Print this page Forensic Analysis of Stair Descent Falls
Peter Chen, P.E., CFEI, ACTAR
Course Outline
How the human body functions and behaves when negotiating stairs on a descent is an engineering marvel which has been studied and documented in various texts. A human factors analysis of the stair descent will be shared in this course, along with what occurs with a slip as opposed to a mis-step during a stair descent. Finally, unscripted readily available social media resources will be used to confirm or disprove some of theories of stair falls. Other factors as well as complex falls will also be viewed and analyzed.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand the human factors of a stair descent;
- Be able to understand the basics of occurs during a slip during a stair descent;
- Be able to understand the basics of occurs during a mis-step during a stair descent; and
- Be able to begin to analyze complex stair descent accidents.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers in the field of forensics, as well as architects, engineers, and contractors involved in building, designing, or construction of stairs.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this course will be able to understand the basics of stair descent falls.
Course Introduction
The human body performs a complex sequence of coordinated functions in order to descend stairs that is distinctly different than the normal human walking gait. When a stair descent gait is interrupted by a slip of the foot, we would typically expect a fall of the body in the rearward direction. When a stair descent gait is interrupted by a mis-step of the lead foot, we would typically expect a forward projection. These typical expectations may be impacted with other factors such as handrail use, or a complex event.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file:
Forensic Analysis of a Stair Descent Fall
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You may need
to download Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.Course Summary
How the human body functions and behaves when negotiating stairs on a descent is an engineering marvel which has been studied and documented in various texts. A human factors analysis of the stair descent will be shared in this course, along with what occurs with a slip as opposed to a mis-step during a stair descent. Finally, unscripted readily available social media resources will be used to confirm or disprove some of theories of stair falls. Other factors as well as complex falls will also be viewed and analyzed.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Load Applied on Bone-Anchored Transfemoral Prosthesis-A Pilot Study
History and Current Regulations for Egress System Design
A Review of Literature and Data Concerning Stair Geometry and Other Characteristics
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
