Laboratory Ergonomics Checklist Laboratory Checklist · Laboratory Ergonomics Checklist Fig. 9 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 Fig. 10 9. Laboratory chairs Can laboratory chairs be adjusted to accommodate

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Laboratory Ergonomics ChecklistEvaluate and Optimize Your Workplace

Summary

Ergonomics deals with systems in which humans interact with their work environment. The goal is to improve the workplace in terms of workers' performance and well-being. Shaping the work environment and processes to the worker not only results in better work perfor-mance, but in fewer work-related health problems as well. Common problems in laboratories are work-related musculoskeletal diseases of the upper limbs and the neck, caused by over-use due to repetitive working tasks, unfavorable working postures and mechanical overload. Eye problems linked to working tasks with high visual demands are also common.

Use this laboratory ergonomic checklist to assess your own workplace. If you answer “NO” to any items, it may indicate a need for modifications.

Reducing Ergonomic Risks in Laboratories

Fig. 9

Fig. 11 Fig. 12

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Laboratory Workplaces and Applications

Work organization 2

Standing laboratory work 3

Seated laboratory work 4

Working at PCs and monitors 6

Working at hoods and safety cabinets 8

Working at microscopes 10

Pipetting 11

Weighing 13

Laboratory equipment 15

2 Laboratory Checklist METTLER TOLEDO

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Work Organization

Tips for Optimization• Avoid prolonged static positions• Vary tasks by job-rotation• Take short breaks to stretch, move and relieve

muscles• Close your eyes or focus on something in the distance

3. Short breaks Do you perform prolonged repetitive tasks? Do you work in the same position for hours?


Fig. 1

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Fig. 2

NoYes


Fig. 1

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Fig. 2

2. Task variation Do you often perform demanding activities such as prolonged repetitive tasks or applying meaningful force with your arms or hands?

Tips for Optimization• Vary tasks• Rotate between different workstations or jobs at

certain time intervals

NoYes

Tips for Optimization• Reposition tools and supplies so that they are within

close reach• Position work supplies in their order of use• Remove unnecessary supplies from the work area

1. Work processes Do you have lean work processes and equipment in close reach?

NoYes


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3Laboratory ChecklistMETTLER TOLEDO

Standing Laboratory Work


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4. Working position Is the height of the bench appropriate for the work being performed?a) Work can be positioned close to elbow height

(according to body height, 85-95 cm)b) Work can be performed with shoulders relaxed

Tips for Optimization• Adjustable-height benches and adjustable chair• Temporary standing platforms• Move the task to a seated bench with adjustable chair

NoYes


Fig. 5

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

Fig. 6

Tips for Optimization• Reposition tools and supplies within 45 cm distance• Provide tool organizers, turntable workstations, turn-

tables, storage bins, pipette holders and carousels

5. Reach at the workstationAre primary work tools and supplies located within arm’s reach (10-45 cm) from the edge of the bench?

NoYes


Fig. 5

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

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Tips for Optimization• Work at open bench cutouts• Remove equipment from bench cutout areas• Modify the bench surface with clamp-on cutout

extensions to increase knee and foot clearance

6. Knee and foot clearance IIs there knee and foot clearance when performing standing tasks in front of the bench?a) 10 cm deep knee clearanceb) 15 cm high and 15 cm deep foot clearance

NoYes


Fig. 5

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

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Fig. 5

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Tips for Optimization• Add edge rests and protectors to eliminate sharp

corners• Use gel pads on the surface to protect elbows• Wear custom padded sleeves under your lab coat

NoYes7. Contact stressDoes the bench have rounded or padded edges to reduce contact stress?


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9. Laboratory chairs Can laboratory chairs be adjusted to accommodate all workers who need to use them?a) Is the seat height appropriate for work at

bench level?b) If your feet cannot rest on the floor, are appropriate

footrests or foot rings provided? c) Are armrests adjustable or removable if they interfere

with work?d) Does your chair have less than 5 legs, in which

case it may provide inadequate support and is prone to tipping?

