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Think about ergonomics when designing your packaging line

A conveyor system that is designed with ergonomics in mind gives work pleasure and increases efficiency. Below a number of recommendations as to how to integrate ergonomics into the conveyor line follow. The rules given below are in­tended as guidance and each workstation must be adapted to the oper­ator and the height of the items handled.

Sedentary work on packaging lines

ergo_reach

When doing sedentary work on packaging lines, the person should always work facing the belt.

Working width must be max. 80 cm, but the 
reaching distance for fre­quent movements
must be max. 20-30 cm from the front edge of the table. For less frequent movements, the distance must be max. 40 cm from the edge of the table. 
Reaching height must be max. 25 cm above the table and within reaching distance.

ergo_legroom

The working area for frequent movements must generally not exceed 90° and for less frequent movements 180°.

Leg space should be free or min. 65 cm in height. At the feet, the depth should be min. 70 cm measured from the table edge, and 50 cm at the knees.

Standing Work on Packaging Lines

Reaching height should be max. 135 cm and never above shoulder height.

ergo_reach_angles

The working area for frequent movements must, just like sedentary work, be max. 90°, and for less frequent move­ments 180°.

The width of the workplace should be at least 100 cm. Reaching distance for fre­quent movements should be max. 25 cm from the front edge of the table and for less frequent movements max. 50 cm from the front edge of the table.

ergo_standheight

Working height must be easily adjustable to suit the height of the operator and the products handled.

The working height for men should be 98-118 cm. 

ergo_standheight_christina

The working height for women should be 90-107 cm.

Other ergonomical considerations

A packaging line should pre­ferably have non-reflecting sur­faces and rounded edges. Wherever possible, chairs should be upholstered and foot stools height adjustable. The packaging line should be fed from a position close to the filling point which should have an appropriate height, preferably height adjustable.

Consider also environmental conditions such as:

  • Noise
  • Dust and dirt
  • Vibrations
  • Temperature
  • Lighting, colours, and contrasts

 

For more information about ergonomics in the packaging line, please contact SOCO SYSTEM on +44 1 782 274100 or info@socosystem.co.uk.