ASTM F 3688 : 2025

1.1This guide covers ergonomic guidelines for evaluating and understanding the risk factors that could lead to cumulative harm to the exoskeleton user.

1.2This guide is intended for implementers in organizations that utilize exoskeletons for worker safety. The reader of this guide is assumed to have a basic knowledge of the concepts and principles of human factors engineering and ergonomics.

1.3Exoskeletons are often used with the expectation that they may reduce the risk of pain, fatigue, or work-related musculoskeletal injuries. However, the use of an exoskeleton should not exacerbate existing risk factors for these types of issues, nor should it introduce new, unmitigated risk factors. This may include risk factors that arise when performing activities with the exoskeleton that differ from the risk factors that exist when the exoskeleton is not used.

1.4This guide briefly describes ergonomic risk factors and explains why they are of concern, with special emphasis on how exoskeletons may increase or decrease these risk factors. The risk factors are:

1.5The risk factors may come from elements within the workplace or area of use, environmental factors, the task or activity being performed, the tools or equipment being used, the exoskeleton itself, or interactions between any of these.

1.6General safety concerns related to injuries such as fractures, pinch points, electrocution, and so forth are outside the scope of this guide; the reader is referred to Guide F3527. Although this guide discusses the need for ergonomic evaluations, it is outside the scope of this guide to provide instructions on how to do so. Please refer to Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics; Kodak’s Ergonomic Design for People at Work; Elements of Ergonomics Programs; or other ergonomic textbooks for guidance on performing ergonomic evaluations.2-4

1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.