The formula to calculate the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) is:
\[ RWL = LC \cdot HM \cdot VM \cdot DM \cdot AM \cdot FM \cdot CM \]
Where:
Let's say the Horizontal Multiplier (\( HM \)) is 0.9, the Vertical Multiplier (\( VM \)) is 0.8, the Distance Multiplier (\( DM \)) is 0.7, the Asymmetric Multiplier (\( AM \)) is 0.6, the Frequency Multiplier (\( FM \)) is 0.5, and the Coupling Multiplier (\( CM \)) is 0.4. Using the formula:
\[ RWL = 51 \cdot 0.9 \cdot 0.8 \cdot 0.7 \cdot 0.6 \cdot 0.5 \cdot 0.4 \]
We get:
\[ RWL = 51 \cdot 0.9 \cdot 0.8 \cdot 0.7 \cdot 0.6 \cdot 0.5 \cdot 0.4 \approx 3.44 \text{ pounds} \]
So, the Recommended Weight Limit (\( RWL \)) is approximately 3.44 pounds.
The NIOSH Lifting Equation is a tool used to evaluate the safety of lifting tasks in the workplace. It provides a Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) which represents the maximum weight that nearly all healthy workers could lift over the course of an 8-hour shift without increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The equation takes into account various factors that can affect lifting safety, such as the distance of the load from the body, the height of the lift, the degree of twisting, the frequency and duration of lifting, and the quality of handholds on the load.