Handle displacement and operator responses to pneumatic nutrunner torque buildup

The objective of this study is to investigate the workstation and tool effects on the responses of the powered hand tool operator reacting against the impulsive reaction forces that may be associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. The study demonstrated a means of direct measurement of force at the interface between the tool and the operator. Fifteen experienced male operators performed three independent work configurations: pistol grip and right angle tools used on the horizontal surface and pistol grip tools used on the vertical surface, in the laboratory. A full factorial experiment consisting of 36 conditions was designed to examine the effects of working height, distance, tool, and fastener joint hardness on handle displacement and grip forces. The results indicate that operator responses were affected by different factors depending on the work configuration. When pistol grip tools were used on the vertical surface, the mean handle displacement decreased from 9.9° to 7.3° as the working height increased from 30 cm below shoulder to 30 cm above shoulder. When right angle tools were used, the greatest handle displacement (51.1 mm) and grip force (84.7% MVC) during torque reactions were measured at 30 cm below elbow and 40% forward reach away from the operator. This study provides quantitative information that can be used for workstation design and tool selection to reduce the torque reaction experienced by powered nutrunner operators.