The design of hand tools can be improved through research on the biomechanics of the human

body. Most studies on repetitive trauma disorders have been focused either on diagnosis or on
treatment. Acceptable levels for exposure to individuals of combined factors such as repetitive or
sustained exertions, posture, and vibration have not yet been determined (Armstrong et al, 1986). These
injuries can be reduced if the hand tools are designed with emphasis on user comfort and safety: that is,
if they are ergonomically designed.

The texture of the tool handle is another important design consideration. Some grips can be
improved by increasing the friction between the hand and the handle. The texture of the handle is not
merely aesthetic but also functional (Fraser, 1983). A non-slip texture may also abrade the skin of the
hands and inhibit adjustment of hand position (Drury, 1980). Design of hand grip should be based on the
type of gripping action used (Drury and Pizatella, 1983), and the contact should be maximized as this will
minimize shear stress on the skin (Pheasant and O'Neill, 1975).

According to Lewis et. Al. (1993) Chisel handle design (see Figure 1) An analysis of the shape of
the metacarpal bones when in a palmar grip shows that the fingers wrap around the tool handle which
is seated in the palm of the hand. For the tool to be comfortable when in use for some time it must
follow the contours of the hand with no sharp edges. The rounded end should extend a little out of the
closed hand as shown in Figure 2 to avoid rubbing and stress concentration in the palm.
 Sizing of the handles This work looks at unique aspects of handle design. The design of the
handles was done for both male and female with hand measurements in the 5th percentile, 50th
percentile and 95th percentile groupings.

They also stated that the different sizes of ergonomic handle of chisel as shown in the figure 4.
Measurements from the handles showed that the projected normal surface upon which the reaction R
acts when a force F is applied with the tool, for the ergonomically designed handle, is approximately
four times that of the traditional tool.
 According to Lewis et. Al. (1993) the finding shows that from the analysis as well as the
preliminary testing the following conclusions may be drawn with reference to the superiority of the
ergonomic handle to the existing conventional handles for hand tools. The concentration of stresses on
the palm of the hand is eliminated and in general the stresses on the palm of the hand are reduced; the
efficiency of the work being done is improved; the handles are more comfortable than conventional
handles.

A case study shows the anthropometric measurement involved measuring the width and palms
internal diameter hand grip, while chisel measurement included chisel tool length and diameter (Figure
9.3).

The result of the case study shows that a majority (85.3%) of the harvesters felt that the current
chisel had been used extensively. More than half (56.8%) of them had experienced using manual chisel
between 1 and 2 years. Most of the subjects were right-handed (92.3%) and a majority (84.5%) of the
subjects responded that they had to bend while harvesting. The results also show that half of the
harvesters (49.5%) had experienced hand slip of more than once in a month while handling the chisel.
Hand slips occurred while 1) working in the rain (49.5%), and 2) sweating (15.8%) due to hot weather. A
majority (95.6%) of the harvesters preferred to handle the chisel at the middle position. As shown in
table 9.5.
 REFERENCE

Fraser, T M 1983 'Ergonomic design of hand tools' Encyclopedia of occupational health

and safety Voi. 1,3rd (revised) edn, International Labour Office, Geneva
Armstrong, T J, Radwin, R G, Hansen, D J and Kennedy, K W 1986 'Repetitive trauma
disorders: job evaluation and design' Hum Factors 28(3), 325-336
Drury, C G 1980 'Handles for manual materials handling' Appl Ergon 11(1), 35—42
Pheasant, S and O'Neill, D 1975 'Performance in gripping and turning - a study in
hand/handling effectiveness' Appl Ergon 6, 205-208
Lewis, W. G., & Narayan, C. V. (1993). Design and sizing of ergonomic handles for
hand tools. Applied Ergonomics, 24(5), 351–356. doi:10.1016/0003-6870(93)90074-j