IOP2603 BOTH ASSIGNMENT 1 AND 2
SEMESTER 1
IOP2603 – ERGONOMICS ASSIGNMENT 1 & 2 OF SEMESTER 1 -
ASSIGNMENT 1 – UNIQUE NUMBER
QUESTION 1
Discuss the major goals of Human Factor Ergonomics (HFE). Use relevant
examples to illustrate your answer. (15)
Three main goals of HFE:
The goal of ...
IOP2603 BOTH ASSIGNMENT 1 AND 2
SEMESTER 1 IOP2603 – ERGONOMICS ASSIGNMENT 1 & 2 OF SEMESTER 1 - ASSIGNMENT 1 – UNIQUE NUMBER 892490 QUESTION 1 Discuss the major goals of Human Factor Ergonomics (HFE). Use relevant examples to illustrate your answer. (15) Three main goals of HFE: The goal of safety – with regards to the goal of safety, the limitations of the operator should be taken into consideration when designing tools, equipment or systems. To determine the safety of the workplace, the limitations have to be compared to the performance of the operator. EXAMPLES Protective gear for construction workings include: helmets with head lights (for better illumination), hardhats (deflects blows to the head), safety goggles (protection against dust and sand) Wearing a safety belt while driving. Switching on headlights in fog, to improve vision. The goal of productivity – increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which work and other activities are performed, thereby increasing productivity. Safety must be considered when focusing on productivity; there is usually a trade-off between the two. EXAMPLES emitted New Technology Ensure that equipment is in working order and user-friendly Inform operators on their specific tasks and goals, to ensure that they know what is expected of them. The goal of operator satisfaction – The ultimate goal of ergonomics is to improve and maintain the wellbeing of the individual worker. At the same time, the wellbeing of the organisation will also be improved and maintained. EXAMPLES Ambient environment - better lighting, ventilation, noise reduction will reduce stress Improvement of the layout of the workplace. By keeping the operator happy QUESTION 2 According to Helander (2006), there are six common types of control coding. Discuss these types of control coding. Also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each coding method and give practical examples of their application. (20) Controls can be coded by adding features to them. This makes them easier to distinguish. Stuvia.com - The study-notes marketplace
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There are six common types of control coding (Sanders & McCormick 1993): 1. Location This is the most powerful principle, expectations are built by experience, example, in a car the ignition have been standardised and drivers have clear expectations of where to find this function. Advantage – it is standardised. Disadvantage – you need experience in using certain functions. 2. Colour This consists of different colouring depending on function and task. Advantage – Different colours can make it easier to distinguish. Disadvantage - problem with colour coding is that it only works in a well-
illuminated environment. Needs longer reaction time as you need to reflect on meaning of colour. Some control colours have stereotypical meaning, e.g. commonly emergency controls are made red like in South Africa all emergency signs and controls are associated with red. Example – the different colour wires in an electrical circuit, to identify which colour is used for which function or purpose. 3. Size To distinguish easily between different controls, size can be one coding option. Small, medium and large controls are used in highly pressurised situations. Advantage – it is easy to identify controls when using its size specifications. Disadvantage – the size of some controls can sometimes be a problem if it is the same size and it is close to each other. Example – the lever to open the boot and petrol tank is next to each other, but the one is smaller than the other, so it is easy to identify which one is for the petrol tank when you feel it at the bottom, as it is the smaller control. 4. Shape Controls can be coded by shape. Advantage - An operator can distinguish up to 12 different shape coded control knobs under stress. Disadvantage – when controls have the same shape it is difficult to distinguish between them and can be a challenge to some users. It is best when control shape represents the control function, for example the round joystick control knob of a construction machine that are used to turn the loader bucket around in different directions. 5. Labelling Labelling can be used to describe the control, above, below or along side. The labels must be clearly visible and text readable from left to right. Advantage – they make the controls easy to identify. Disadvantage - Labels don’t survive in some harsh environments. Example – the label of the airbag on a vehicles dashboard, that is readable, visible and not removable. Stuvia.com - The study-notes marketplace
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