Biomedical subjects

Beverley Norris

Publications and source records attributed to Beverley Norris.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Filling 'gaps' in strength data for design.

Data on the physical strength capabilities of users are fundamental to the safe and usable design of products. It is recognised, however, that there are many 'gaps' in the ergonomics data available to designers. Whilst considerable research on human capabilities and limitations has already been carried out, few data exist which are directly applicable in the design process. This paper describes a two-stage research project which was undertaken to try to address some of these data 'gaps'. Potential needs for design-relevant data were identified in Stage 1 of the research and in Stage 2 new data were collected to meet some of those needs. Data were collected on children through to the older adult on a series of six strength measurements, all of which were intended to be directly applicable to design: (1) finger push strength, (2) pinch-pull strength, (3) hand grip strength, (4) wrist-twisting strength, (5) opening strength, and (6) push and pull strength. The methodology, findings and data from this research are presented and discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Reducing the risk of choking hazards: mouthing behaviour of children aged 1 month to 5 years.

Young children have a natural tendency to mouth items to explore their environment. Mouthing carries mechanical and chemical hazard potential for injury to the child, for example if they swallow an item they may choke, they may cut themselves on sharp items, and certain chemicals are present in plastic items which may pose a risk to children. Few data are available on the time that young children mouth items, how they mouth, and what they mouth. This study gathered data on 236 children aged between 1 month and 5 years to supplement and extend existing data. Findings are presented of estimated average and maximum daily mouthing times for children, how they mouth, what they mouth, and whether the items mouthed were intended to be. A validation study was carried out to determine the accuracy of the parental observation method used to gather the data. The implications of the findings of this study are discussed with respect to reducing the potential for mechanical accidents in the home.

Airway Obstruction↗

PubMed2003

Preventing drowning through design--the contribution of human factors.

A number of routes can be followed towards the prevention of drowning, such as educating on water safety, installing barriers between non-intended users and water, mitigating the consequences of submersion incidents, and design. The human factor approach to safety is that design should always be the primary route. Human factors can be applied to the design of personal protective equipment such as buoyancy aids, barriers such as pool fencing, ancillary equipment such as swimming pool covers through to information and organisational factors such as safety signs and swimming campaigns. Design should consider all potential drowning scenarios and accommodate the characteristics of those at risk. A framework is presented with examples on how human factor principles can be applied to the design of potential drowning sites and products, with suggestions for methods and techniques that can be used in the key stages of predicting potential hazards and assessing risk.

Accident Prevention↗