Brieda Cabins’ operator stations achieve world-first ISO ergonomic certification
Brieda Cabins, a specialist in ergonomic cabins, control stations and desks for manned and remotely-operated cranes, has achieved a world-first certification to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and European EN ergonomic standards for its container crane operator solutions.
The certification covers the Brieda Dynamic Control Station (DYCS), used worldwide in the cabs of container ship-to-shore (STS) and yard gantry cranes, and the Remote Dynamic Control Desk (R-DYCD), designed for the latest generation of fully automated and remote-controlled cranes. Both systems are the result of in-depth studies into biomechanics, ergonomics and design, including an extensive research collaboration with the Biomedical Technology Department of the University of Milan and its allied EPM Research Unit on Ergonomics of the Body Posture and Movement.
The certification was conducted and awarded by ERGOCERT, a spin-off from the University of Udine, Italy and the accredited ergonomic laboratory of the Italian province of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. Both the on-crane and remote operator solutions are now certified to ISO 11226 Ergonomics – Evaluation of static working postures and ISO 11228-3 Ergonomics – Manual handling – Handling of low loads at high frequency and their European equivalents. Additionally, the R-DYCD system is certified to ISO 14738 Safety of machinery – Anthropometric requirements for the design of workstations at machinery and ISO 11064-4 Ergonomic design of control centres – Part 4: Layout and dimensions of workstations
“The core goal of our research and development has been to provide efficient and scientifically-tested tools that improve the operator’s health and safety, eliminating unhealthy postures, reducing the use of shoulders, elbows and wrists, and ensuring excellent and good efficiency of head movements and angles of vision. We are delighted to achieve ISO and EN certification, giving independent validation of our ergonomic credentials,” said company CEO Siro Brieda.
“Today’s larger and faster container cranes create new physical stresses on drivers that we need to address through people-centred ergonomic design,” he added. “However, we must take equal care of the new generation of remote operators who do their work at a desk in a central control tower. They are also exposed to workplace risk, even if they are looking up at a bank of computer screens rather than down at a physical container suspended below them.” Among many other features, the remote control desk includes adjustable seat and workstation so that operators of different heights can be fully supported in a safe and comfortable working position.
As previously reported Brieda, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, was recently lead author for a new publication on Container Crane Operator Health & Safety from PEMA, the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association.
The report includes 20 key recommendations for crane manufacturers and terminal operators on how to improve cabin ergonomics and safety for drivers of manned rubber-tired gantry (RTG) and STS container cranes. It can be downloaded free of charge in PDF at pema.org/publications. More details of Brieda Cabins’ ergonomic research findings and design approach can also be viewed here.
