Principles of Motion Economy
The principles
of motion economy form a set of rules and suggestions to improve the
manual work in manufacturing and reduce fatigue and unnecessary movements by
the worker, which can lead to the reduction in the work-related trauma.
Motion economy is the process of
minimizing the physical and perceptual loads imposed on people engaged in any
type of work, whether it be in the office, the shop floor, the kitchen, or at
the driving wheel. It leads to a better designing of equipment, jigs and
fixtures, hand tools, furniture, and labor-saving devices.
Also, it facilitates a better layout of
offices, warehouses, plants, and operating areas like office desk, work bench,
aircraft, cockpit, and crew compartments of armoured fighting vehicles.
Application of the principles of motion economy eliminates or minimizes
wasteful and fatiguing movements and increases the productivity of the workers.
A. Use of Human Body:
1. The two hands should begin and
complete their motion at the same time.
2. Arm movements should be symmetrical,
simultaneous and in opposite directions.
3. Hand and body motions should be
confined to lowest classification to perform the work satisfactorily.
4. The two hands should not be idle at
the same time (except during rest).
5. Momentum should assist the worker
(otherwise reduce to minimum).
6. Smooth continuous and curved movements
preferable over straight-line movement with sharp changes in direction.
7. Ballistic movements are (easy fast and
accurate) preferred over controlled movements.
8. Arrange work to provide natural rhythm
where possible.
9. Eye fixations should be as few and as
close together as possible.
B. Arrangement of Workplace:
1. Make definite and fixed place for all
tools and materials. In other words there should be a place for everything and
everything at its place.
2. Locate tools materials and controls as
close to the place, of use as possible.
3. Gravity feed the material to the point
of use (though bins and containers).
4. Locate materials and pools to permit
best sequence of operations.
5. Good illumination for satisfactory
visual perception.
6. Use drop delivery where possible.
7. Arrange work place height to permit
alternate sitting and standing at work.
8. Provide chair of suitable type and
height to permit good posture.
C. Design of Tools and Equipment:
1. Relieve hands if the work can be
economically done by jig, fixture or pedal.
2. Combine two or more tools where
possible.
3. Pre-position tools/materials where
possible.
4. When fingers are loaded divide work
with according to the capabilities of the fingers.
5. Locate levers and handler to permit
work with least change in body posture and greatest mechanical advantage.
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