Safety and ergonomics evaluation of hybrid systems in Hong Kong

This study is aimed at understanding common safety and ergonomics problems with robot installation in Hong Kong. Information was collected through dir ect observations and personal interviews with robot users from advanced hyb rid manufacturing systems. The application areas of robots and types of saf ety devices employed were investigated. The ages, types of jobs, daily work ing hours and working conditions of personnel were examined. Fire precautio n measures, types and varieties of training programs for users were analyze d. The results showed that although investments were made for installation of robots for improving production activity, limited attention was paid to the hearth, safety, and ergonomics aspects in the hybrid systems. There wer e also cases reported where no formal guidelines for robot manipulation and operation Were provided. It seems that management and users paid attention to robot function and capability more than robot safety during robotizatio n process. Conclusions were made by the authors that efforts should immedia tely be made to adopt recommendations on the safety devices and facilities and training requirements for improving users' health and safety before fat al accidents occur. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.