Annual Refresher

Computer Workstation ErgonomicsVideo Display Terminals (VDT)

VDT: Vision & Radiation

The American Academy of Opthalmology describes VDTs as presenting no hazard to vision. It does not result in cataracts or any other damage to the eye.

The National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) have measured radiation emitted by VDTs and test shows that for all types of radiation are below those allowed in current standards.

Currently, OSHA has no reliable information that any birth defects has ever resulted from a pregnant woman working at a video display terminal. However, since radiation continues to be of concern for employees, NIOSH is currently conducting studies to investigate any potential problems

Any close work can cause discomfort and stress with time. Occasionally you should:

Stretch

Look away from your work

Get up

do other tasks to alter work routines throughout the day

Laboratory Workplace

Laboratory Workbenches

Most workbenches are of fixed height and cannot be raised or lowered. Therefore:

Use adjustable chair/stool with built-in footrest

Remove drawers, supplies and other materials underneath workbenches to provide leg room

Use anti-fatigue mats if standing for long periods of time

Pipetting

Associated Risk FactorPipetting for two hours a day or longer on a continuous

bases run the risk of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTC) or MusculoSkeletal Disorders (MSD) due to repetitive motion of the hands, forearm and thumb, or fingers Pinch grip when handling pipette tips, or opening vials Bending and twisting of the wrist Working with "winged" elbows (elbow held at an elevated position away from the body) Neck bent forward or to the side and/or jutted chin Awkward and static postures Excessive force of the thumb Overreaching Standing for long periods of time

Pipetting

Preventative MeasuresPerform your work only at appropriate heights. Take frequent small rest breaks every 20 minutes. Wrists in neutral/ straight positions. Avoid working with winged elbows/arms. Use short pipettes, shorter waste receptacles for used tips, to reduce reaching. Use electronic pipettes for highly repetitive pipetting tasks to reduce/eliminate contact pressure on thumb. Use adjustable stools or chairs with built-in foot and arm rest. Use anti-fatigue mats if working for long period of time Make sure head and shoulders are kept in neutral position. Avoid elevating arms and elbows above shoulder for lengthy periods Task sharing is another way to reduce the impact of risk factor associated with pipetting.

Pipetting

Fume hoods/Biological Safety Cabinets

Associated Risk Factors:Repetitive motions of the hands, wrist, and forearms, especially when pipetting is involved, constrained knee and leg space, especially in fume hoods and older BSCs Contact pressure on the forearms, wrists and knees, or legs Awkward and static posture of the neck, torso, legs, arms and wrists Constrained body position, overloading muscles, tendons, and joints in asymmetrical manner Working with elbows winged Overreaching Prolonged standing in unnatural positions or in restricted postures

Fume hoods/Biological Safety Cabinets

Preventive MeasuresPlace materials as close as possible to prevent extended reaching

Perform your work at least six inches back into the hood

Use only adjustable chair or stool with built-in foot and arm rest

Avoid contact pressure. Apply foam padding to the front sharp edge

Use anti-fatigue mats if working over a prolonged periods of time

Take short breaks

Reduce eye strain and awkward posture by keeping viewing window unobstructed

Make sure hood/BSC lighting is working properly to reduce eye strain

Raise cabinet couple inches upward to create a more comfortable leg and thigh clearance

Fume hoods/Biological Safety Cabinets

Microscopy

Associated Risk FactorsAwkward and static posture of the lower back, neck and head

Lack of adequate leg and knee clearance under work table

Working with elbows winged

Pinch grip when adjusting binocular eyepiece

Wrist and palm contact pressure in the carpal tunnel area

High repetition

Eye strain and fatigue

Inverted Microscope: The camera front port eliminates the need to "look round the corner" required by trinocular tubes. One is able to look from the eyepiece to the cultivation vessel and back again unhindered

Microscopy

Preventive MeasuresKeep elbows close to sides, below 45 degree angleWrists in neutral/straight position, avoid forearm and wrist contact pressureLeg and knee clearance under work bench. Feet flat on floor or supported by footrestAvoid raising shoulders and bending neck while looking through microscope eyepieceUse/purchase extended eyetube and variable height adapter

Microtomy

In the course of one day, a laboratory technologist may use between 40 to 50 cassettes or blocks a day, hence turning the microtome wheel for at least 1000 times. This is not only repetitive work, but turning microtome’s wheel also requires force or forceful exertion.

Microtomy

Preventive MeasuresIf work performed is by standing or sitting, place microtome on workbench with appropriate height

Protect wrists and forearms from contact pressure. Pad sharp edges

Use less force when turning handwheel

Take frequent breaks every 20 minutes

Flow Cytometer

All Done!

Make sure you fill out the quiz, sign it, and drop it off in my mailbox for record keeping.

Remember: This is an annual requirement.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

Any Questions?

Contact: Kathie Moh 255-8849

kcm25@cornell.edu