Ergonomics in laboratories

Measures to reduce risk can be organizational, technical and individual, and should be prioritized in this order. Measures must always be seen in the context of an increased risk of other exposures. In case of ailments or questions about work adaptation or risk assessment, contact the Occupational Health Service.
Organizational measures:

• Vary work tasks
• Adequate brakes
• provide better training, information and guidance
• involve employees in the planning and execution of the work
   

Technical measures related to:

• Work equipment
• Desks
• Lighting
• Temperature
• Noise
   

Individual measures:

• Personal protective equipment
   

Monotonous work is work characterised by one or a few simple work operations being repeated in many repetitions or prolonged in time and without a break, and that it occurs to such an extent that it can cause damage to health. Employees who perform such work for a long period of time are at increased risk of ailments in muscles, tendons, joints or nerves. Typical health problems among laboratory staff can be ailments and pain in the back, shoulder, neck, elbow and wrist.

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority uses an assessment model for monotonous work to help employers identify and risk assess work operations that may cause damage to health. The model is based on ordinary work tasks and considers various factors such as frequency, work position, freedom of action and work content. This assessment model may be relevant for risk assessment of working conditions. Contact the occupational health service if you want assistance in risk assessment.

Read more about monotonous work and how you can risk assess this on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's website (NO).

Standing work is work that is performed in a standing or walking position and that can put strain on the muscles, joints, tendons and blood circulation in the legs. Workers who perform standing work for a long period of time are at increased risk of ailments in the legs, back and neck. Measures such as the use of a mat on the floor can conflict with the use of a chair, and sometimes it is more appropriate to wear comfortable footwear. Ideally, the softness of the floor covering should be considered when laying the floor.

The assessment model for standing work is a tool developed by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority to help employers identify and risk assess work operations that may cause damage to health. The model is based on ordinary work tasks and considers various factors such as frequency, work position, freedom of action and work content.  This assessment model may be relevant for risk assessment of working conditions. Contact the occupational health service if you want assistance in risk assessment.

Read more about standing work and how you can risk assess this on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's website (NO).

Work in laboratories consists of different types of work operations that give rise to varied working postures/movements – standing, walking, sitting or "sitting". Some laboratory work is one-sided, repetitive work and often entails locked working positions over a long period of time. The laboratory chair is an important aid for a good adaptation of work positions/tasks. Chairs that inspire movement and variation are desirable from a preventive perspective. Training regarding the use of the chairs is necessary so that the laboratory employee becomes aware of how to use the chairs.

What is important:

• User-friendliness: The chairs are often used by several people and for different work operations and must be easy to adjust to the desired position. Armrests are not desirable by default.
• Adjustment options: Seat depth, seat angle, seat height, backrest and possibly foot ring.
• The chairs should have casters suitable for smooth flooring.
• The chairs must have covers that can withstand laboratory cleaning. The chassis should be metal and not black plastic due to better cleaning.

Advice:

• It is recommended to have a selection of different types of chairs in a laboratory. Be conscious of your choice of chair in relation to the work operation:
• An "all-round chair" with a backrest (office chair type) that can be used for several work operations where one is seated for a long time (Picture 1). The height of the chair, i.e. the lift height, must be different depending on where the chair is to be used. If a high lift is required, a foot ring/support must be installed (Picture 2).
• There are aids (e.g. armrests) that can be used for special work operations.
• A slightly smaller "all-round chair" with a backrest that can also be used as a "stand-seating chair". The lift height should then be medium-high and without a foot ring attached. The design of the chair seat provides an open hip angle ("saddle position") with good balance in the pelvis, which provides a favourable starting point for the back for various types of laboratory work (Picture 3).
• A small type of stool (Picture 4) without a backrest and without a foot ring that can be used for special work operations where, for example, there is little space, or you have to sit for short periods. There are also several good stool models with saddle seat. 

Photo:

www.uib.no

Photo:

www.uib.no

Photo:

www.uib.no

Photo:

www.uib.no

Source: Ergonomics and laboratory.pdf (uib.no) 

"Ergonomics in laboratories" is a collaborative project between occupational physiotherapists from UiO, UiB, NTNU and SINTEF.

Often, the benches in the laboratory will not be adjustable in height. Therefore, it is important that the benches are high enough so that one has the opportunity to adjust the height of the chair and equipment where necessary. For example, microscopes are more adjustable now than in the past. In any case, it is not appropriate for instruments that need to be calibrated to be used on height-lowering desks.

In some labs, employees spend more time in the office than in the lab. Then it is more appropriate to spend resources adapting the office workplace.

Fixed places in the laboratory allow employees to furnish benches and workstations according to their own needs based on individual circumstances and the tasks they need to solve. This should be prioritized in the training of new employees.
 

Raise-lower fume hoods have a higher cost and entail logistical challenges, which means that it is not always appropriate for all extractor hoods in the laboratory to be height-lowerable. It may be more appropriate to have fixed cabinets at different heights when needed, and to spend time investigating how both physically ergonomic conditions and safety can be safeguarded in the best possible way.

