We hear more and more about ergonomics in the professional floor scrubbers field. During the first design phase manufacturing companies adopt an approach that takes into account ergonomic studies to improve both reliability and safety of cleaning machines. As this is a recurring theme, we cannot avoid to talk about this here on The Comac Blog. So let’s see in detail the concept of ergonomics and floor scrubbers: everything you need to know if you use these machines.
What is ergonomics?
The term ergonomics comes from the Greek words ergon (work or labour) and nomos (natural laws). Literally it means labour science. The definition of ergonomics, according to the IEA (International Ergonomics Association) is the following:
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the science that deals with the interaction between the elements of a system (humans and other) and the function for which they are designed (as well as the theory, principles, data and methods that are applied in the design), in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. In practice, it is the science that deals with the study of the interaction between individuals and technologies.
Basically, in ergonomic studies, everything revolves around humans and the maintenance of their well-being, as well as their physical and mental characteristics and abilities, their limits and needs. Everything is based on the type of activity that has to be performed.
Three types of ergonomics
Over the years, the concept of ergonomics has evolved and today is divided into three major areas of study and intervention:
- Physical ergonomics that deals with the interaction between humans and stresses that come from the environment in which they act. It deals with the anatomical, anthropometric, biomechanical and physiological characteristics and how they affect the well-being and performance of the human being in the environment in which it interacts. Basically it refers to working posture, repetitive movements, musculoskeletal disorders related to work, safety, health…
- Cognitive ergonomics that deals with the cognitive and mental processes that control human activities in interaction with the environment and with the elements of the systems. It therefore refers to human-machine interaction, mental load, work stress, the usability of interfaces…
- Organizational ergonomics: which concerns systems and processes by taking care of optimizing them. So it has to do with the management of resources in the team, the planning of work and working times, cooperative work…
Ergonomics and floor scrubbers: everything you need to know
Now that we have defined it, let’s get to the heart of the topic: everything you need to know about ergonomics and floor scrubbers. As we have seen, ergonomics deals with physical and cognitive aspects, and therefore it is also closely linked to the world of professional scrubbing machines. This is why we have included ergonomics in the list of 8 tips you should know before buying a floor scrubber. It is a fundamental aspect in the design of professional cleaning equipment, as these machines are designed to be even more safer and easier to use. So let’s see what you need to know and what are the aspects that we think you should evaluate regarding the ergonomics of a floor scrubber. In particular we will talk about:
- Handlebar for walk-behind floor scrubbers
- Working position for ride-on floor scrubbers
- Type of steering wheel for ride-on scrubber dryers
- Ease of use
- Simplicity of maintenance
- Interface
Handlebar
Most compact walk-behind floor scrubbers are equipped with adjustable handlebars, such as those of Igea, Vispa XS, Vispa 35, Vispa EVO and Vispa XL. This allows the operator to adjust the position according to its needs and therefore work in an optimal position, reducing stress and musculoskeletal disorders.
Working position
As with the handlebars of the smallest walk-behind machines, it is important to evaluate the working position for the ride-on floor scrubbers. In fact, it must grant maximum visibility to those who use the machine such as the raised and decentralized working position of the C range. But the working position must also be comfortable, especially on machines that cover large spaces such as the Innova Comfort and Optima range, that are equipped with a super comfortable seat with armrests that ensure maximum comfort even if they are used for long periods.
Type of steering wheel
For ride-on floor scrubbers, it is also important to evaluate the steering wheel, a component that affects the comfort and ease of use of the machine. If there are controls, evaluate their position and size too. The steering wheel of the Innova 55, for example, is equipped with controls designed to make the floor scrubber easy to use, comfortable and easy to handle. Also evaluate the position of the hands on the steering wheel: the ideal grip requires the hands to be positioned at nine-and-three to remain on the steering wheel for as long as possible when turning the machine. The steering wheel of the C range was also developed considering this aspect, as it is characterized by an automotive-derived design to guarantee the highest levels of comfort and user experience. In larger scrubbers driers, such as C130, the steering wheel is adjustable to ensure an even more comfortable position without tyring the user.
Ease of use
One of the fundamental aspects to evaluate regarding the ergonomics of scrubbing machines is the ease of use. In fact, to be considered ergonomic, a floor scrubber must have a high level of usability, or rather, it must be easy to use. Comac machines have always stood out for their ease of use as they are equipped with intuitive controls, working program selector and innovative technologies that offer an immersive use plus unrivalled simplicity.
Simplicity of maintenance
A floor scrubber that is considered ergonomic must not only be easy to use but also its maintenance operations should be simple. Therefore, pay attention to the replacement of the brushes or the squeegee rubbers, and also to the methods of emptying the debris hoppers and tanks. Comac floor scrubbers are both easy to use and simple to maintain, without forgetting the elements involved in daily maintenance which are distinguished by the yellow colour to simplify operations at the end of the shift.
Interface
The development of new technologies has meant that ergonomics begun to deal with interfaces to understand if and how they enhance user performance. And this is also an aspect to be evaluated on a scrubbing machine, which is however linked to the ease of use but also to the layout, the physical qualities of the screen and the human-machine interaction. In this sense, an accurate study of ergonomics carried out during the design phase of the C range has allowed an optimal adaptation of the man-machine system thanks to the working program selector and the touch-screen display available in the Bright versions. The goal was to make the use of the machine simple and intuitive and to do this Comac developed a software that allows the user to find the same familiarity and ease of use of a smartphone or a tablet.
The benefits of ergonomics applied in the floor scrubbers field
When applying ergonomic studies in the floor scrubbers field you have 3 great benefits:
- Increases the well-being of the people who use the machines and helps reduce the risk of accidents.
- Allows you to maximize performance.
- Reduces direct and indirect costs related to decreased productivity and accidents.
So, now we have deepened the concept of ergonomics and floor scrubbers by listing everything you need to know to properly evaluate your equipment. If you need support in your choice or are looking for more information about the ergonomics of floor scrubbers, do not hesitate to contact us. A worldwide network of authorized Comac dealers is at your complete disposal and ready to help you.
This post is also available in: Italian