The ergonomics applied to test engineering is essential to ensure not only the safety and health of operators but also the efficiency and reliability of the production process. In Brazil, the Regulatory Standard NR-17, issued by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, defines the guidelines for adapting working conditions to the psychophysiological characteristics of workers.
When designing test jigs — manual, pneumatic, or motorized — it is mandatory to consider ergonomic factors, especially when it comes to repetitive operations, physical effort, and posture.
⚖️ What does NR-17 say?
The NR-17 – Ergonomics establishes that:
“The furniture of workstations, equipment, and environmental conditions must be suitable to the psychophysiological characteristics of workers and the nature of the work.”
Specifically for repetitive activities, such as the use of manual jigs, the standard determines:
- Limitation of repetitive movements with the same body segment for more than 50% of the cycle time;
- Avoid excessive force with hands or fingers;
- Work cycles should allow for muscle recovery periods;
- Operations requiring force must provide assistance or replacement mechanisms (e.g., motorization or pneumatization).
💡 Common problems caused by poorly designed jigs
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Muscle fatigue and operational errors
- Reduced productivity and increased rework
- Legal risk due to non-compliance with NR-17
🛠️ How to apply ergonomics in test jig design
AJOLLY Testing designs systems considering:
✔️ Applied force
- Use of optimized levers, compensation springs, counterweights
- Avoid locks that require effort exceeding 3 kgf continuously
✔️ Posture and working height
- Jigs designed for a neutral position of the upper limbs
- Bench height adjusted according to operator sitting or standing
✔️ Cycle time and repetition
- Evaluation of cycles exceeding 10 seconds repetitively
- Recommendations for partial automation after 30 units/hour
✔️ Feedback and safety
- Positioning sensors, confirmation lights, and automatic locks
- Elimination of dangerous movements with enclosure systems
🧰 Practical solutions offered by AJOLLY Testing
- Pneumatic jigs with light actuation
- Motorization for closing with controlled torque
- Ergonomic design validated in CAD simulation
- Technical manuals with safe operation instructions
- Compliance checklists with NR-17 for internal audits
✅ Benefits of applying ergonomics to jigs
- Reduction of absences and injuries
- Increased productivity and test quality
- More comfortable and motivated operators
- Compliance with labor standards and ISO 45001
- Positive company image to clients and employees
Ergonomics is not just comfort, it is productivity, safety, and legal compliance. With AJOLLY Testing, your test jigs follow the highest ergonomic and normative standards.