Tips for Optimization• Provide chairs with adjustable seat height and tilt,

with backrests• Provide chairs with foot rings• Prvide footrests• Adjust armrests to provide support with shoulders

in neutral postures• Remove armrests• Choose a chair with a strong, five-legged base

Seated Laboratory Work

8. Standing aid Is a foot prop or foot rail available (15 cm from floor)?

Tips for Optimization• Install foot props or foot rails• Use a footrest• If the bench has a cabinet beneath it, open or

remove the door and rest your foot on a lower shelf• Use sit-stand chairs for long periods of

standing work


Fig. 5

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NoYes


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NoYes

Standing Laboratory Work


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11. Bench cutoutsCan you position your legs comfortably while seated? Are bench cutouts available?a) Minimum depth 38 cm b) Minimum width 50 cm c) Minimum height 60-70 cm, depending on body size

(there should be enough space so that your thighs/knees do not touch the bench

Tips for Optimization• Redesign benches to provide cutouts for seated work• Clear out cutouts if cluttered with supplies or

equipment

NoYes


Fig. 9

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12. Reach at the seated workplaceCan you reach your material without bending or twisting your body? Are work items within close reach (max. 45 cm)?

Tips for Optimization• Reposition tools and supplies within 10-45 cm

distance• Provide tool organizers, turntable workstations,

turntables, storage bins, pipette holders and carousels

NoYes


Fig. 9

Fig. 11 Fig. 12

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10. High-precision tasksIs a seated bench available for tasks requiring precision and close inspection?Do your arms rest in a comfortable and stable position on the laboratory bench when performing high-precision work?

NoYes

Tips for Optimization• Provide adjustable work platforms to position work

at optimal height• Provide arm supports for stability if a seated bench

is not available• Provide sit-stand chairs

Seated Laboratory Work


Fig. 9

Fig. 11 Fig. 12

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Working at PCs and Monitors

Tips for Optimization• Ideally, with upper arms resting comfortably on

both sides; the keyboard and pointing device should be at elbow level

• Adjust your chair and work surface properly, then adjust your computer monitor - If your work surface is adjustable, start by

adjusting your chair, then adjust the work surface- If your work surface is too high and cannot be

adjusted, adjust the chair to bring your elbows to the level of the keyboard and support your feet with a footrest, if necessary

14. Viewing distance to monitorIs the viewing distance to your computer monitor at least at arm’s length?

Tips for Optimization• Move the monitor closer • Push the monitor further back

13. Working position Can you use your computer with neutral neck, shoulder and back postures for a straight view to the monitor?

15. Viewing angle to monitorIs the top of the computer monitor at or just below eye level and the bottom of the monitor around 30° below?

Tips for Optimization• Raise or lower your computer monitor so that the

top of the screen is at or just below eye level• If the monitor does not adjust

- raise by adding phone books, paper reams, or monitor risers

- lower by removing items beneath the monitor

NoYes

NoYes

NoYes


Working at PCs and Monitors


Fig. 17

Fig. 19 Fig. 20

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17. Spectacle wearersIf you wear bifocals or trifocals, are you able to look at the monitor without tilting your head?

Tips for Optimization• Lowering the computer monitor by placing it directly on the desk surface typically helps

• Bifocal users may wear glasses specifically designed for computer use

NoYes

16. Monitor glareIs your computer monitor protected from excess glare?Do your eyes become strained or tired while using the computer?

Tips for Optimization• Keep your monitor away from the window• Reposition the monitor• Keep the screen clean• Use an anti-glare screen• Check for bright lights and remove them if possible• Avoid glare and eye strain by taking frequent breaks

NoYes


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19. Contact stressDoes the hood or cabinet have rounded or padded edges to reduce contact stress?

Tips for Optimization• Use elbow pads• Use edge padding• Use arm supports

Working at Hoods and Safety Cabinets Reducing Ergonomic Risks in Laboratories

Fig. 17

Fig. 19 Fig. 20

Fig. 18

Tips for Optimization• Clear knee area under cabinet or hood• Consider a height-adjustable hood or cabinet• Use a height-adjustable stool/chair with footrest

or foot ring

18. Working position When performing high-precision work in the hood or cabinet, can you sit comfortably and can you put your arms in a stable position?

NoYes


Fig. 17

Fig. 19 Fig. 20

Fig. 18


Fig. 17

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20. Reach and sight at the workstationAre your tools and materials well positioned for easy reach?

