LT1053NIntroduction to Facilities Management: LT1053N Introduction to Facilities Management Lecture 4 Buildings and People: Ergonomics


Ergonomics: Ergonomics The scientific study of work The analysis of the working environment The relationship between man and his environment


Ergonomics – a formal definition: Ergonomics – a formal definition ‘Ergonomics is the science of work; of the people who do it and the ways it is done; the tools and equipment they use, the places they work in, and the psychosocial aspects of the working situation’. PHEASANT, 1996


The Principle of User-Centred Design: The Principle of User-Centred Design “If an object, a system or an environment is intend for human use, then its design should be based upon the physical and mental characteristics of its human users” PHEASANT, 1996


The Principle of User-Centred Design: The Principle of User-Centred Design The aim is to achieve the best possible MATCH between: The PRODUCT Its USERS The TASK that has to be performed


The Principle of User-Centred Design: The Principle of User-Centred Design What CRITERIA define a successful match? FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY (measured by productivity, ease of task performance, etc) EASE of USE USER COMFORT HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALITY OF LIFE


The Nature of Ergonomics: The Nature of Ergonomics ERGONOMICS is a quantitative science, and has four main aspects: ANTHROPOMETRICS KINETICS APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY APPLIED PSYTCHOLOGY


Anthropometrics: Anthropometrics ANTHROPOMETRICS is concerned with the measurement of average human dimensions: Height, width, arm-length, eye-levels, finger-length, etc Important for the manufacture of furniture and equipment Normally designed for the “average” man and woman Buildings must be economic, comfortable and FUNCTIONAL!


Anthropometrics: Anthropometrics KINETICS is concerned with the study of muscles and their movement User-position when working Degree of reach, stretch required Amount of space allowed for movement


APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY: APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY is about the physical requirements of man in an indoor environment: Fresh air / air movement Adequate and stable temperature Suitable humidity level Lighting Noise levels Sanitary requirements


APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY is about the man’s mental state and needs in an indoor environment: Depends on the nature of activity, group or individual Also depends on the context Mental stimulation: meeting / conference rooms Restful, relaxation: bedrooms, bars, lounges Informality, efficiency: reception area Opulence: luxurious fittings Effects of decor, colour, lighting in creating “mood”


ERGONOMICS: Worker Input: ERGONOMICS: Worker Input Everyone brings certain elements of their own to a working situation – ‘worker input’ Four components: AFFECTIVE: Attitudes, interests, likes and dislikes COGNITIVE: Knowledge, skills, thought processes TEMPORAL: Time element PHYSICAL: Use of the body in working


ERGONOMICS: Worker InputAffective / Cognitive / Temporal / Physical : ERGONOMICS: Worker Input Affective / Cognitive / Temporal / Physical These four elements are inter-related Technology has alleviated many physical demands, but may increase mental demands: Complex visual tasks Need for greater understanding Technological handling – more complex machinery Requirement to complete tasks faster


Worker InputAFFECTIVE COMPONENT: Worker Input AFFECTIVE COMPONENT What makes someone like or dislike doing something? Can depend on: the physical environment requirement to achieve goals (like / dislike) creativity or monotony physically stressful recognition of achievement social dimension - work-people


Worker InputCOGNITIVE COMPONENT: Worker Input COGNITIVE COMPONENT Thought processes, including: exercise of judgment decision-making dealing with unpredictable events – e.g., power failure knowledge derived from past experience Thought processes can lead to mental fatigue Technology can sometimes help by taking some of the load off the operator


Worker InputTEMPORAL COMPONENT: Worker Input TEMPORAL COMPONENT Usage of time Being able to use time to its full advantage Closely linked to cognitive element Knowledge of how long it takes to do something allows you to plan ahead effectively Can organise time efficiently Technology can assist with time management Need to set time aside for meals and sleeping – important to adhere to this, or body becomes unsynchronised, dysfunctional (circadian rhythms)


Worker InputPHYSICAL COMPONENT: Worker Input PHYSICAL COMPONENT Most tasks are now relatively light in physical terms Limited energy requirement But postural concerns over repetitive sedentary tasks – e.g., computer operators, telephonists Can cause stress, muscular pain, joint discomfort, spinal disc pressure on nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, visual stress Also environmental discomfort: can cause respiratory and thermoregulatory problems


Worker InputPHYSICAL COMPONENT (cont): Worker Input PHYSICAL COMPONENT (cont) Stress increases heart-rate and blood pressure – both are good indicators Steady rates of working are better than intermittent, since builds up a rhythm Frequent short breaks are desirable – on both physical and psychological grounds


APPLIED ERGONOMICSExample: Chair design: APPLIED ERGONOMICS Example: Chair design KEY CONSIDERATIONS: Provision of appropriate bodily support over a period of time Appropriate to task / activity that is being undertaken If intended to use with a table, design together If intended for use with a visual task, consider position and distances involved


APPLIED ERGONOMICSExample: Chair design: APPLIED ERGONOMICS Example: Chair design HEIGHT FROM GROUND Should relate the the sitter’s lower leg length Is a footrest necessary or helpful?


APPLIED ERGONOMICSExample: Chair design: APPLIED ERGONOMICS Example: Chair design DISTANCE FROM FRONT TO BACK OF SEAT Back support required? Too long? – calves hit front, user sits forward, back unsupported, strain overall Too short? – front edge exerts pressure on underside of sitter’s thighs – uncomfortable!


APPLIED ERGONOMICSExample: Chair design: APPLIED ERGONOMICS Example: Chair design WIDTH OF CHAIR Should be wide enough to allow the sitter to change position from time to time Are arm-rests necessary or helpful?


APPLIED ERGONOMICSExample: Chair design: APPLIED ERGONOMICS Example: Chair design TILT OF SEAT Too great tilt-back – sitter tends to lean forward, and/or move their head to see Means that muscles are being used more to maintain position


APPLIED ERGONOMICSExample: Chair design: APPLIED ERGONOMICS Example: Chair design TYPE OF COVERING Should be firm but slightly compressible Slightly rough to prevent slippage Plastics are often used (stacking chairs) but are unsuitable on a number of counts – non-absorbent, slippy, hard, uncomfortable for long periods PROVISION FOR LOWER BACK SUPPORT Should be slight convexity in chair to support natural curvature of the spine


Aesthetics, ease of manufacture and ergonomics: Aesthetics, ease of manufacture and ergonomics These three aspects often conflict A compromise design results Ergonomic considerations are often sacrificed In the workplace, users can rarely choose, but health and safety considerations can influence purchases Workplace litigation makes employers more conscious of these issues


Recommended Reading: Recommended Reading Deasy, C M and Lasswell, T E (1990) Designing Places for People: a handbook on human behaviour for architects, designers and facility managers. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications.


Recommended Reading: Recommended Reading Pheasant, S (1996) Bodyspace: anthropometry, ergonomics and the design of work. London : Taylor and Francis.