The ANSI Z-365: What's It All About?
Posted on Tue, Feb 14, 2012 @ 11:54 AM
The ANSI Z-365 is a proactive survey form. It is one of the only quantitative forms that are accepted worldwide, the other being the NIOSH Lifting Formula. Further, it is one of the most comprehensive forms available as compared to the REBA or the RULA.
The ANSI Z-365 stands on its own merits as a guideline. It is part of a composite of forms that look at risk factors and their severity.
We use this proactive form, along with other forms, to determine ergonomic risk factors that may be present in a work task. The ANSI Z-365 was never meant to be a stand-alone in the sense that ‘this form tells me the answer’. The results of an evaluation using the form are integrated with the knowledge that the evaluator brings to the table. The authors developed this form so you can make an informed decision about the predictability of risk. All it does is talk about the fact that there is an opportunity for a risk factor or illness to develop.
Many times people ask ‘where did these numbers come from? How did they get on this particular form’? The authorship is extremely important. All the numbers are based on research by the authors of the form. Every single number is codified by a research publication pertaining to forceful exertions, awkward posture, concentration of stresses and work organization factors.
The question comes up as to whether or not the form has been ‘sanctioned’. The form has not been sanctioned as most forms have not been sanctioned. Forms are not typically sanctioned by the U.S. federal government or the Canadian standards association.
The reputation of the form rests on the creditably of the authors that developed it. This form was developed by Stover Snook and Thomas Armstrong and their peers in the ergonomics world. As stated above, it and the NIOSH Lifting Formula are the only quantitative forms that exist and are accepted worldwide.
Do you have any questions or comments about using the ANSI Z-365? Perhaps some tips on how you implement this form in your evaluations? Share your thoughts below!
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