Tips for Optimization• Position receptacles within close reach• Position work supplies in their order of use, with

those most frequently used near the front of the hood• Use turntables, rotating organizers, angled platforms• Remove unnecessary supplies from the work area

NoYes

NoYes


Working at Hoods and Safety Cabinets Reducing Ergonomic Risks in Laboratories

Fig. 23 Fig. 24

Fig. 21 Fig. 22Reducing Ergonomic Risks in Laboratories

Fig. 23 Fig. 24

Fig. 21 Fig. 22

21. Light and reflectionsIs the light sufficient? Are visual displays easy to read?- Routine work: min. 500 lux- High-precision work: min. 1000 lux- Checking visual displays is possible without turning

your head- No reflections on the display

22. CleaningCan you easily clean all parts of the hood or cabinet?

Tips for Optimization • Make sure the lights are working properly• Perform a light measurement if visual symptoms

occur after longer periods of work in the cabinet• Use diffused lighting to limit glare

Tips for Optimization• Evaluate cabinets made of stainless steel with

large-radius corners to simplify interior cleaning• Look for tray components which are easily removed

for surface decontamination

NoYes

NoYes


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Fig. 19 Fig. 20

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Fig. 27 Fig. 28

Fig. 25 Fig. 26


Fig. 27 Fig. 28

Fig. 25 Fig. 26

25. Arm supportCan you use the microscope controls with arms supported and relaxed?

26. Work breaksAre microscope work breaks provided?

Tips for Optimization• Reposition microscope• Use arm supports/pads• Adjust armrests • Adjust workstation set-up

Tips for Optimization• Take short breaks.

Every 15 minutes, close your eyes or focus on something in the distance.Every 30-60 minutes, get up to stretch and move.

• Job-rotation

Working at MicroscopesReducing Ergonomic Risks in Laboratories

Fig. 23 Fig. 24

Fig. 21 Fig. 22

24. PostureCan you view the eyepiece with neutral neck, shoulder and back postures? (Neck flexion < 25°, shoulders relaxed, back upright and supported by chair?)

Tips for Optimization • Reposition microscope• Adjust height, angle, posture, seat height or seat

angle• Use arm support/pad• Use video system

NoYes


Fig. 23 Fig. 24

Fig. 21 Fig. 22

23. Working positionCan you use the microscope in a relaxed working position? Is the microscope positioned close to the edge of the workbench?

Tips for Optimization • Reposition microscope • Move closer to the front of the bench • Adjust posture• Sit closer to the bench

NoYes

NoYes

NoYes


Fig. 23 Fig. 24

Fig. 21 Fig. 22


Pipetting


Fig. 31 Fig. 32

Fig. 29 Fig. 30


Fig. 27 Fig. 28

Fig. 25 Fig. 26

28. OperationDoes the pipette fit comfortably in your hand?Is the pipette easy to operate? Can you easily depress the plunger and eject tips?Can you easily unlock, adjust and lock your pipette’s volume setting mechanism?

Tips for Optimization• Use pipettes with a finger hook that fits comfortably

in your hand without having to grip tightly• Lower the forces associated with volume change

by using a pipette with a volume lock, low-friction volume change mechanism, and a large dial with good grip

• Service your pipettes regularly to maintain optimal mechanics


Fig. 27 Fig. 28

Fig. 25 Fig. 26

27. Working position Can you pipette with shoulders relaxed, and arms and wrists in neutral postures?

Tips for Optimization• Adjust work position• Adjust workstation set-up


Fig. 31 Fig. 32

Fig. 29 Fig. 30

29. Work breaksDo you feel fatigue or pain in your hand/arm after prolonged pipetting?

Tips for Optimization• Job-rotation• Take breaks and, if possible, switch hands

and stretch arms and hands• Consider use of alternative pipettes

NoYes

NoYes

NoYes


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PipettingReducing Ergonomic Risks in Laboratories

Fig. 31 Fig. 32

Fig. 29 Fig. 30


Fig. 31 Fig. 32

Fig. 29 Fig. 30

31. ReachAre racks, trays, beakers and supplies available and placed within easy reach?Are vials, tubes and receptacles as low-profile as possible?

