Task and product analysis of an electric powered hammertool

This presentation describes a pilot study carried out at Loughborough University to provide evidence of the nature of the forces applied to the body of a worker during concrete breaking and the postures they took up to maintain control during this task. The anthropometric measurements of a male subject who was an experienced construction worker were taken, together with measures such as grip and pinch strength, finger fiction and finger compliance. A motion capture system (CODA, mpx30) was used to record the postures taken back the subject during the task performance. Forces taken through the handle of the powered breaker were recorded using a universal grip dynamometer that was attached between the handle and the hammer body. Vibration travelling through the handle was monitored using an accelerometer located between the handle and the subject's hands. Recommendations for the reduction of vibration absorption and exposure of joints to repeated vibration and force loading are suggested in the form of design specifications for the power hammer.