If you have questions about new purchases, furnishings or training in the use of benches and fume hoods, please contact the Occupational Health Service.

Working in fume hoods/safety benches can be challenging for the body. Lack of flexibility in the design of fume hoods/safety benches can result in locked and unfortunate working positions (see photo). In addition, the work is often one-sided and repetitive, and this combination puts a great strain on the body over time. In future purchases of such equipment, ergonomic requirements must be prioritised. See an example of a requirement specification list under "Advice on new buildings/rehabilitation/procurement"

What is important:

• Consider ergonomics at the planning stage of all work in fume hoods and safety benches. Aim to achieve the best possible working posture.
• Take some time to find the appropriate equipment and aids.
• Clear away anything you don't need inside and under the fume hood/safety bench.
• Consider whether you will be working sitting, standing or "standing". Make room for your legs when sitting.
• Choose the laboratory chair/stool according to the work task.
• Ensure good lighting and visibility of the work area.
• Report something not working. Deficiencies and errors must always be reported as nonconformities.
• When purchasing new equipment, ergonomic requirements must be considered.
  • The trim (edge under the hatch opening) must be as narrow as possible.
  • Appropriate placement of levers/faucets – not on the trim.
  • Electrically adjustable fume hoods/safety benches should be considered.
  • The lower part of the front glass on the extractor hood should preferably only have a glass termination and not a metal trim.
  • Fume hoods/safety benches must be as quiet as possible.

Advice:

• Avoid static muscle work. Ensure a good sitting position and support for your forearms.
• Where in the fume hood you will work depends on what you are going to do and what you are working on. To get good forearm support and satisfactory extraction, working approx. 20 cm into the cabinet is a good starting point.
• Vary between work tasks so that the body has different working positions.
• Take frequent, short breaks: drop your arms down, relax, and breathe deeply.
• Listen to your body's signals: stretch and stretch when you feel the need.
• Wear shoes with good shock absorption and heel strap.
• For prolonged standing work, relief mats can be used.

Source:  Ergonomics in laboratories.pdf (uib.no) "Ergonomics in laboratories" is a collaborative project between occupational physiotherapists from UiO, UiB, NTNU and SINTEF

Photo:

www.uib.no

Illustration: In this fume hood, the edge of the glass is covered with a strip that blocks the view, the cabinet and trim lead to less space for the legs and there are levers / cranes mounted on the trim that can also get in the way.

Light is of great importance for work in laboratories. General lighting in laboratories requires a minimum of 500 lux. In addition, space lighting is needed above the workbench (500-1000 lux).

What is important:

• Satisfactory light and well-balanced light distribution between work field and near field. Excessive contrasts can lead to fatigue.
• Glare and reflexes must be avoided. The working surface must be made of a non-reflective material.
• For work that place great demands on correct colour perception, it is important that colours are reproduced naturally and correctly. The Ra index indicates in % how correctly colours are represented in the light from a light source. A Ra index of 80 is recommended.
• Colour temperature indicates light colour and is measured in Kelvin degrees (K). Below 3300 K the light is perceived as warm/reddish, between 3300-5300 K the light is white, while above 5300 K the light is cold/blue.
• In laboratories it is recommended to have white light, colour code 840. (The first number stands for colour rendition, 80-89 Ra index. The next two numbers tell us about the colour temperature of the light source, 40 = 4000 K).

Advice:

• It must be assessed whether the work places special demands on lighting. For some special operations, lights providing up to 2000 lux may be required.
• The need for light increases with age. A 60 year old needs 5-6 times more light than a 20 year old.
• If you have laboratory work in dark rooms, frequent breaks in rooms with daylight are recommended.
• Consider using a magnifier lamp for work that places very high demands on vision.
• In laboratories, computer workplaces are often needed. These workplaces must be facilitated. See Setting up your office workplace | The HSE portal

Source: Ergonomics and laboratory.pdf (uib.no) 

"Ergonomics in laboratories" is a collaborative project between occupational physiotherapists from UiO, UiB, NTNU and SINTEF.

Microscopy is challenging for the body as the working position is locked due to the position of the head against the eyepiece at the same time as the focusing screw must be operated. The work places great demands on vision and concentration.

What is important:

• Placing a microscope on a high laboratory bench (90 cm) allows most people, regardless of body height, to achieve a good working posture. Adjustment of the working position is then done with a good laboratory chair with a high lift and foot ring.
• Laboratory chair that can be adapted to the individual's needs. Good support for the legs either on the floor or on the foot ring.
• Provide relief space next to the microscope.
• Adjustable eyepieces.

Advice:

• Adopt a natural and relaxed position for the neck when the eyes are in an optimal position towards the eyepieces.
• Sit with relaxed shoulders and support for the forearms that control the focusing screw.
• Take breaks often and stand up!
• Focus a minimum of 2 times per hour on something far away to relieve eyestrain.

