Enter the multipliers for horizontal, vertical, distance, asymmetric, frequency, and coupling into the calculator to determine the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) according to the NIOSH Lifting Equation.
NIOSH Lifting Equation Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL):
RWL = LC * HM * VM * DM * AM * FM * CM
Variables:
- LC is the Load Constant (51 pounds)
- HM is the Horizontal Multiplier
- VM is the Vertical Multiplier
- DM is the Distance Multiplier
- AM is the Asymmetric Multiplier
- FM is the Frequency Multiplier
- CM is the Coupling Multiplier
To calculate the RWL, multiply the Load Constant (LC) by all the multipliers for horizontal, vertical, distance, asymmetric, frequency, and coupling.
What is the NIOSH Lifting Equation?
The NIOSH Lifting Equation is a tool used to evaluate the safety of lifting tasks in the workplace. It provides a Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) which represents the maximum weight that nearly all healthy workers could lift over the course of an 8-hour shift without increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The equation takes into account various factors that can affect lifting safety, such as the distance of the load from the body, the height of the lift, the degree of twisting, the frequency and duration of lifting, and the quality of handholds on the load.
How to Calculate RWL Using the NIOSH Lifting Equation?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) using the NIOSH Lifting Equation.
- Determine the Horizontal Multiplier (HM).
- Determine the Vertical Multiplier (VM).
- Determine the Distance Multiplier (DM).
- Determine the Asymmetric Multiplier (AM).
- Determine the Frequency Multiplier (FM).
- Determine the Coupling Multiplier (CM).
- Use the formula RWL = LC * HM * VM * DM * AM * FM * CM.
- Calculate the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Horizontal Multiplier (HM) = 0.9
Vertical Multiplier (VM) = 1.0
Distance Multiplier (DM) = 0.97
Asymmetric Multiplier (AM) = 0.85
Frequency Multiplier (FM) = 0.95
Coupling Multiplier (CM) = 0.9
