Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) INSY 3021 Spring 2005.
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Transcript of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) INSY 3021 Spring 2005.
Rapid Upper Limb Assessment(RULA)
INSY 3021Spring 2005
History and Benefit of RULA Developed by Dr. E. Nigel Corlett and Dr.
Lynn McAtamney of University of Nottingham’s Institute for Occupational Ergonomics
Developed to “investigate the exposure of individual workers to risk factors associated with work-related upper limb disorders”
“It is straight forward and can be used with a minimum of training.”
What is RULA RULA is a quick survey method for use
in ergonomic investigations of workplaces where MSD’s are reported.
RULA is a screening tool that assesses biomechanical and postural loading on the body.
RULA focuses on the neck, trunk and upper limbs, and is ideal for sedentary workers e.g. computer workplaces.
What is RULA (cont.) RULA has been validated on groups
of computer users and sewing machine operators.
RULA is quick and easy to complete. RULA scores indicate the level of
intervention required to reduce MSD risks.
RULA compliments other ergonomic methods.
RULA Scoring Classification CLASS I (1 or 2)
Posture is acceptable if it is not maintained or repeated for long periods
CLASS II (3 or 4) Further investigation is needed
CLASS III (5 or 6) Further investigation and changes are required
soon CLASS IV (6+)
Investigate and change now
Interpretation of RULA
Gives a total job assessment that suggests directions for modifying body positions to reduce the possibility of hazards
Does not provide exact Engineering controls or work activity changes.
How to Do a RULA Estimation
RULA is a simple diagnostic tool that allows you to survey various tasks involving the upper limbs at work.
Focuses on use of arms, wrists, position of the head, and the posture of the upper body.
RULA Estimation (cont.) Procedure
Records the position of the upper limbs and the head, trunk and legs with two separate number codes.
The codes are entered into the relevant boxes.
An initial score is found in the appropriate tables, A and B.
The score is modified according to the use of the limbs.
RULA Estimation (cont.) The final A and B scores are
calculated. Using the final scores a Grand Score,
using table C, is determined.
Upper Arm
Upper Arms
Add 1 if shoulder is raised Add 1 if upper arm is abducted Subtract 1 if leaning or supporting
the weight of the arm.
Lower Arm
Add 1 if working across the midline of the body or out to the side.
Wrist
Wrist Twist Mainly in
handshake
Twisting away from handshake position.
Neck
Neck Twist
Add 1 if neck is twisting
Neck Side-Bend
Add 1 if neck is side-bending.
Trunk
Trunk Twisting
Add 1 if trunk is twisting.
Trunk Side-Bend
Add 1 if trunk is side-bending.
Lower Limbs Legs and feet are
well supported and in an evenly balanced posture (add 1).
Legs and feet are not evenly balanced or supported (add 2).
Muscle Use Score
Raise the score by 1 if the posture is” Mainly static, e.g. held for longer than
10 minutes. Repeated more than 4 times/minute.
Forces or Load Score
0No resistance or less than 4 lbs intermittent load or force
14-20 lbs intermittent load or force
24-20 lbs static or repeated load or force
3More than 20 lbs static or repeated loads or forces. Shock or forces with rapid buildup.
Score Sheet
Upper Arm
Lower Arm
Wrist
Wrist Twist
Posture Score A
Muscle Use
Force /Load
Score A
Look Up in Table C for Gran
d Score
+ + =
Neck
Trunk
Legs
Posture
Score B
Muscle Use
Force / Load
Score B
+ + =
Upper Arm Lower Arm
Wrist
1 2 3 4
Wrist Twist Wrist Twist Wrist Twist Wrist Twist
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
1
1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3
3 2 3 2 3 3 3 4 4
2
1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4
2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4
3 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5
3
1 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5
2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5
3 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 5
4
1 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5
2 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5
3 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6
5
1 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 7
2 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7
3 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8
6
1 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 9
2 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9
3 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Arms and Wrist Score
Neck, Trunk, and Legs Score
Neck 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
1 1 2 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4
2 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 5
3 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6
4 2 3 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6
TRUNK
1
Legs
2
Legs
3
Legs
4
Legs
5
Legs
6
Legs
RULA Estimation
RULA Estimation (cont.)
References
McAtamney, L. & Corlett, E.N. (1993) RULA: a survey method for the investigation of work-related upper limb disorders, Applied Ergonomics, 24, 91-99
http://www.ergonomics.co.uk/Rula/Ergo/index.html
Questions & Comments