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Biosafety Cabinets and Fume Hoods
Working
in Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC's) or fume hoods requires laboratory
personnel to assume a variety of awkward postures due to
limited work access, which restrict arm movement, and therefore
significantly increase the amount of stress on joints of the upper
limbs, neck and back, Hence
exposure to a variety of ergonomic risk factors.
Associated Risk Factors:
- Repetitive motions of the hands, wrist,
and forearms, especially when pipetting is involved.
- Constrained knee and leg space, especially in
fume hoods and older BSC's.
- Contact pressure on the forearms, wrists and
knees, or legs.
- Awkward and static posture of the neck, torso,
legs, arms and wrists.
- Constrained body position, overloading
muscles, tendons, and joints in asymmetrical manner.
- Working with elbows winged.
- Overreaching.
- Prolonged standing in unnatural positions or
in restricted postures.
Preventive Measures:
- Prevent extended reaching, place materials
as close as possible (see graphic above).
- Perform your work at least 6" back into the
hood or BSC to maintain optimal airflow containment for material and
personal protection.
- Always assume a proper posture. Use only
adjustable chair or stool with built-in foot and armrest.
- Avoid contact pressure (forearm and wrists
contact with sharp edges). Apply foam padding to the front sharp
edge of the fume hood/BSC to reduce pressure concentration.
- If you perform work in a fume hood or BSC
while standing for prolonged periods of time, use an anti-fatigue mat
and footrest to reduce muscle, joint, and spinal fatigue.
- Take short breaks to alter repetitive
forearm and wrist motion, relieve joint pressure and contact pressure
caused by sharp edges.
- Reduce eye strain and awkward posture by
keeping viewing window of hood/BSC clean, and line of sight
unobstructed.
- Make sure hood/BSC lighting is working
properly, good and proper lighting help reduces eyestrain.
- Raise cabinet couple inches upwards to
create a more comfortable leg and thigh clearance.
- Purchase only ergonomically designed
equipment and furniture.
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