Title
Workload of window cleaners using ladders differing in rung separation
Author
Hoozemans, M.J.M.
de Looze, M.P.
Kingma, I.
Reijneveld, K.C.N.
de Korte, E.M.
van der Grinten, M.P.
van Dieën, J.H.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2005
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to compare energetic workload, perceived exertion, perceived discomfort, safety, and mechanical load at lower limb joints among window cleaners during usage of extension ladders with 30 and 35 cm rung separation. Eleven healthy male professional window cleaners of short and tall stature participated in this study. No significant differences between 30 and 35 cm rung separation were observed for the energetic workload. Results concerning the perceived exertion, discomfort, and safety indicate that 35 cm rung separation is preferred. Based on the mechanical load at the hip, knee, and ankle during ascending and descending the ladder, 30 cm rung separation is preferable to 35 cm rung separation. It is advised to climb ladders with the knees inside the side rails of the ladder, but this seems only possible with 35 cm rung separation. Findings of the presents study suggest that overall, a 35 cm rung separation is marginally favourable while using extension ladders. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Subject
Ergonomics
Arbeidsproductiviteit
Knee loading
Ladder climbing
Window cleaning
Biological organs
Health
Joints (anatomy)
Ladders
Professional aspects
Separation
Ankle
Extension ladders
Rung separation
Window cleaners
Ergonomics
Hip
Human
Human experiment
Knee
Mechanics
Perception
Weight bearing
Work
Adult
Biomechanics
Equipment Design
Exertion
Humans
Male
Netherlands
Safety
Task Performance and Analysis
Workload
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5129fc70-636f-40dd-9378-146e2eabe38e
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2005.01.013
TNO identifier
238452
ISSN
0003-6870
Source
Applied Ergonomics, 36 (3), 275-282
Document type
article