Pipetting without pain: practical tips for working ergonomics in the laboratory

When you think about laboratory work, you don't immediately think of the risk of physical injury. But nothing is less true. Laboratory technicians are actually at risk due to the combination of specific and repetitive actions. We previously investigated why so little attention is paid to ergonomic working in the laboratory, you can read there here more about. In this article we give you practical tips to improve your work situation yourself. 

By: Eline te Velde

As a laboratory technician you often work in the same position for long periods of time. You do precise work and use small instruments for repetitive work. In addition to laboratory-specific tasks, such as pipetting or microscopy, the computer must also be used to process data or operate equipment.  

Static and dynamic loads

In her book 'Workplace and working attitude in the laboratory' Iris van 't Leven makes a clear distinction between the causes of physical complaints in laboratory technicians: repetitive work, applying force (pushing, pulling and squeezing), standing for long periods of time (or squatting and sitting) and lifting. Numerous individual factors play a role in this. Every person is different, physique, condition and stress sensitivity, among other things, have a major influence on the degree of physical endurance that an individual can handle.

In themselves, many of the actions performed in the laboratory are not necessarily stressful. It often involves a combination of actions or attitudes that are problematic. Van 't Leven explains the difference between static and dynamic loads. With static loads, you hold the same position for a long time and use the same muscles for a longer period of time. This can be tiring for the muscles involved, which do not get a chance to relax. During dynamic loading, the body is in motion, with the risk of acidification or microtrauma.

It is precisely the combination of static and dynamic loads that poses a risk. Many laboratory activities involve a dynamic load in the arm and hand, combined with a static posture in the back and shoulders. The blood flow in the shoulders stagnates and less blood flows to the arms and hands. As a result, waste products and nutrients are supplied and removed less effectively.

Many laboratory activities involve a dynamic load in the arm and hand, combined with a static posture in the back and shoulders.

Pipetting is a good example of a combination of static and dynamic loading. In addition, pipetting is often a repetitive action and one of the most common tasks in the laboratory. Research shows that when laboratory technicians pipette for more than 300 hours per year, they have a greater risk of hand and shoulder complaints compared to other professional groups (Bjorksten et al. 1994.) It is all the more important to be aware of the risks. 

Natural breaks

In addition to a general awareness of the risks, there are also a number of practical improvements that you can implement yourself. Adjustable tables, chairs and instruments are a good starting point for improving working posture. Workplaces are often shared with colleagues and there is no standard for the optimal workplace. This one is different for everyone. In addition, it is wise to build in natural breaks for long tasks; process the results in between and alternate your work. For example, Van 't Leven recommends taking a mini break of three to five minutes every 20-30 minutes while pipetting. A general recommendation is to listen to your body. Do you feel tired? Then it's time for a break.

A tidy workplace with sufficient space prevents you from working in uncomfortable positions. For example, ensure there is sufficient legroom if you work at a table or desk and do computer work at a workplace that is intended and equipped for this purpose - not hunched over a balancing laptop.

Fume hoods and safety cabinets

Working with fume hoods, sterile cabinets or safety cabinets poses a risk. The cabinets are often not adjustable in height, the window prevents freedom of movement and increases the reach distance. Sometimes there is a lack of legroom due to lower cabinets. In short: there is often only one (uncomfortable) position possible. The most important tip: don't use a cabinet with a window if it isn't necessary. Is it inevitable? Then use a height-adjustable chair and remove base cabinets for sufficient legroom. Cabinets with a sloping window make it easier to sit upright and nowadays there are also height-adjustable options available.

Work organization

Stress can contribute to physical complaints. Van 't Leven explains that the physical response to stress, the tightening of muscles, has a negative effect on blood circulation. Long-term stress in particular can have adverse consequences. It is therefore important that work organization is also included in ergonomic considerations and that attention is paid to stress prevention. Is the workload very high and is there a lot of repetitive work? Then automation can offer a solution.

When purchasing new equipment, laboratory technical criteria are mainly taken into account. Very important of course, but the ergonomic criteria are still not given enough weight in the decision. Numerous solutions are possible today. Think of ergonomically designed pipettes, height-adjustable cabinets or flexible monitor arms. It is often more expensive to make adjustments afterwards than to immediately purchase an ergonomic device.

But even with the best facilities, users must be aware of the possibilities and the risks of incorrect use. One of the first steps to increase awareness is to provide information about the risks of incorrect working posture. Using equipment incorrectly can also have consequences. Many suppliers therefore provide clinics and workshops on the use of their products.

Ten tips to improve your work situation yourself:

Use adjustable furniture and instruments.

Take regular (small) breaks.

Ensure a tidy workplace with sufficient space.

Use a separate, specially equipped workplace for computer work.

Change your position regularly when performing repetitive tasks.

Only use fume cupboards and safety cabinets if absolutely necessary.

Avoid bending your wrist while working.

Pay attention to pressure points when resting elbows, forearms or wrists on the table top.

Use lifting aids when lifting heavy material.

Prevent stress in the workplace and discuss work organization and workload if this is the case.

Do you have questions or would you like to know more? The book 'Workplace and working attitude in the laboratory' by Iris van 't Leven delves deeper into the theme of ergonomics. Or sign up for the class ergonomics and physical strain in the laboratory by Van 't Leven at Avans+.