Appendix C: Body Measurements (Anthropometric Data)

A: The key features of safe body positions for hairdressers are:

• Shoulders low and relaxed
• Elbows by the side - not held out or held forward
• Wrists neutral
• Looking down in a relaxed manner - Head comfortable on the top of the neck - hands not too close or too far away
• Back upright - spine not bent forward

B: As a result, the key anthropometric dimensions to be considered in hairdressing are:

• Hairdresser:
  • Standing and sitting eye heights
  • Standing and sitting shoulder heights
  • Standing and sitting elbow heights
  • Popliteal height
  • Focal distance
• Client
  • Sitting eye height
  • Popliteal heights

A and B together show that the key features of the hairdressers' workstation design are:

• Basin height - and basin height adjustability range (if fitted)
• Client chair - height and its adjustability range
• Hairdresser stool - height adjustability range
• Hairdresser stool - sitting 'philosophy'*

* Some thought will be needed around the type of seat design. Various types are available, and the pros and cons of each type would need to be teased out. Three types are illustrated.

Figure 28: Standard stools (Flat or angled seat - with or without backrest)

Figure 29: Height adjustable saddle chairs

Figure 30: Height adjustable sit - stand stools (where the person perches - as on a banister - with a large angle at the hip)