ERGONOMIC REVIEW ON CHAIR SEAT DIMENSION AND ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES AMONG STUDENTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL MALAYSIA

Abstract

Ergonomic consideration is important in development of chair in classroom. The sitting posture of the students can be influenced by several factors such as the anthropometric dimensions of the students and design features of the class-room furniture. The objective of this study presents an ergonomic application of anthropometric database which was established by Ministry of Education Malaysia (2008), in used of designing high school, primary school and primary students’ chairs. The range of growth change in school is variety. Sitting for protracted period in class may lead students to develop musculoskeletal disorders. The traditional chairs are not able to fit all students in different body figure. How to achieve the requirement of students for different body situation is the major consideration in this study. The procedures adopted for the assessment included the current school furniture specification, Malaysia Standard 1788 2005 and ISO 5970 Chairs and Table for Educational Institution Functional Sizes. Then, the result of study focuses on the application of an anthropometric data SEGAK. Finally, bases on the anthropometric database, the anthropometric consideration of school furniture are suggested for designing primary school chairs in Malaysia. The design approach proposed a series of chairs adjustable in ergonomic issues.