applications enhance job satisfaction and productivity and maximise the product or systems quality by improving usability. A recent survey of three randomly selected large industrial work establishments in Sri Lanka revealed that much mismatch exists between workers and the machinery they are forced to work with, which hampers productivity and causes friction in the work places. A series of lectures conducted by an ergonomist among different professional groups and university students helped to create considerable awareness of the science of ergonomics. The participants were convinced that ergonomics can contribute immensely to productivity development in the country. Some strategies for ergonomics education in Sri Lanka which can also be adopted in other similar industrially developing countries are proposed.
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- Abeysekera, John, et al.
(författare)
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Some design recommendations to improve comfort in helmets : a case study from China
- 1996
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Ingår i: Journal of Human Ergology. - 0300-8134. ; 25:2, s. 145-154
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Unless the basic user needs are satisfied in safety helmets, it is difficult to get workers to wear them habitually and for long periods. Hotness, weight and fitting problems are major wearability issues that require improvements. The enormous need for an optimally designed helmet in China prompted a case study on comfort aspects in helmets. The subjective impressions of the wearers of test helmets provided useful information for design changes to improve comfort. The heat transfer measurements through helmets indicated the need for ventilation openings to be provided on the shell of plastic helmets. Due to the advantage of low weight and good ventilation, it is recommended that cane helmets be further developed to improve protection, wearability and durability, and subsequently be produced in large scale
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