Tips for Optimization• Provide racks and trays• Position supplies within close reach• Use pipette racks and organizers• Provide short beakers and vials• Provide short tips and tubes• Provide short/angled waste receptacles

30. Appropriate instrumentFor prolonged use, are multi-channel, electronic or latch mode pipettes available?

Tips for Optimization• Evaluate use of alternative pipettes• Electronic• Latch-mode• Multi-channel• 96-well pipetting platforms


Fig. 31 Fig. 32

Fig. 29 Fig. 30

NoYes

NoYes


Weighing


Fig. 31 Fig. 32

Fig. 29 Fig. 30

32. Seated working positionIs a weighing table available for high-precision tasks?Are arms supported by the work surface, chair armrests, or pads for prolonged work?

Tips for Optimization• Evaluate weighing tables with special arm rests

33. Standing working position Can the balance be positioned to promote neutral head, neck, shoulder and arm postures during use?

Tips for Optimization• Reposition balance • Use stand for display

34. Display viewing angle Is the balance display placed at a viewing angle of 15-35° below your horizontal eye level?

Tips for Optimization• Adjust the angle to reduce neck/eye strain• Put the display on a stand

NoYes

NoYes

NoYes

35. Spectacle wearers nearsighted usersCan you easily read numbers off the balance display from all angles?Can the displayed numbers be temporarily enlarged if needed?

Tips for Optimization• Adjust display angle, brightness and contrast• Provide a balance with a large-digit display• Use computer glasses for prolonged weighing sessions

NoYes


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Fig. 39 Fig. 40

Fig. 37 Fig. 38


Fig. 39 Fig. 40

Fig. 37 Fig. 38

37. Hands-free operation Can the balance be operated hands-free?

Tips for Optimization• Use optical sensors and footswitches

38. Handling toxic substances and cleaningCan you easily clean all the balance parts which may have been in contact with chemicals? Can they be disassembled and put in the dishwasher?

Tips for Optimization• Refer to the balance manual or ask your balance

provider

Weighing

NoYes

NoYes

36. Access Can you work without twisted wrists and abducted shoulders?As a left-hander, does the balance support your weighing process adequately?

Tips for Optimization• Evaluate instruments that provide dual-sided access

to the weighing chamber

NoYes


Laboratory Equipment


Fig. 39 Fig. 40

Fig. 37 Fig. 38


Fig. 43 Fig. 44

Fig. 41 Fig. 42

39. Racks and holdersAre racks and holders available to remove unnecessary supplies from the work area?

Tips for Optimization• Provide racks, holders, shelves, or organizers

NoYes


Fig. 39 Fig. 40

Fig. 37 Fig. 38

41. Vial capsAre vials easy to cap and thread?Are cap openers available?

Tips for Optimization• Provide easy-opening caps• Provide vials with a minimal number of threads• Provide decapping tools

NoYes


Fig. 39 Fig. 40

Fig. 37 Fig. 38

40. ForcepsIf forceps are used for prolonged periods, are locking mechanisms, O-rings or other adaptive aids employed to reduce prolonged or static pinch forces?

Tips for Optimization• Provide adapted tweezers/forceps• O-rings, pads/foam grips• Self-closing designs• Low-force tools• Alternate between fingers/hands

NoYes


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Fig. 43 Fig. 44

Fig. 41 Fig. 42


Fig. 43 Fig. 44

Fig. 41 Fig. 42


Fig. 43 Fig. 44

Fig. 41 Fig. 42

42. DispenserAre bottle dispensers and bottom dispensing carboys available to dispense liquids?

Tips for Optimization• Provide bottle dispensers• Provide bottom dispensing carboys• Provide bottles with handles

43. Jar lidsAre jars easy to open, or are jar openers available?

Tips for Optimization• Provide jar openers

44. Bins and racksAre there adequate bins and racks for frequently used items?

Tips for Optimization• Provide bins, racks and shelves for frequently

used items

Laboratory Equipment

NoYes

NoYes

NoYes


Fig. 39 Fig. 40

Fig. 37 Fig. 38


Checklist Analysis and Feedback

Yes x Yes x Yes x1-15 Your health and general well-being may be at risk. Try to bring your body back into balance!When you are regularly performing tasks which exceed your body’s limitations, it begins to create a muscle imbalance – your body simply cannot recover fast enough, causing fatigue. If left uncorrected, this muscle imbalance may prog-ress into a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).Contact a representative from your occupational health and safety department (OHS) and find out where ergonomic risk factors are present. Get an objective evalua-tion of your workplace and expert advice on how to optimize it.

