prevent repetitive strain injury - copybook · prevent repetitive strain injury practice safe...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Choose Your Pipette for Maximum Comfortand Prolonged Accuracy and Precision
Prev
ent R
epet
itive
Stra
in In
jury
Practice Safe PipettingHSE Recommendations
Good Pipetting Practice
Rainin Pipet-Lite™ XLS™
2
Prac
tice
Safe
Pip
ettin
g
In addition to potentially long term conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, pain and fatigue can greatly affect pipetting technique. This will have an adverse affect on the accuracy and precision of sample volumes delivered.
Pipetting is hazardous due to the forces involved and the repetitive nature of the task. Repetitive motions cause stress in human joints and muscles. Fatigue is an often overlooked but crucial component when seeking maximal accuracy and repeatability. Even a well-trained and experienced operator will see a decrease in performance if the pipette used over a prolonged period causes discomfort.
Correct Choice of Pipette Is Essential to Minimise the Risk ofRepetitive Strain Injury or Detrimental Pipetting Performance.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises1, “The features of the pipette will influence comfort and ease of use and may affect the risk of upper limb problems. The design of the plunger, the weight and length of the pipette, the force needed to operate the pipette and how the pipette fits into the hand are all-important factors.”
The HSE Recommends the Following ErgonomicPoints to Consider When Selecting a Pipette:
Easy tip ejection and fitting
Minimal force to push plunger (including the second push on manual pipettes)
Convenient plunger or main button position, avoiding over-stretching the thumb
Light in weight
Comfortable to hold
Good grip
No sharp edges or ridges
Suitable for right or left handed use
Easy to set and read dosage
Positive feedback from button operation
Repetitive Strain InjuryDon’t Put Yourself or Your Work at Risk
Research shows that using a pipette for long periods is associated with an increased risk of hand and shoulder ailments. Pipette users may experience pain, numbness or tingling in their hands, fingers or shoulders.
3
The RAININ Pipet-Lite XLSHas Been Designed to Address All These IssuesThe Lite Touch Tip Ejection (LTS) models offer the ultimate solution for the most comfortable highperformance pipetting. LTS gives you the easiest, lightest and most secure tip fitting availablewith minimal attachment and ejection forces. Find out more on pages 4 and 5.
1: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pharmaceuticals/goodpractice/pipette.htm
2: Practice Safe Pipetting, Alison Heller-Ono MSPT, CDA, CIE, Worksite International, Inc. 2008
In addition to choosing an ergonomic pipette, Worksite International2 also advises of certain pipetting practices that can help protect you from injury.
Reduce Force
Use pipettes with low force requirements that are ergonomically designed.
Use pipettes that have a finger hook and fit comfortably in your hand.
Use electronic pipettes when possible.
Use appropriate force throughout the pipette cycle.
Avoid gripping too tightly.
Be sure tips fit correctly and are easy to mount and eject.
Service your pipettes regularly.
Alternate hands if possible.
Reduce Repetition
When appropriate, use multichannel pipettes.
Automate the process or task; use electronic pipettes.
Take frequent breaks: for example every 20-30 minutes: relax and stretch your shoulders, arms and hands.
Perform alternative tasks: a few minutes every ½ hour.
Minimize the number of consecutive repetitions.
Alternate hands if possible.
Reduce Contact Pressure
Pad the edge of the work surface.
Stand on an anti-fatigue floor mat.
Sit fully on the seat using the back rest, if appropriate.
Avoid leaning on hard edge or surface.
Stretch every 20-30 minutes
Improve Your Posture
Keep your elbows close to your trunk, your shoulder from elevating and your wrists in a neutral position.
Adjust your chair for a good fit and practice good posture.
Maintain neutral wrist and forearm postures while avoiding deviations of the wrist.
Organize your work area and task to reduce shoulder elevation.
Adjust the target by rotating it rather than your hand.
4
Rainin Pipet-Lite XLSFeel the Difference
Tota
l Han
d Co
mfo
rt
Every feature of the RAININ Pipet-Lite™ XLS has been designed to make it the most ergonomic manual pipette on the market, ensuring light & smooth operation even after hours of pipetting.
