[Ergonomic Device for the Maintenance and Repair of In-line Inspection (ILI) Tools]

We conducted a comparative ergonomic study of a new workplace station (MSILT) and a standard wooden industrial workbench.

First, we used the OWAS method to evaluate the highest risk tasks. Next, we used human digital simulation in a virtual environment to evaluate stress on low back and joint load. We also performed a comparative analysis using the Siemens Jack software.

There was an overall reduction in exposure to physical loads. Awkward postures decreased from a category 4 (harmful) to category 1 (neutral) risk level. There was also a reduction in static loads on the joints and intradiscal loading to below the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended level of 3400 N.

This study demonstrated the feasibility of the new MSILIT and that it can be implemented in the hydrocarbons industry.