16-30 You are on the right track, but there is still room for improvement. Correct ergonomic set-up is about adjusting your work area to suit you. Identifying and removing risks is an ongoing activity. Get training on proper working techniques and take responsibility for your body- you only get one body in this life! Avoid awkward postures whenever possible. Continuous re-evaluation and improvement is key to the overall success and sustainability of your physical ergonomics.

31-44 Congratulations! You take good care of your health. Your laboratory workplace and work processes are (almost) perfectly ergonomic. It‘s the ‘little things’ (see tips in the checklist) that will help prevent development of aches and pains. Keep it up! Continuous improve-ments and follow ups are crucial. Share your knowledge with your colleagues, try to build a culture of prevention and well-being. Good examples provide many useful hints for undertaking improvements in terms of workable ideas, skills, costs, materials and cooperation among workers and managers.

Last but not least… Make improvements that will last!A useful way to make a change that will last is to build the change into equipment or facilities. Whenever possible, consider ergonomics and evaluate equipment before making purchases and before modifying the work areas or tasks. Some users may have special needs, such as left-handedness, color blindness, vision impairment, etc. The goal should be flexibility to accommodate the lab personnel so that everybody can inter-face effectively with the equipment. Equipment should be sized to fit the individual user.

Notwithstanding any adjustments you may make to your work area, it is of equal importance that you avoid prolonged periods in one posture or performing one task repetitively. Breaks from your desk/task/posture are important to ensure variation between the muscles and joints being used and the muscles and joints being rested.

Count the number of questions you answered with a “Yes” and add them up.


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Weighing

Eye strain, eye fatigue, headaches• Balance readout with large characters and good contrast• Adjustable balance displays (tilt angle) to prevent glare• Stand for balance display• Auxiliary displays with backlighting

Neck or back pain, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)• Individually placeable balance display• Stand for balance display• Display wall mountings• Right- and left-handed balance operation / draftshield opening• Height adjustable weighing tables

Hand, fingers or thumb pain, Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs)• Automated dosing sytems• One Click weighing solutions• Fast weighing stabilization thanks to grid weighing pans• Touch-less operation with ErgoSens • Right- and left-handed balance operation / draftshield opening• Infrared sensor or foot switches• ErgoClip tare container holder for direct weigh-in• Weighing tables with arm pads to prevent contact stresses

Irritation / illness from exposure to chemicals / toxins• Optical sensors and foot-switches for hands-free operation• SmartPan and drip tray (dismantled in seconds for easy cleaning)

reduce contamination risks• Dishwasher safe material• StaticDetect technology, AntiStatic Kits or SmartPrep weighing funnels

to prevent powder spread due to electrostatic effects• ErgoClip sample container holder for direct dosing

Work tools located within arm’s reach• ErgoClip Holder to position spare ErgoClips within close reach

Helpful instruments and tools from METTLER TOLEDO

www.mt.com/balanceswww.mt.com/lab-accessories


Pipetting

• Rainin LiteTouch™ System (LTS) pipettes and tips• Electronic pipettes, multichannel pipettes and 96-well

pipetting platforms• Pipette Stands and Hang-ups• Rainin LiteTouch™ microcentrifuge tubes

Contact your local METTLER TOLEDO representative to find out more!

www.mt.com/pipettes

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Mettler-Toledo AGCH-8606 Greifensee, SwitzerlandTel. +41-44-944 22 11

Subject to technical changes© 08/2014 Mettler-Toledo AGPrinted in Switzerland 30228834

www.mt.comFor more information

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Laboratory Ergonomics Checklist Laboratory Checklist · Laboratory Ergonomics Checklist Fig. 9 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 Fig. 10 9. Laboratory chairs Can laboratory chairs be adjusted to accommodate