Lighter Springs, improved fit and feel, advanced calibration tracking and a stylish new design make this best selling pipette even better. Through subtle improvements to grip, body, finger hook and surface texture the Pipet-Lite is one of the most balanced and comfortable pipettes on the market.
You can get this extra pipetting comfort with no compromise on accuracy and precision. All Pipet-Lite models exhibit equivalent or higher specifications than other popular pipettes and these far exceed the minimum ISO8655 requirements. Plus, the improved pipetting experience means you can maintain these high levels throughout your working day
No Fatigue Means No Loss Of Performance.
HSE Pipette Checklist 1 RAININ Pipet-LIte XLS Features
Easy tip ejection and fitting aUniquely addressed by the RAININ LTS™ Lite Touch Tip Ejection System. The first new tip & shaft design in over 30 years, LTS gives you the easiest and lightest tip fit & ejection available - all at no extra cost.With LTS pipettes tip ejection forces are reduced by 85%.
Minimal force topush plunger a
The combination of low drag seals, lighter springs and “Magnetic Assist” technology ensure that all RAININ Pipet-Lite models have 50% less plunger force than traditional style pipettes.
Convenient plunger ormain button position. a
Even at full volume extension the plunger remains within a comfortable position.Finger hook helps hold pipette close to the top to further reduce any over-stretching the thumb.
Light in weight a Pipet-Lite is manufactured from high quality but light weight materials.
Comfortable to hold, good grip,no sharp edges or ridges. a
Finger hook and smooth handle ensure a relaxed yet secure hold. The ergonomic handle ensures effortless, hand friendly pipetting, all day long. Easier to hold, less grip force for greater comfort. Reduced fatigue ensures consistent performance.
Suitable for right or lefthanded use a
Ambidextrous design.Volume display on inside ensures easy check during usage whichever hand the pipette is held in.
Easy to set and read dosage a Pipet-Lite features a volume lock for maximum security during use.When unlocked volume change is fast and smooth. Clear digital display on the front of the pipette.
Positive feedback frombutton operation a
Pipet-Lite features Magnetic Assist™. A magnet assists the thumb to locate and hold the zero position before aspiration to improve accuracy & precision. Also enables use of lighter springs & low drag seals.
5
Robust design andLasting Performance
High Quality materials used in all Rainin pipettes ensure years of outstanding
performance with lowest out-of-tolerance failures, and a low cost of ownership.
Silicone ShockAbsorber
The soft silicone shock absorber in the tip ejector mechanism reduces thumb impact and stress when ejecting tips.
Magnetic Assist™
Your Helping Hand
A magnet assists the thumb to locate and hold the zero position before aspiration to
improve accuracy & precision. Also enables use of lighter springs & low drag seals.
Quick ReleaseTip Ejector
The tip ejector can be removed quickly& easily by lightly pressing the ejectortabs. The positive lock feature stayssecurely in place.
Improved Shapeand Balance
Through subtle improvements to the highly acclaimed Pipet-Lite grip, body, finger-hook and surface texture, we’ve made Pipet-Lite XLS the most ergonomically balanced and
comfortable pipette on the market.
Easy Volume Setting & Improved locking
The snag proof design allows rapid volume adjustment, even when wearing gloves. Once your volume is selected the new easy-to-use lock mechanism prevents accidental volume drift, ensuring consistent delivery of results.
Easy Tip Ejection and FittingLTS™ Tip Ejection System Reduces Forces by 85%
With the RAININ LTS tip/shaft system average tip ejection forces are reduced to 0.6 kilograms,compared to 4 kilograms with traditional conical tip/shaft design pipettes.
LTS tips and shafts are cylindrical, rather than conical
They produce a reliable, consistent seal without excessive force. No hand-tightening, no inconsistencies, no hassle
Prevents over-insertion of the pipette shaft with no need to “jam” or pound tips onto the shaft to seal.
LTS tips provide a leak-free seal on single and multichannel pipettes first time, every time. No guessing.
LTS cylindrical tips are thin-walled and incorporate a small, well-defined seal area and a positive stop that lets you know exactly when the seal is made
LTS™
LiteTouch™ System
Choose LTS™ pipettes for maximum reduction in tip fitting and ejection forces.
