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Ergonomics
Ergonomics is about using fittings, tools, and the environment in order to reduce injury or discomfort. It is the key to a comfortable home. Read on to learn more.
What Does Ergonomics Include?
Home ergonomics is about designing different components of the home so that it is as easy to use as possible and reducing the risk of injury or discomfort as possible. The body should not have unnecessary strain placed upon it, and lighting and temperature should be optimal levels.
Ergonomics in the Garden
The right tools can make gardening safer and more enjoyable. Ergonomic garden tools, used correctly, will help to reduce the risk of injury. Ergonomic tools will allow you to work in a way that does not require you to use more force than necessary, or to bend or twist in ways that are unnatural. You will also be able to work more efficiently, completing tasks faster and/or with less effort.
You can also design your garden in a way that is ergonomical. Raised garden beds means less bending or leaning and allows you to access plants more easily. A large, square or rectangular expanse of lawn is easier to mow than a curving lawn that is interspersed with trees or shrubs.
Ergonomics in the Kitchen
Because so many tasks are performed in the kitchen, it is important that ergonomics are applied. Tasks need to be comfortable to carry out and the risk of injury minimised. Kitchen cabinets should be 3 feet high or 36 inches. This is the best height for most people to carry out work comfortably. If you are extremely tall or extremely short, or have special needs, you may want to modify the height of the cabinet so that you are more comfortable. You should not be stretching or leaning unnecessarily.
The toe kick is found at the base of a kitchen cabinet, and allows you to stand close in to the countertop without losing balance. The best depth for a toe kick is 3 inches. You can choose to have a deeper toe kick but anything less than 3 inches should be avoided. Ideally, the toe kick should be 3 ½ to 4 inches. Anything less than this can cause problems, and toe kicks that are higher will take away from the amout of cabinet space that you have.
In the kitchen, you also need to consider the work triangle. A good work triangle makes your kitchen efficient. The three main work areas in the kitchen are the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove – each of these representing one point of the triangle. Place them too far apart and you are walking too far. Too close together and you will feel cramped in. Each leg of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet, and the total distance should be between 12 and 26 feet. Ensure that nothing is obstructing the work triangle and that it is not placed in an area that gets a lot of household traffic.
Ergonomics in the Home Office
With more people choosing to work from home wherever possible, ergonomics has become a major concern in home offices. Without the correct equipment, you may find that you are often hunched over with your hands and wrists at an awkward position. This can cause back pain, headaches, and problems in the hands and wrists. In the office, it is vital to have an adjustable chair, so that all members of the household can adjust the chair to best suit them. You should be able to sit at the desk with your feet firmly on the floor and your elbows at right angles, with your forearms and wrists being supported on the desk. Place the computer and other peripherals in such a manner so that you can access them without twisting your body or leaning to reach them.
Ergonomics in Other Areas of the Home
Ergonomics needs to be considered in all areas of the home. When it comes to lighting, ensure that the lighting is adequate for the tasks you are undertaking in any given room. For example, you can have lower, more ambient lighting in bedrooms, but in the living areas you will need a mix of ambient and task lighting.
In the laundry, ensure that your washing machine and dryer are placed in a way that is comfortable to use. The washing machine should have plenty of room for the door or lid to open. If your dryer is wall mounted, ensure that there is plenty of clearance between it and the washing machine, so that you do not risk banging your head when transferring clothes. Do not place the washing machine and dryer too far apart. This will make it awkward to transfer clothes, especially when they are wet and heavy.
In the bathroom, the cabinet and vanity should be of a similar height to the kitchen – 3 feet or 36 inches. Ensure that the shower door is easy to open, and that you are able to enter and exit the bath tub safely. If necessary, install rails or other supports. Be sure that you are able to open the shower door and the bathroom door with plenty of clearance. Towel rails should be conveniently placed yet out of the way.
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Related Categories
Bathroom
Furniture - Custom Design
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