Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari - Design Clinic Scheme

Topic
Layout
Workstations,
Workspace and
Ergonomics
Machinery
Research and
Development
Observations
• A permanent Common Facility Centre with two large rooms
and a porch, comprise of the workspace for both food
processing and agarbatti rolling
• Of these, one room is used for storage and manufacture; the
second room appears to be mostly unused.
• An assortment of tables, some small and one very large table,
is shared between workers for the rolling process; they sit
cross-legged on the ground, bent over the tables
• The CFC is airy and well-lit by natural light, but poorly utilised,
as mentioned in previous observations.
• None. Basic hand tools such as the hacksaw, the dao and the
katari used.
• Ms. Bhatta has begun the scenting process using locally
available solutions, which are sprayed onto the sticks.
• Sticks are sold approximately 10 to a pack, in surplus boxes of
other brands.
Possible design solutions
• Utilise both spaces, by dedicating a room each to agarbatti
rolling and food processing, to avoid contamination of food
material, by powders used for agarbatti rolling
• Organise space of each room into activity specific areas - for
storage, manufacturing, drying (on the porch) and storage of
finished material
• Each worker needs her own table
• Design of a workstation allowing for a sitting position such as
a chair or a bench with an elevated table for rolling will help
the worker’s posure as well as improve overall productivity.
• Currently, no machinery required.
• The unit needs informed input into scenting as well as a supply
of material and know-how.
• Training in better rolling methods, better posture needed.
• The proprietress could benefit from a short course in accountkeeping;
they are unaware of exact expenditures.
N.A.S for Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari | 2013 | Mridul Mitra, Design Consultant | Email: mridul.mitra@gmail.com 45