Source: Ergonomics and laboratory.pdf (uib.no) 

"Ergonomics in laboratories" is a collaborative project between occupational physiotherapists from UiO, UiB, NTNU and SINTEF.

Pipetting work is characterized by monotonous and one-sided movements, often with the arms lifted up and out from the body. The pipette may have an unfavourable design for the size and grip of the hand. The pressure resistance can be stressful for the thumb. The work requires great demands on vision, concentration and accuracy.

What is important:

• Adjust table height, chair and light to the work task.
• Choose pipettes that feel comfortable to you and fit your hand size. Assess based on ergonomic considerations:
  • function
  • material
  • weight
  • pressure resistance
  • Type of dosing and launch knob

Advice:

• When planning new projects, avoid excessive analysis series.
• Consider the possibility of automating some of the processes. Provision should be made for:
  • Automatic pipettes - can be heavy to work with over time due to the weight of the batteries. These should therefore be tested before deciding what to use.
  • Explore the possibility of using a separate "opener" for the Eppendorf pipes. There is also a machine / robot to open / close capsules / lids.
  • Automated “tilter”.
  • Pipetting robots.
  • Use of pump suction rather than the use of pipettes where appropriate
• Use pipettes of different designs to reduce strain, especially on the thumb.
• Choose as short pipettes and tips as possible.
• Adapt table height, chair and light to the task.
• Find tripod angle options, lower the test tubes to get your arms as low and close to your body as possible.
• Work with relaxed shoulders and support on your forearms where possible.
• Keep your wrist in as straight a position as possible.
• Vary work tasks as much as possible, practice job rotation with other co-workers.
• Take small breaks frequently. Shake loose or stretch.
• Ensure that all equipment is routinely maintained
• Consider storing eppendorf tubes in smaller containers that can be frozen rather than large polystyrene boxes of large ice that takes up a lot of space

Source: Ergonomics and laboratory.pdf (uib.no) 

Ergonomics in laboratories" is a collaborative project between occupational physiotherapists from UiO, UiB, NTNU and SINTEF.

"To create health-promoting workplaces with a high level of satisfaction involves well-designed workspaces, both ergonomically and environmentally. The Occupational Health and Safety Act stipulates health and safety requirements that must be followed in construction projects. In new construction or building renovations, universal design should be emphasized.

What is important:

• User involvement: Employees, safety representatives, union representatives, and the occupational health and safety department should be involved as early as possible in construction projects and participate in regular meetings.
• Participate in developing health and safety requirements for the project and follow up throughout the construction phase.
• Develop precise specifications for new equipment/instruments.
• Always prioritize ergonomics and universal design.
  • Body measurements/adjustable equipment
  • Work postures and movements/adequate space
  • Organization of equipment/logistics in the room
  • Physical environmental factors (automatic door openers/sliding doors, lighting, noise, indoor climate, flooring, airflow in cabinets)

Example of important ergonomic considerations to be emphasized in the development of specifications for extraction hoods/safety benches:

• The intended use will determine the required availability of water, gas, and electricity. The placement of control handles is crucial and should be easily accessible on the side of the work area. Avoid placing handles/taps on the trim or at the rear of the cabinet/bench as it easily leads to static positions.
• The trim (edge under the hatch opening) should be as narrow as possible to provide the best possible leg/body placement.
• The base must not obstruct free space for the legs. The nature of the work, i.e., the equipment needed, determines the size of the cabinet/bench.
• Avoid designing benches/cabinets for simultaneous use by two people. Individual customization options are essential.
• Electrically height-adjustable benches/cabinets should be considered installed for different body heights, diverse tasks, versatility, and the requirement for universal design.
• Slanted front glass can be crucial for visual distance and angle to achieve good work postures.
• The lower part of the front glass should not be marked with any form of trim, as this will obstruct a clear view and may lead to unfavourable work positions.
• The placement of the cabinet/bench in relation to ceiling fixtures is important to avoid disturbing reflections on the glass surface.
• All cabinets, regardless of type, must be equipped with glare-free light ranging from 750 lux to 2000 lux without shadow effects. The light must be flicker and dimmable. Choosing the right type of fluorescent tube in relation to colour rendering must be possible. All cabinets/benches must have easy access for fluorescent tube replacement.
• The cabinet/bench should be as noise-free as possible. (Sound is measured logarithmically, so a difference of 3 dB doubles the sound level). Noise is stress-inducing.
• There should be forearm support or the possibility of mounting support on the cabinet/bench.
• If the forearm support is made of metal, consider whether it can be equipped with a heating element.
• All cabinets/benches must be easy to clean according to the department's procedures.

Advice:

• Engage in construction projects or when purchasing new equipment!
• Think about ergonomics and universal design in all contexts!
• Contribute to creating good and health-promoting workplaces!"