Laboratory Ergonomics

Those who work in laboratories face the increased risk of repetitive stress injuries and Laboratory ergonomics is all about prevention of such injuries. Before we discuss anything about laboratory ergonomics, it would be worthwhile here to understand what is basically ergonomics. Ergonomics is primarily a science which involves arranging the environment in a manner so as to comfortably fit a person in it. With a correctly applied ergonomics in the work environment, the health hazards like visual and musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue can be reduced to a large extent.

In the context of laboratories the ergonomic risk factors are not very different from those found in an office or other industry. Some of the ergonomic problems found in the laboratory includes high repetition, contact stresses, awkward and static postures, vibration and pinch grip, etc. These risks arise due to the nature of their work and the amount of time they spend in laboratories apart from the need to daily deal with hazardous substances.

Type of Ergonomic Hazards Involved in the Laboratory
This page primarily intends to disseminate information about the nature of laboratory ergonomics risk factors and how to control them. This information can improve to a large extent one's level of comfort in a lab along with lessening the risk of acquiring any type of occupational injury.

• Microtome: Manual rotary microtomes that are used for applications in histological laboratories performs tasks that are repetitive in nature. In a days work a laboratory worker may end up using 40 to 50 cassettes or blocks. This means turning the microtome wheel atleast 1000 times. The work is repetitive, as also involving force or forceful exertion. Other repetitive microtome-related functions like specimen replacement and use of trimming wheel is likely to increase the probability to acquire Muscoskeletal disorders (MSD).

• Ways to control Microtome related disorders
  
  • Replacing the manual unit with automatic microtomes
  • Use less force while operating handwheel
  • Proper adjustment of the feed wheel position for reducing stress
  • Using motorized cutting
  • Replace the hand-operated wheel and use instead an external control unit such as a front pedal
  
  
  
• Centrifuge Rotors: Centrifuge rotors are also known to create unique lifting hazard in the laboratory. Centrifuge rotors weighing almost 35 pounds are also awkward in shape.


• Ways to control ergonomic hazards linked with lifting centrifuge rotors
  
  • Use a team of few persons (at least two) for removing heavy centrifuge rotors.
  • Design a harness, that wraps around the rotor. These should attach to the straps and come out of the centrifuge to the laboratory worker. With straps on both the side of the rotor, two lab can then pull out the rotor in the centrifuge. This reduces considerably low back flexion along with decreasing the load.
  • Using carts to transport rotors.
  
  
  
• Microscopy: To design a microscope workstation, it is absolutely essential to take into account the dimensions of its potential users. As no two laboratory personnel would have the same physical attributes the workstation should be made adjustable accordingly. Working with a Microscope for long duration can put considerable strain on the eyes, neck, shoulders, arms/wrists, and lower back.
  
  
  • Ways to control ergonomic hazards associated with the use of microscopes:
    
    • In ideal situations, a microscopist should be able to adjust according to his needs the height of his/ her chair, work surface and microscope.
    • Never use microscopes for more than 5 hours duration in a day. It's better to spread the total usage over an entire day's work. It is always advisable to avoid long stretches of microscope work.
    • It's better to use a cut-out work table. This takes you closer to the scope and gives an ample area to support forearms.
    • The scope should remain clean whenever it is used along with lighting of proper intensity.
    • To get relief from fatigue and strain, always use lifters and angled microscope arm supports.
    • Ensure availability of sufficient knee and leg space.
    • Using television systems is better for eliminating use of binocular eyepieces when ever it is appropriate.