Designing an adjustable height engine stand to reduce the risk of student’s Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in engine tune up practice

This study aims to determine the description of a student’s posture when practicing and make an engine stand according to the size or results of previous ergonomics analysis. The source of ergonomics risk is the design of practical tools that are less compatible with varied student postures. The ergonomics research method used is the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). The participants of this research were automotive students of the mechanical engineering education department totaling 27 people, the reason for doing this research was because of the results of the Nordic Body Map (NBM) survey, almost all students who practiced on the Gasoline engine course complained of pain in the back, neck and arms. Therefore, an analysis of the level of ergonomics risk results is recommended to improve student work positions. Based on these recommendations, an adjustable height engine stand was designed and made. This research was conducted by beginning with a structured observation of student anthropometry, to provide design recommendations that can be accommodated by all student body postures. The results of the measurement of ergonomic risk level before using the adjustable height engine stand position of the student’s body bent, neck bending, repeating for a long time, the results of RULA anthropometric analysis of the 5th percentile are 4, while the percentiles 50 and 95 are 6, which means that the position has a high level of ergonomic risk and action needs to be taken immediately to reduce risk. The level of ergonomics risk after using the adjustable height engine stand is 2, which means safe. Another result is the creation of an adjustable height engine stand whose height can adjust to the student’s body posture.