The Ergonomic Reach Zone is an area that someone or a worker can access when performing an activity. This concept is typically present to create an ergonomic work environment. Generally, this reach zone is divided into 3 types: the Primary Reach Zone (Neutral), the Secondary Reach Zone (Maximum Reach Zone), and the Outer Zone (Extended Reach Zone).
Let’s delve into further information about the Reach Zone and its role in interior design!
What is the Reach Zone?
Literally, the Reach Zone or Reach Zone is an area that someone can reach when performing an activity. However, in product design, the Reach Zone means striving for someone to reach a neutral reach zone where their body is at a neutral point while performing activities. Therefore, the Reach Zone is also referred to as the ergonomic reach zone.
Why is the Reach Zone Important?
The reach zone is something we encounter frequently in everyday tasks. For example, the CNC worker’s desk matches the height of the CNC operator. In other words, the reach zone becomes one of the indicators to achieve ergonomics. If ergonomic standards are met, the level of comfort and safety will continue to increase.
What are the 3 Types of Reach Zone in Interior Design?
he ergonomic reach zone is divided into three main types:
- Zone 1: Main Zone or Neutral Zone
- Zone 2: Secondary Zone or Maximum Reach Zone
- Zone 3: Outer Zone or Extended Reach Zone
1. Neutral Zone 1 or Ergonomic Reach Zone
Zone 1 or Neutral Zone : Zone 1, also known as the neutral zone, offers the most comfort for workers. It lies on a horizontal plane easily accessible from bent elbows. This zone also covers areas just above and below the table surface, up to a maximum of 7 cm. In office or computer work areas, Zone 1 should store frequently used items like keyboards, mice, and papers. In manufacturing, a CNC operator’s table matching the elbow height is part of the neutral zone.
2. Zone 2 or Maximum Reach Zone
Zone 2, or Maximum Reach Zone, can be reached by stretching the arms and fingertips. It typically holds items used throughout the day but not with high frequency, requiring minimal effort to access. In computer work areas, this zone often includes book or folder storage. In manufacturing, it comprises storage areas higher or lower than the reach of the worker’s bent hand. The maximum reach zone spans up to 48 cm horizontally and extends up to 30 cm.
3. Zone 3 or Extended Reach Zone
Zone 3 or Extended Reach Zone: Zone 3 exceeds the average worker’s reach. Working in this position may pose ergonomic risks like Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMDs). Usually, workers need to move from their position to access this zone. Zones beyond the average worker’s reach extend up to 63 cm horizontally and 30 cm vertically.
Portable Anthropometry, Ergononmi Measuring Tools for Research Purposes
Portable Anthropometry is the most widely used anthropometric measuring instrument in the Ergonomics and Work Systems Laboratory. This instrument can be used to measure more than 100 dimensions of the human body in two working positions. Working positions in humans themselves consist of sitting and standing positions and face ratios.
With the data generated by Portable Anthropometry, the industry can find out the work environment and supporting instruments that are suitable for the workload so that occupational health and safety can be achieved. This data is then needed in conducting Ergonomics Research. However, before that the researchers needed to collect samples from a particular race in an area. The data that is considered sufficient to represent the average body dimensions can be formed into anthropometric standards.
Portable Anthropometry is the best anthropometric measuring tool for conducting ergonomic research. Portable Anthropometry has 4 types of caliper, namely Sliding Caliper, Small Spreading Caliper, Large Spreading Caliper, Branches Measurement Curves and a set of Anthropometer. The five instruments can be used in various fields, from education, K3, automotive, to aviation and the military. Ergonomics research needs can be facilitated with a portable anthropometric design that can be carried anywhere.
Anthropometric Chair, Ergonomic Measuring Tools For Applied Product
The Anthropometric Chair is one of the mandatory instruments in the Ergonomics and Work Systems Laboratory. As the name implies, the Anthropometric Chair is made to determine the dimensions of the human body so that it can be applied in applied products, especially chairs. However, the Anthropometric Chair from PT Solo Abadi Indonesia can be used to measure human dimensions in a standing position and even facial ratios.
The Anthropometric Chair is the most familiar anthropometric measuring instrument in ergonomics. Initially, the researchers only used the Anthropometric Chair which was made by themselves using wood and a reading tape, and could only measure in a sitting position. By using the Anthropometry Chair, Ergonomics Research which is currently being intensified by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) can be fully supported. This is because BRIN currently has a projection to release the Indonesian National Standard (SNI), especially on seats in educational institutions.
So far, the Anthropometry Chair is the most widely used instrument in educational institutions in Indonesia, especially in the Industrial Engineering study program. In addition, the application of the Anthropometric Chair data is also carried out by the Indian Sport Authority (SAI) in Sport Science.
Get Your Ergonomic Measuring Tools!
Solo Abadi Indonesia fully supports the Government of Indonesia in creating innovations and deepening ergonomics research and applying it to everyday life. As a private sector, we are always open to collaborative ergonomics and anthropometry research to support a good ergonomics ecosystem in Indonesia.
Contact our admin for further consultation via WhatsApp and get more information via www.soloabadi.com
