Introduction
Looking through a microscope for extended periods is not what we were designed for. It
requires holding our bodies in an unnaturally rigid position. It is important to adopt a
correct, ergonomic working posture. This means fitting the workstation to the worker, not
vice versa. It is also important to take regular breaks.
Ideally, the microscope should be on a bench which is adjustable for height: first, the
seating position is adjusted (steps 2-8 below) followed by the bench height and subsequent
steps (11-22 below). The following is based on a fixed work bench.
Before entering 'No' to the following questions, attempt to rectify the
problem.
- Have you been show how to use the microscope, including how to align the optical path to
optimise performance? If no, seek this training before continuing. Other-wise, poor
results and eye strain may ensue.
- Are you sitting back in the chair, rather than perching on it? If no, sit back into the
chair.
- Is the height of the chair adjusted so that your feet are resting comfortably, flat on
the floor? If no, adjust the chair height appropriately.
- Is there an even pressure along the backs of the thighs? If no, check if the seat
platform can be tilted appropriately for comfort. If not, consider readjusting the height
slightly.
- Does the chair support your back in an upright position? Ideally, it should support to
beyond the level of the shoulder blades. If no, adjust chair back appropriately.
- Does the chair back give support in the lumbar region? If no, check the chair's back
adjustment again, possibly adjusting the tilt control. Or, obtain a separate lumbar
cushion.
- Are you now sitting with your back upright? Ask a colleague to comment. If no, repeat
steps 2-6 above.
- Are the microscope eye-pieces in line with, or extending over, the front edge of the
bench? If no, move the microscope towards you appropriately (caution - you may need
skilled assistance)
- Is the vertical position of the eye-pieces a little high for comfort, so that your head
is upright? Initially, this will feel unnatural. If no, raise the microscope vertically to
a suitable height at which you are are forced to sit upright. This can be done with layers
of plywood etc. If you are using the microscope long-term, get the workshop to make a
suitable stand.
- Can you see at all into the eye-pieces of the microscope? If no, raise the chair height
appropriately and obtain a suitable footrest.
- Are you gazing slightly downwards into the eye-pieces, as opposed to tilting your head
and 'looking straight-ahead' into them? If no, you are not sitting upright enough. The
back should be 'vertical' and the neck and head upright. Holding the head tilted for long
periods will induce neck and shoulder-ache. Repeat steps 2-10.
- Is the leg-well clear of clutter so that your legs and feet are not impeded when sitting
at the bench? If no, clear the clutter.
- Are your thighs clear of the under-surface of the bench? If no, the bench is unsuitable
for microscopy work. Have it modified or seek another site for the microscope.
- When operating the focus and stage controls, are your forearms resting on something,
either the bench or microscope arm rests? If no, obtain arm rests, perhaps sloping.
Holding the arms off the bench for long periods will induce static loading problems. The
most comfortable position for the hands is as for when shaking hands.
- Are the eyepieces set correctly for your inter-pupillary distance? If no, set this
distance properly - the oculars should move towards or away from each other. This reduces
eye-strain.
- Are the eyepieces parfocal? If no, adjust them individually so that the image is sharp
in each. This reduces eye-strain.
- Before you begin microscope work for the first time, are you free from pre-existing
visual problems? If no, you should see an optician in case you have astigmatism, fusion
insufficiency (poor eye co-ordination) or simple long/short sight. Microscopy work may
make these problems more obvious.
- Are your surroundings free from glare and reflections? If no, try to remove light
sources from the visual field by re-positioning the workstation, removing highly
reflective surfaces, using blinds, curtains or other screens.
- Is the image in microscope free from glare and reflection? If no, adjust the internal
lighting so that there is not an uncomfortably high level of light or contrast. This may
be done by regulating the transformer or by using appropriate filters.
- Are you satisfied with other environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity,
draughts, ventilation, ambient lighting? If no, try to sort problems locally yourself or
discuss them with line management. Beyond that, see your union safety representative or
local safety advisor. Humidity (and dry eyes) are aided by watering plants, where
appropriate.
- Are you/will you be taking regular breaks from the microscope, e.g. two or three minutes
every half-hour? If no, this needs urgent consideration. Discuss it with your manager,
union safety representative or local safety advisor. Computer users are recommended to
take five minutes every hour, microscopy work is probably more physically demanding.
- When taking a break from the microscope, are/will you be doing stretching exercises? If
no, refer to the article "Applying ergonomics to improve microscopy work" in
Microscopy and Analysis, Issue 36 (July 1993), 15-17 (available from your local safety
advisor). You should do these exercises to relieve the static loading stress on the body.
This applies equally to computer users.
Microscope Product Page
Microscope Setup Graphic (scope.gif 265kb)
For more information, contact:
R&D Ergonomics Inc., 6 Harvey Brook Drive, Freeport, ME 04032
TEL: (800)-813-7274 FAX (636)773-0951 Email: RDErgonomics@comcast.net
