CFM - Certified Facility Manager Human Factors and Ergonomics Questions and Answers

Question 1

An employee in a newly designed office reports persistent eye strain and headaches.
The workstation is equipped with a new adjustable chair and desk, and the computer screen is positioned an arm's length away.
Which environmental factor should the facility manager investigate FIRST as the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Glare from overhead lighting or windows on the computer screen.

Answer

Inadequate ventilation rates.

Answer

High ambient noise levels from the open-plan layout.

Answer

Improper desk-to-chair height ratio.

Question 2

In facility design and space planning, the application of anthropometry is primarily concerned with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The measurement of human body dimensions to optimize design for comfort and efficiency.

Answer

The psychological impact of color and texture in a space.

Answer

The flow of people and materials through a building.

Answer

The acoustic properties of various building materials.

Question 3

A facility manager is overseeing the renovation of a public-facing lobby. Which of the following design elements best exemplifies the principles of Universal Design?

Accepted Answer

A main entrance featuring a level threshold and automatic sliding doors.

Answer

A separate, clearly marked ramp installed next to a grand staircase.

Answer

A single, extra-large restroom stall that is fully ADA-compliant.

Answer

Braille signage placed only at designated accessible entrances.

Question 4

A company's productivity has noticeably dropped after moving into a new open-plan office, with employees frequently complaining of distractions and an inability to concentrate. Which ergonomic intervention would be MOST effective in directly addressing this specific issue?

Accepted Answer

Implementing a sound masking system and adding acoustic panels to walls and ceilings.

Answer

Installing brighter, individually controlled task lighting at each workstation.

Answer

Upgrading the HVAC system to improve air quality and thermal comfort.

Answer

Providing all employees with height-adjustable sit-stand desks.

Question 5

To improve the patient and visitor experience in a large, multi-building hospital campus, a facility manager leads a project to implement a new color-coded signage and wayfinding system. This initiative is a direct application of which sub-discipline of ergonomics?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Ergonomics

Answer

Physical Ergonomics

Answer

Organizational Ergonomics

Answer

Environmental Ergonomics

Question 6

When selecting lighting for a quality control area where technicians perform detailed visual inspections of colored textiles, which lighting metric is MOST critical for ensuring task accuracy and reducing worker fatigue?

Accepted Answer

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

Answer

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)

Answer

Luminous Flux (Lumens)

Answer

Illuminance (Lux)