{"id":2299,"date":"2022-11-29T12:35:01","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T07:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kewaunee.in\/blog\/?p=2299"},"modified":"2024-12-03T00:17:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T18:47:04","slug":"ergonomics-in-the-laboratory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kewaunee.in\/blog\/ergonomics-in-the-laboratory\/","title":{"rendered":"Ergonomics in the Laboratory"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Ergonomics In The Laboratory<\/span><\/h1>[vc_column_text]The official definition of ergonomics from the International Ergonomics Association Executive Council is <\/span>\u201cErgonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among human and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

In simpler terms, ergonomics deals with designing and arranging things which people use. The design and arrangement are done so for efficiency and safely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ergonomics is an important aspect to consider in a laboratory setting. The researchers and users of a laboratory undergo highly repetitive movements (ex. pipetting) and\/or prolonged static postures (ex. Use of microscope). In addition to prolonged poses and repetitive activities, users are also at the risk of frequently lifting and moving things across lab space, to overheads and other storage cabinets.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this blog, let\u2019s look at OSHA\u2019s recommendation for ergonomic wellness in a laboratory.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Activity<\/strong><\/td>\nGood Practices<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maintaining posture<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Maintain the three normal curves of the spine as much as possible<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Use a chair that provides good back support and sit against the back of the chair<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Use supportive shoes and cushioned mats if required to stand for long periods<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Shift the weight often when standing to work<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Sit close to the work area<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arm & Hand Safety<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Keep the shoulders relaxed and the elbows close to the sides when working<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Maintain neutral wrist and arm postures when working<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Select equipment and tools that are the right size for the hands<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Use thin, flexible gloves that fit properly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pipetting<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Hold the pipetter with a relaxed grip. Alternate hands or use both hands to pipette<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Do not twist or rotate their wrist while pipetting<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Use electronic pipettes or light touch models whenever possible<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Elevate chair rather than reaching up to pipette<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Take a 1 to 2 minutes break after every 20 minutes of pipetting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Microscope<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Adjust chair, workbench, or microscope as needed to maintain an upright head position<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Elevate, tilt or move the microscope close to the edge of the counter to avoid bending their neck<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Avoid repetitive or forceful twisting and turning motions (e.g., adjusting microscopes)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Spread microscope work throughout the day and share it with several people, if possible<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Take short breaks. Every 15 minutes, close the eyes or focus on something in the distance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fume Hoods & Biosafety Cabinets<\/span><\/td>\n\n