Industrial Engineering - Car Washers Using Rula Steps

CASE STUDY 2

IDENTIFYING & CONTROLLING MSD RISKS AT WORKPLACE

IE 430

 ERGONOMICS & HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING

SUBMITTED TO

MAHMUT EKŞİOĞLU

BY

NÜKTE ERDOĞAN 50%

MERVE ÖZAYDIN 50%

Executive Summary

This study aims investigating the risk factors related to jobs performed by car washers using RULA. The job demands two main postures: a bending posture for “rinsing” and a standing posture for “wiping”. Both postures are expected to cause many MSD disorders due to the fact that car washer either has a static awkward posture or uses a repetitive force for a long time during car washing job.

To quantify the risk factors associated with the job we observed three subjects for both postures and followed RULA steps carefully. As a result, for both postures the minimum grand total score was 5 whereas maximum was 7. This outcome indicated that the car washing job needed improvements which are described in the Recommendations section in detail.

Introduction

Today there is a large number of car-wash centers in Istanbul and the need for more carwash centers is increasing significantly every day considering the increase in traffic . That’s why the risk factors for such a job have great  significance for  many people in Istanbul. The car washers stand and use different arm  postures while performing the job of cleaning the windows and stand and bend while rinsing the sponge they use in the bucket. As a result of these movements washers are exposed to several awkward postures for many parts of their body which causes them to risk their health.

In this study we will investigate the carwashers by classifying their positions into two main posturing as they work. The first posture we will examine is the bending position for rinsing the sponge in the bucket and the second posture of interest is the wiping of the windows with the sponge.The car washers may stand for long periods and some awkward postures are observed for considerable periods or these postures are sustained for repetitive tasks. Thus, the job and positions of the carwasher need to be investigated in terms of the MSD risks involved using RULA.

Objectives

Our aim in this assignment is to provide opportunity for MSD risk assessment of the car washers and applying ergonomics principles to reduce the health & safety risks of the workers. We will point out the risk factors embedded in the process while rinsing and wiping using RULA methodology.Mainly, we will record each body part of the carwashers by using RULA in both postures and identify the muscular efforts shown by the carwashers by observing the subjects. We will observe the movements to prevent fatigue and recommend solutions to minimize risk factors.