RNLI E-Class
Duration: 5 days
Canary Designs partnered up with Nottingham Trent University to undertake an ergonomic assessment of the E-Class MKII exclusively operating on the river Thames in London. This is the busiest lifeboat station in the country, the E-Class MKII helps to save lives day in and day out. The aim of the study was to understand how the crew interact with the boat during a shout, and to identify any ergonomic design shortfalls that may impact performance.
Method
John Lovegrove and Professor Neil Mansfield from Nottingham Trent University then conducted a site visit at RNLI Tower Bridge and RNLI Chiswick to gather the following information:
- A representative sample of anthropometric data for all stakeholders.
- Influence of clothing on body size, shape and mobility.
- Ethnography, video observations and interviews to understand the interactions with the boat.
Analysis:
A CAD model of the boat was acquired from the client, the anthropometric data collected was used to recreate the stakeholders as digital manikins. The interactions between the stakeholders and the boat during a shout were then recreated in a virtual environment. This enables you to run virtual scenarios with the boat and stakeholders to identify shortfalls, and design changes required to improve the overall layout of the boat and compliment how the end stakeholders use their boat during a shout.
Outcome
A report cataloguing the design shortfalls and potential solutions was provided for the end client. The recommendations made included short, medium and long term options from making small changes to the existing situation, such as a change to work procedures, all the way up to an improved layout for the entire boat such as reducing the height of the central console and the addition of a windshield.
Testimonials
I am Chair of the North East Wales Panel of Remap, we design and make “Bespoke Equipment” for the disabled, John approached us about Gary working alongside our volunteer Engineers during his stay for a month spread over the year, we accepted his offer and agreed for that to happen.
John and Gary came to our Monthly meeting in September and I can say he immediately settled in, introduced himself and not only listened to our discussions relating to ongoing work but asked questions showing an interest in what we do.
Gary, a very polite likeable chap who has displayed a good work ethic and is keen to make the best of his time with us. In the short time he has been with us he has impressed everyone with his knowledge and the ideas he puts forward for consideration.
When he has been with an Engineer to see clients regarding our work, he always has empathy with them regarding their issues and always eager to attempt to resolve them and improve their lives.
I was the Project Manager responsible for converting decommissioned areas into storage facilities for storing drums of radioactive waste at Bradwell Decommissioning Site. John Lovegrove was appointed to add his expertise and insight into supporting the Project. John used his area of expertise to add value and focus into the delivery of the best solutions. John was a valuable member of the team with a gift for highlighting the often overlooked items in the early stages. Measure twice cut once.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to John Lovegrove of Canary Designs for the professional and knowledgeable commitment provided in a challenging legal claim arising out of a work-related upper limb disorder.
It was extremely helpful to have an expert in this specialist field of work who could produce a technical and detailed report very quickly. Indeed, I am sure that Mr Lovegrove’s investigation and report was a pivotal factor in the success of my client’s claim.
I would highly recommend Canary Designs.
John and Canary Designs were called in to help us assess the ergonomics of our workplace in light of the repetitive nature of many of our laboratory activities. They spent time in the laboratory videoing activities and talking through tasks with the staff to ensure that they thoroughly understood them. As a result they were able to recommend a number of very practical, targeted alterations that we have since implemented and which have transformed the way that we work. We were very happy with the service we received and would definitely use them again in the future.