Control Panel Dimensions for Gloved Operation Study 2: Toggle Switches Minimum Spacing Required between Toggle

Abstract : This study was to confirm the military specification of toggle switch spacing for gloved operators. An examination of toggle switch operations with five different glove types was conducted: a butyl and cotton glove assembly, a butyl and nomex glove assembly, a leather and wool glove assembly, a firefighting glove, and a vinyl glove. Subjects were required to operate a sequence of four switches in a 3 by 3 array. Three switch spacings were investigated: 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm. Half the subjects operated toggle switches located directly in front of them, and the other half operated switches located behind them, in a position where the switches could not be seen. Subjects were required to activate the toggle switches in specific sequences as quickly and as accurately as possible. The task was machine-paced, and the time allowed for operation of a sequence of switches became progressively shorter as the subject was able to continue correct operation. Each subject performed the task both gloved and bare-handed.