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Disability aids research database
Symbols misunderstood in industry According to a report in Safety Canada Vol 27, No 4, large numbers of people in industry do not recognise or understand many of the industrial safety symbols in common use. In a study sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health in the United States, researchers conducted tests of 87 symbols intended to convey 33 different safety messages. Slides depicting the various symbols were shown to 222 workers from various industries. The object was to check how readily the workers could identify a symbol's meaning. The study revealed that in 85% of the cases, workers failed to recoguise symbols for poison, combustible materials, eyewash, exits, general hazards, no-entrance and no-exit, while safety symbols for radiation, bio-hazards and lasers were often misidentified by study participants. The report said that symbols that included representations of both the worker and the hazard, action, or piece of gear involved were most easily understood.
Graphics workstation Intergraph has launched in the UK the new DSPO52 Interact dual-screen graphics workstation, which claims to combine high performance and extensive local processing capabilities with advanced ergonomic design. It serves as a complete design/drafting station and includes a dual screen display and worksurface with alphanumeric keyboard and cursor. A 12-button cursor is used to select and initiate pre-programmed commands from the menus and to address the screen directly. A movable keyboard for keying in commands and
Graphics workstation
Disability aids research database The Handicapped Persons Research Unit is in the process of establishing the British database on research into aids for the disabled. The emphasis of the database is on the research into aids, design of prototypes and one-offs, and at present they are collecting information on projects. Another project underway at HPRU is 'MICROFAIR - electronic aids for the handicapped' Further information from HPRU at Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic, No 1 Coach Lane, Coach Lane Campus, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7TW (Tel: (0632) 664061).
Money detector The MD 23 unit produced by Winstonlead Ltd, Electrolight House, 160B Handcroft Rd, Croydon, Surrey, CRO 3LE (Tel: 0 1 - 6 8 4 9222) detects counterfeit notes. To operate, the suspect note is rubbed across the sensor; if a red light appears then the note is legal tender. If a red light does not appear, then the note is counterfeit. It is effective on all major currencies. text is also included with the workstation. The dual-screen housing rotates back and forth over a 30 degree range from a central pivot point while the worksurface pivots down 35 degrees from horizontal. The display and worksurface adjust as a unit over a 12"5 in (317 mm) vertical range. The close position of the screens to each other, together with brightness and contrast controls, serve to minimise eye fatigue. Further information from Intergraph (Great Britain) Ltd, Albion House, Oxford St, Newbury, Berkshire RG13 1JG.
Variable brush
Cleaner and burnisher In a new cleaning and burnishing tool, the 'Superbrush', brush length is twist tip controlled to give a cleaning action from fine emery cloth to coarse sandpaper. Twist the tip of the tool to expose a longer brush length for a fine abrasive action, retract the brush to short stubby tip for a more aggressive cleaning action. Details from Eraser International Ltd, Portway Industrial Estate, Andover SP10 3LU, Hants, UK.
Safety in working with small dumper trucks Small dumper trucks feature prominently in accidents, often because the dumper is misused or has been poorly maintained, say guidelines published by the Health and Safety Executive*. Every year about five deaths and nearly 600 injuries result from accidents with small dumpers on construction sites, accounting for some 28% of accidents involving transport. Many accidents are caused, wholly or partly, by driving error; investigations show that about a third of drivers involved in accidents had received no training and had very little experience; less than half of their employers had checked their competence. The guidelines emphasise the need for firms to ensure that safe systems of work are adopted for the use and maintenance of the vehicles, that proper training procedures are drawn up for the drivers and that adequate supervision is provided at all times.
*Safety in working with small dumpers. HM Stationery Office, price £3.50 plus postage.
Applied Ergonomics December 1983
319
Graphics workstation Intergraph has launched in the UK the new DSPO52 Interact dual-screen graphics workstation, which claims to combine high performance and extensive local processing capabilities with advanced ergonomic design. It serves as a complete design/drafting station and includes a dual screen display and worksurface with alphanumeric keyboard and cursor. A 12-button cursor is used to select and initiate pre-programmed commands from the menus and to address the screen directly. A movable keyboard for keying in commands and
Graphics workstation
Disability aids research database The Handicapped Persons Research Unit is in the process of establishing the British database on research into aids for the disabled. The emphasis of the database is on the research into aids, design of prototypes and one-offs, and at present they are collecting information on projects. Another project underway at HPRU is 'MICROFAIR - electronic aids for the handicapped' Further information from HPRU at Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic, No 1 Coach Lane, Coach Lane Campus, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7TW (Tel: (0632) 664061).
Money detector The MD 23 unit produced by Winstonlead Ltd, Electrolight House, 160B Handcroft Rd, Croydon, Surrey, CRO 3LE (Tel: 0 1 - 6 8 4 9222) detects counterfeit notes. To operate, the suspect note is rubbed across the sensor; if a red light appears then the note is legal tender. If a red light does not appear, then the note is counterfeit. It is effective on all major currencies. text is also included with the workstation. The dual-screen housing rotates back and forth over a 30 degree range from a central pivot point while the worksurface pivots down 35 degrees from horizontal. The display and worksurface adjust as a unit over a 12"5 in (317 mm) vertical range. The close position of the screens to each other, together with brightness and contrast controls, serve to minimise eye fatigue. Further information from Intergraph (Great Britain) Ltd, Albion House, Oxford St, Newbury, Berkshire RG13 1JG.
Variable brush
Cleaner and burnisher In a new cleaning and burnishing tool, the 'Superbrush', brush length is twist tip controlled to give a cleaning action from fine emery cloth to coarse sandpaper. Twist the tip of the tool to expose a longer brush length for a fine abrasive action, retract the brush to short stubby tip for a more aggressive cleaning action. Details from Eraser International Ltd, Portway Industrial Estate, Andover SP10 3LU, Hants, UK.
Safety in working with small dumper trucks Small dumper trucks feature prominently in accidents, often because the dumper is misused or has been poorly maintained, say guidelines published by the Health and Safety Executive*. Every year about five deaths and nearly 600 injuries result from accidents with small dumpers on construction sites, accounting for some 28% of accidents involving transport. Many accidents are caused, wholly or partly, by driving error; investigations show that about a third of drivers involved in accidents had received no training and had very little experience; less than half of their employers had checked their competence. The guidelines emphasise the need for firms to ensure that safe systems of work are adopted for the use and maintenance of the vehicles, that proper training procedures are drawn up for the drivers and that adequate supervision is provided at all times.
*Safety in working with small dumpers. HM Stationery Office, price £3.50 plus postage.
Applied Ergonomics December 1983
319