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LABORATORY GUIDELINES

Microscope Use

GUIDELINES:
• General
• Workstation
• Laboratory
• Other Occupations
• Home, Sports, & Hobby
• ErgoKids Program
• Ergonomics & Aging

To Control Awkward Postures:

• Assure proper lower back and thigh support from chair and that feet are supported.
• Assure adequate thigh clearance under lab bench. Often low hanging false fronts need to be removed.
• Raise, incline, and move microscope as close as needed to assure upright head position.
• Work with elbows close to sides.
• Work with wrists in straight, neutral positions.
• Choose microscope eye pieces which allow improved head and neck posture.
• Move microscope to line up eyepieces with table edge.
• Keep upper arm vertical, forearms horizontal, wrists neutral.
• Install ocular eyepiece extensions where feasible.

• pipetting
• handling test tubes
• microscope use
• dishwashing
• other lab activities


Wrong: Neck bent Shoulders hunched Elbows out	Right: Head upright Elbows close to sides

To Control High Repetition:

• Take adequate breaks - even short several second "micro-breaks" help.
• Rotate microscope work between several employees.
• Evaluate work processes to spread microscope work throughout the day.
• Add personnel for peak periods.

To Control Contact Stresses:

• Do not rest forearms on sharp work surface edges. Pad the edge or forearm, or create a forearm rest pad.

To Control Eye Fatigue:

• Keep scopes clean.
• Assure illuminators are in alignment and light is even, and of proper intensity.
• Assure optical components are in proper repair.
• Take frequent short breaks to rest your eyes; focus far away or shut eyes to change eye focal length.