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Laboratory Ergonomics
General Recommendations:
- Allow for neutral positioning of head, torso, arms, wrist and legs.
- Insure that there is proper lighting for functional use.
- Prevent repetition, and alter prolonged awkward posture.
- Rotate laboratory tasks/workers
- Take micro breaks and vision breaks (every 20–30 min.) to reduce stress to body.
- Prioritize frequently used work tools within user’s comfort zone to reduce reaching and also to evenly dispersed items for bilateral use.
- Use an edge protector to reduce stress on the forearm and wrist.
- Adjust chairs for proper support/height and utilize the chair to provide needed support.
- Sit back into chair to reduce strain to back, shoulders, and neck.
- Designated workstations which require chairs should have a chair appropriately adjusted for height, backrest, seat pan and lumbar support or stool with a ring or built in footrest.
- When standing an area for an extended period of time use an anti-fatigue mat and shift your weight from one leg to another every few minutes.
Microscopy
- Place microscope on an appropriate workbench height.
- Use lifters or angle the microscopy to reduce the neck bent
- Use microscope extended eye tube and/or variable height adapter to achieve proper neck and head position.
- Protect wrist and forearms from contact pressure. Apply padding on the sharp edges.
Pipetting
- Be sure to work with wrist in neutral position (straight).
- Avoid elevating arms and elbows above shoulder for lengthy periods of time.
- Obtain an electronic operated or a latch-mode pipetter to aid with repetitive use of thumb force.
- Use thin-walled pipette tips that are easy to eject.
Laboratory Workbenches
- Perform work only at appropriate heights to prevent twisting and bending of wrist, neck and rolled shoulders.
- Clear out boxes/storage from beneath the workbench to allow for adequate legroom and prevent awkward postures (when possible remove drawers from underneath workbench to provide leg room.
In accordance with NIOSH guidelines
- 37 and 43 inches, use for precision work.
- 34 and 37 inches, use for light work.
- 28 and 35 inches, use for heavy work.
Tissue MicroArray (TMA)
- Place TMA at an appropriate workbench height.
- Avoid elevating arms and elbows above shoulder for lengthy periods of time.
- When standing for extending periods of time, apply anti-fatigue mats and footrest may reduce joint strain and muscle fatigue.
Microtome Work
- Place microtome at an appropriate workbench height.
- Use less force when turning hand wheel (loosen grip and/or turn slower).
- Protect wrist and forearms from contact pressure. Apply padding on the sharp edges (forearm supports).
- Place items evenly on both sides for bilateral use of upper extremities.
- Take frequent breaks from microtome work every 20 minutes.
Laboratory Hoods/Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)
- Reduce eye strain and awkward postures by working directly in front of BSC.
- Prevent extended reaching by placing materials as close as possible.
- Perform work within easy reach of BSC to prevent strain from over-reaching.
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