Small Seal Area Provides Strong Consistent Seal
Positive Stop Eliminates Jamming
Please Contact Us For More Information or to Place an Order T 01582 455135 F 01162 346715 E [email protected] 4www.anachem.co.uk
Scan this code to order a pipetting ergonomics poster straight from your smartphone 8
SCANTHIS
General Laboratory Posture Awareness:
Head and Neck: Keep head upright, relaxed and balanced between your shoulders.
Eyes: Keep your work at a comfortable viewing distance.
Arms, Hands and Wrists: Maintain shoulders in line with elbows close to the trunk.
Keep wrists and hands in neutral. Avoid isolating movement at the wrist.
Lower Extremities: Keep feet comfortably on the floor or footrest. Hips should be
slightly higher than knees.Lower Back: Support the lower back on the chair’s backrest with the lumbar support.
Be sure to adjust the back height and angle for best fit.
Equipment Set Up:Lab Equipment and Tools: Keep essential tools within close reach within 12-14”
arranged in a half circle around you. Keep nonessential items within arms reach in a
half circle also.Pipettes: Select an ergonomic pipette with low force features and easy grip. Use a
pipette that can rest comfortably on your index finger. Where possible use electronic
pipettes to avoid over exertion. Keep your elbow close to your body when pipetting.
Preserve neutral wrist posture and minimise wrist deviations. Limit task time to 20-
30 minutes then stop for 1-2 minutes of rest or do an alternative task.
Biosafety Hood: Limit your time to 20 minute cycles with up to 5 minute breaks.
Adjust your chair so that your elbow height is the same as the front edge. Make sure
your feet are supported on a footrest or the floor. Keep your elbows as close to your
body as possible. Relax your arms by your side periodically.
Recommended Features• Low pipette tip insertion forces• Comfortable and well balanced design• Easy to read controls or display• Options for various modes to reduce repetition
• Available in manual or electronic operated models
• Available in single and multichannel models
• Manual feedback systems that provide awareness of
plunger position• Supports and encourages neutral wrist posture
• Low aspiration forces• Low pipette tip ejection force
Ergonomic Benefits• Low forces result in reduced hand, finger and thumb fatigue
• Good distribution of weight through hand to minimize fatigue
• Reduced eye strain when reading control panel
• Reduced repetitive motion• Electronic pipettes reduce pipetting forces and repetitive motion
• Multichannel pipettes dispense multiple samples with a single
motion.• Less fatigue• Helps reduce wrist strain
Essentials of Laboratory ErgonomicsLess Fatigue for Better Performance
To Reduce Force:• Use pipettes with low force requirements that are
ergonomically designed.• Use pipettes that have a finger hook and fit comfortably
in your hand.• Use electronic pipettes when possible.• Use appropriate force throughout the pipette cycle.
• Avoid gripping too tightly.• Be sure tips fit correctly and are easy to mount and eject.
• Service your pipettes regularly.• Alternate hands if possible.
• Keep your elbows close to your body, your shoulder
from elevating and your wrists in a neutral position.
• Adjust your chair for a good fit and practice good
posture.• Maintain neutral wrist and forearm postures while
avoiding deviations of the wrist.• Organise your work area and task to reduce shoulder
elevation.• Adjust the target by rotating it rather than your hand.
• Pad the edge of the work surface.• Stand on an anti-fatigue floor mat.• Sit fully on the seat using the back rest, if appropriate.
• Avoid leaning on a hard edge or surface.• Stretch every 20-30 minutes
Correct Pipett ing Posture
Incorrect Pipett ing Posture• When appropriate, use multichannel pipettes.
• Automate the process or task; use electronic pipettes.
• Take frequent breaks: for example every 20-30 minutes:
relax and stretch your shoulders, arms and hands.
• Perform alternative tasks: a few minutes every ½ hour.
• Minimize the number of consecutive repetitions.
• Alternate hands if possible.
Poor PostureShoulders elevated, Upper arm elevatedElbow extended, Wrist in deviation
To Improve Posture
To Reduce Repetit ion:
To Reduce Contact Pressure:
Recommended Features and Ergonomic Benefits of Pipettes
For more information
Anachem Ltd1-2 Titan Court, Laporte Way Luton, BedfordshireLU4 8EF
Telephone: 01582 455135Email: [email protected]
www.anachem.co.uk
For your free copy of our Pipetting Ergonomics Posterplease email us at [email protected]