Safeguarding crushing points by limitation of forces.
Limitation of forces can be a simple measure to safeguard crushing points at doors, machines, and vehicles. In this connection different standards define a threshold force value of 150 N. This widely accepted value refers to static forces only. The dynamic forces that arise from impact on a person are frequently ignored, although they are generally higher than the static forces. The article describes an instrument for the measurement of static and dynamic crushing forces. This instrument has a stiffness that approximates the average stiffness of human fingers as one of the most at-risk parts of the human body with regard to crushing injuries. Sensory tests were carried out to define dynamic forces considered admissible at crushing points.
Mewes
Detlef
D
Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitsschutz, Sankt Augustin, Germany. Detlef.Mewes@hvbg.de
Mauser
Fritz
F
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004738:Engineering; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D005858:Germany; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D017288:Pain Threshold; D011312:Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020711:Threshold Limit Values; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*