Anthropometry

Size and Shape

An engineer is designing a work station. Countless design decisions have to be made. How high, how wide, how big, how long, will it fit, etc.?

Anthropometry can help. The word ‘anthropometry’ is derived from two Greek words:

• Anthro—man (in the collective sense)

• Metrein—to measure

 Anthropometric principles are applied across the full spectrum of the practice of ergonomics:

• Design standards

• Machine guards

• Reaches/heights

• Handle configuration

• General work station design

Data Tables

The basis for anthropometry is the careful measurement of the length, volume and weight of body part segments. From this, measurement tables have been generated that calculate a number of factors among others:

• Segment length

• Segment mass

• Center of mass location

• Inertial properties of the segment

The outcome is a set of statistical data that describes the human size and form. The data is described in terms of the mean and standard deviations. 5^th, 50^th and 95^th percentiles are also calculated.