Fifth Annual report of the Industrial Fatigue Research Board : to 31st December 1924.

  • Great Britain. Industrial Fatigue Research Board.
Date:
1925
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Fifth Annual report of the Industrial Fatigue Research Board : to 31st December 1924. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    72/80 (page 70)
    No. 9.—A Study of Output in Silk Weaving during the Winter Months, by P. M. ELton, M.Sc. 1920. (69 pages). [Price 2s. 6d. net, post free 2s. 8d.] The report deals with the hourly, daily and weekly variations in production in two silk weaving mills, making plain and fancy goods respectively, by analysis of output data collected continuously for four months from 98 looms. The various factors affecting production are discussed, and it is shown that the curve of distribution of output through- out the day has a characteristic shape. A gradual increase in output occurs from December to March, coinciding roughly with the lessened use of artificial light, under which production appears to fall about 10 per cent. as compared with daylight. Suggestions are also made for increasing efficiency, in particular the keeping of certain records.] No. 17.—An Analysis of the Individual Differences in the Output of Silk Weavers, by P. M. Erton, M.Sc. 1922. (38 pages). [Price Is. 6d. net, post free Is. 74d.] [The report embodies the results of an investigation into output in silk-weaving, but these are applicable with little modification to any type of weaving. Part I deals with the extent of the differences in individual performance, and shows that while the performance of any given weaver remains: at about the same level for any given quality of cloth, there is no definite line of demarcation between good and bad weavers, the two classes merging into one another insensibly. Further, the large but consistent differences in loom efficiency manifested as between one weaver and another indicate how greatly production in power-loom silk weaving is dependent on the human factor. Part II is concerned with the causes of the differences in individual performance. These have been investigated by means of time study, applied to ascertain how far and in what respect individual differences in method are related to efficiency in weaving. By means of a full classi- fication of the various causes of loom stoppage and observation of the methods adopted in each case, some of these methods are known to be definitely good and others to be definitely bad, indicating the importance of adequate preliminary training in weaving. Actual specimens of the time analysis sheets containing the data for selected weavers are given and explained, and suggestions are made for its further use. The report itself is confined to silk-weaving, but the methods described and conclusions drawn are applicable with little modification to power- loom weaving in any of the textile trades. ] No. 20.—A Study of Efficiency in Fine Linen Weaving, by H. C. Weston, M.J.Inst.E. 1922. (iti and 28 pages). [Price Is. 6d. net, post free Is. 74d.] 3 [The report embodies the results of a special investigation conducted into a process, which fer successful manufacture a high atmospheric temperature and a high degree of humidity are required. The results indicate that up to a certain limit of wet-bulb temperature (73° F.) productive efficiency increases with the temperature, but that above that limit efficiency falls, notwithstanding the favourable physical effects of the atmospheric conditions, owing to the discomfort and fatigue of the weavers. The physiological view that working disability begins at a wet- bulb temperature of 70° to 75° thus receives confirmation. The relation of illumination to efficiency is also discussed, and evidence is given showing that the use of artificial light reduces efficiency by about 11 per cent. of its normal daylight value.]