Technical report | Revised Anthropometry Guidance for the Royal Australian Navy

Abstract

In 2015 an Anthropometric Survey of the Royal Australian Navy (ASRAN) was completed providing comprehensive digital and manual anthropometric data on the permanent RAN operational workforce that can be used for the design and evaluation of vessels, equipment and clothing. The ASRAN included the measurement of 1322 Permanent Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel (232 females and 1090 males), aged 18–54 years. A total of 87 measurements, comprising of both manual and digital measures, were captured. This document presents the anthropometric percentile data captured and provides information on how to apply the data, as well as information on secular trend, personal equipment and clothing correction factors, and other allowances that should be considered when using the anthropometric data. Boundary manikin data that can assist with multivariate design requirements are also provided. This document supersedes all previous RAN anthropometric data and guidance documents. This report is a revision of the Preliminary Anthropometry Guidance for the RAN.

Executive Summary

Anthropometry is the study and measurement of the human body and body size including lengths, breadths, depths, and circumferences relating to reach, clearance and fit; weight/mass is also typically measured [1, 2]. Application of anthropometric data is critical in matching and designing the physical form and dimensions of compartments, workspaces, systems or equipment to those of the users [2]. In order to maximise crew performance, and meet a duty of care for safe systems of work, anthropometric data should be incorporated into all areas designed for human work, to support human life at sea; and in the development and procurement of all equipment and clothing that crew members come into contact with for any manner of operation, habitation and maintenance purposes [3-5].

In 2015 an Anthropometric Survey of the Royal Australian Navy (ASRAN) was completed providing comprehensive digital and manual anthropometric data on the permanent Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operational workforce that can be used for the design and evaluation of vessels, equipment and clothing. The ASRAN included the measurement of 1322 Permanent RAN personnel (232 females and 1090 males), aged 18–54 years. A total of 87 measurements, comprising of both manual and digital measures were captured.

This document presents the anthropometric percentile data captured in the ASRAN and provides information on how to apply the data and assess designs. Additional information presented includes information on RAN secular trend, personal equipment and clothing correction factors, and other allowances that need to be considered when applying the anthropometric data. A brief overview on multivariate approaches to design is provided, along with boundary manikin data that can assist with multivariate design and evaluation. This document supersedes all previous RAN anthropometric data and guidance documents. This report is a revision of the Preliminary Anthropometry Guidance for the RAN [6].

The main revision changes include updated application guidelines, personal equipment and clothing correction factors, boundary manikin data, additional information on multivariate approach to design, and alignment with the Revised Maritime Physical Accommodation Guidance for the Royal Australian Navy [7].

This document is intended for use by project staff, design engineers, systems engineers, maintainability engineers, operations analysts, human factors specialists, and others engaged in the definition, development, or evaluation of human factors requirements. The procedures and data provided within this document can define, develop and evaluate human factors requirements in the design, construction, modification and evaluation of current and future RAN systems and equipment in terms of user fit, clearance, reach, vision and/or posture. It is strongly recommended that it is used in consultation with human factors professionals with recent and comprehensive knowledge of anthropometrics.