Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

• Seat height—be sure lab chairs have adequate height adjustment. Extended cylinder
heights (32 inch) may provide additional adjustment that will help employees
comfortably reach/perform work at counter height.
• Pull your torso close to the work surface and then sit back. This technique will help
avoid ‘perching’ on the edge of the chair.
• Select benches where there is leg room under the surface.
Extended Standing
Standing all day for bench work, particularly on concrete/tile flooring, is difficult. The body
requires time to recover from these demands, even within a given shift.
Recommendations to minimize risks from extended standing include:
• Microbreaks--allow time (as little as 30 seconds - 1 minute every 20 minute) and a
chair/stool so spinal structures and joints can recover from extended standing.
• Consider anti-fatigue matting in areas where practical.
• Proper footwear is important and using a foam/gel insole can also reduce fatigue.
Remember, they need to be replaced before they appear worn out.
• Provide a footrest so you can elevate one foot, then the other. This will reduce static
fatigue. If safe/appropriate, try opening cabinets to create a footrest.
Microscope Station
• Be cognizant of neutral postures while working. Adjust the chair or microscope as
needed to maintain an upright head position. Elevate, tilt or move the microscope closer
to the edge of the counter to avoid bending your neck.
• Avoid leaning on the hard edges on the table - consider padding the front lip of
microscope table or using forearm pads. A simple, versatile solution is a variety of foam
pads, like Wedge-Ease. Be sure these supports do not cause awkward wrist postures
when focusing/adjusting the stage.
• Keep scopes repaired and clean.
• Spread microscope work throughout the day and between several people, if possible.
• Observe seating adjustment and support techniques.
Pipetting
Below are some general guidelines to reduce the physical impact of pipetting.
• Sit or stand close to your work at bench. If safe/appropriate, try opening cabinets to
create legroom.
• Work at appropriate heights to minimize twisting of the neck and torso. Elevate your
chair rather than reaching up to pipette.
• Alternate or use both hands to pipette.
• Select a lightweight pipette sized for your hand. Hold the pipette with a relaxed grip and
use minimal pressure while pipetting.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Alternating between sitting and standing
provides relief and recovery time for fatigued body structures.
Hood Work
• Observe seating recommendations to promote supported postures.
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