Physiological evaluation of manual operated weeders and sprayers on farm use

Abstract

Ergonomics is the scientific study of relationship between man and his working environment, which includes ambient conditions, tools and materials, methods of work and organization of work. Two sprayers and weeders namely, knapsack sprayer, foot operated sprayer, wheel hoe and power weeder were evaluated with respect to overall tiredness and body part discomfort experience by the subjects while spraying and weeding in field.
Nine agricultural workers who were free from cardiac and other ailments were selected for operating weeders and sprayers. A polar heart rate monitor was used to measure physiological response of the operators during field operation. During the experiments, the external parameters of ambient temperature and relative humidity and light intensity of the atmosphere were measured with Thermal hygrometer. Each subject was asked to operate the weeders and sprayers in the experimental field for 30 min and heart rate and energy expenditure rate were recorded for every 1 min interval. The oxygen consumption rate was computed by using recorded H.R values. The same procedure was repeated at pre-determined times of a day for all the subjects. The data was analyzed statistically to find the optimum values.

Nine agricultural workers who were free from cardiac and other ailments were selected for operating weeders and sprayersA polar heart rate monitor was used to measure physiological response of the operators during field operation. During the experiments, the external parameters of ambient temperature and relative humidity and light intensity of the atmosphere was measured with Thermal hygrometer. Each subject was asked to operate the weeders and sprayers in the experimental field for 30 min and heart rate and energy expenditure rate was recorded for every 1 mininterval.  The oxygen consumption rate was computed by using recorded H.R values. The same procedure was repeated at pre-determined times of a day for all the subjects. The data was analysed statistically to find the optimum values.