Anthropometric Considerations for Designing a Test Finger to Avoid Electrical and Mechanical Hazards

Abstract

Standardized test fingers are used for testing products against mechanical and electrical hazards. The most common one is given in EN 61032. An application for this test finger is the classification of enclosures by the IP (International Protection) - Code according to EN 60529 (2000). The dimensions of this test finger, mentioned in these standards, have remained unchanged for several decades. In the meantime the corresponding anthropometric dimensions of the human being have changed as well as the standard of safety and the level of safety awareness. Therefore, it has been investigated, whether the dimensions of the test finger specified in these standards are still in accordance with anthropometric considerations and whether they represent a sufficient level of safety. This article is based on a project, which has been performed on behalf of the Commission for Occupational Health and Safety and Standardization (KAN). By this article, the report is carried forward.

Keywords: Product testing, test finger, anthropometry, electrical hazards, mechanical hazards, safety

DOI: 10.54941/10032