The ergonomics of spray guns – Users’ opinions and technical measurements on spray guns compared with previous recommendations for hand tools

Abstract

With the aim of improving the design of spray guns, 15 spray painters were interviewed. Furthermore, six ordinary industrial spray guns were studied and their ergonomic features were compared with previous recommendations or ergonomic knowledge concerning hand tools. The results show that features that influence comfort as well as musculoskeletal exposure is different from what is recommended, and concerning some features there is also large differences between spray guns of the same type. This indicates that several ergonomic improvements can be made on many spray guns. These include a narrower front heel, changed cross-section from more or less squared to ellipsoidal, smoother surface structure, longer handle, lower weight, and also more flexible and lighter hoses. A changed angle from 100–110° to 90° between the handle and the upper part of the gun may also decrease the musculoskeletal exposure. However, the most important ergonomic improvement would in many cases be to decrease the force required to pull the trigger. Two check-lists with ergonomic recommendations are included in the discussion part. The first one is aimed for designers and manufacturers of spray guns, while the other one is aimed for professional spray gun users. Relevance to industry The study shows some ergonomic shortcomings in a tool which is quite common and frequently used in industry.