SWEDEN: AFS ERGONOMICS -- MANUAL HANDLING The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6. G/TBT/Notif.97.344. 1. Member to Agreement notifying: SWEDEN. If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2). 2. Agency responsible: National Board of Occupational Safety and Health. Agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification can be indicated if different from above. 3. Notified under Article 2.9.2. 4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Products not covered by EC-product directives. 5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: AFS Ergonomics -- Manual Handling (36 pages). 6. Description of content: AFS Ergonomics -- Manual Handling is an amendment to AFS 1983:6 Work Postures and Working Movements. The stipulation is expressed in a very general way. Products that are put on the market shall not cause unhealthy physical stress when handled as intended, and complementary user information shall be given when needed. The regulation applies only to products that are not covered by any EC-product directive. 7. Objective and rationale: The aim of the regulation is to make manufacturers and others take ergonomics into consideration at an early stage in the design process, in order to achieve a product with as good ergonomics design as possible. If it is not possible to reach good ergonomic features in the product itself, well designed user instructions can guide the user to the best possible way of handling the product. 8. Relevant documents: Work Environment Act (1977:1160), AFS, 1983:6 Work Postures and Working Movements. 9. Proposed date of adoption: 31 March 1998; Proposed date of entry into force: 31 March 1998. 10. Final date for comments: 16 September 1997. 11. Text available from: National enquiry point. (0196)

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