Citation

Mewes D, Mauser F. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2003; 9(2): 177-191.

Affiliation

Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitsschutz, Sankt Augustin, Germany. Detlef.Mewes@hvbg.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12820907

Abstract

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.