Scribd
Upload
4 views

calculating_rwl

The Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation calculates the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) using a formula that incorporates several multipliers: Horizontal (HM), Vertical (VM), Distance (DM), Asymmetric (AM), Frequency (FM), and Coupling (CM). Each multiplier is determined by specific factors related to the lifting conditions, such as distance, height, and body position. The document provides detailed tables for calculating each multiplier and emphasizes the importance of accurate assessment in lifting tasks.

Uploaded by

nhat.tran2406
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

calculating_rwl

The Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation calculates the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) using a formula that incorporates several multipliers: Horizontal (HM), Vertical (VM), Distance (DM), Asymmetric (AM), Frequency (FM), and Coupling (CM). Each multiplier is determined by specific factors related to the lifting conditions, such as distance, height, and body position. The document provides detailed tables for calculating each multiplier and emphasizes the importance of accurate assessment in lifting tasks.

Uploaded by

nhat.tran2406
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

NIOSH Lifting Equation (revised)

NIOSH Lifting Equation - Calculating


Recommended Weight Limit (RWL)
On this page
What is the Revised NIOSH lifting
equation?

What is the Revised NIOSH lifting equation?


The equation is:

LC x HM x VM x DM x AM x FM x CM = RWL

where LC is the load constant (23 kg) and other factors in the equation are:

HM, the Horizontal Multiplier factor

VM, the Vertical Multiplier factor

DM, the Distance Multiplier factor

FM, the Frequency Multiplier factor

AM, the Asymmetric Multiplier factor

CM, the Coupling Multiplier factor

RWL, the Recommended Weight Limit

For each value, look up the corresponding factor and use this number in the equation.

NOTE: Please see this alternate page for a functioning calculator.

See Assessing Relevant Handling Factors for an explanation of terms.

Horizontal Multiplier (HM): Horizontal distance (H, in cm) from the midpoint between the
ankles to the hands while holding the object.

NIOSH Lifting Equation - Calculating Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) CCOHS


H = Horizontal Distance (cm) HM Factor

25 or less 1.00

30 0.83
40 0.63

50 0.50

60 0.42

Vertical Multiplier (VM): The vertical distance (V, in cm) of the hands from the ground at the
start of the lift.

V = Starting Height (cm) VM Factor

0 0.78
30 0.87

50 0.93

70 0.99

100 0.93

150 0.78

175 0.70
>175 0.00

Distance Multiplier (DM): The vertical distance (D, in cm) that the load travels.

D = Lifting Distance (cm) DM Factor

25 or less 1.00

40 0.93

55 0.90

100 0.87

145 0.85

175 0.85

>175 0.00

NIOSH Lifting Equation - Calculating Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) CCOHS


Asymmetric Multiplier (AM): The twisting angle (A) of the body while lifting, measured in
degrees.

A = Angle (degrees) AM Factor

90° 0.71

60° 0.81

45° 0.86

30° 0.90

0° 1.00

Frequency Multiplier (FM): The frequency (F) of lifts and the duration of lifting (in minutes or
seconds) over a workshift.

FM Factor

F = Time Between Lifting While Standing: OR Lifting While Stooping:


Lifts
One Hour or Over One One Hour or Over One
Less Hour Less Hour

5 min 1.00 0.85 1.00 0.85


1 min 0.94 0.75 0.94 0.75

30 sec 0.91 0.65 0.91 0.65

15 sec 0.84 0.45 0.84 0.45

10 sec 0.75 0.27 0.75 0.27

6 sec 0.45 0.13 0.45 -

5 sec 0.37 - 0.37 -

Coupling Multiplier (CM): The quality of grasp (or coupling, C) classified as good, fair or poor
and depends on the body position (either standing or stooping).

CM Factor:
C = Grasp
Standing Stooping

Good (handles) 1.00 1.00


Fair 1.00 0.95

Poor 0.90 0.90

NIOSH Lifting Equation - Calculating Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) CCOHS


Fact sheet last revised: 2023-04-26

Disclaimer
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the
information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information
provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand
arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

NIOSH Lifting Equation - Calculating Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) CCOHS

You might also like