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Laboratory Ergonomics:
Modifying Your Tools
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| Certain laboratory tasks require using
tools that promote pinch grips and awkward wrist postures.
A pinch grip requires the tool to be grasped between the index
finger and the thumb for precise manipulations. When a pinch grip
is used intensively and for a long duration, such as when dissecting
fruit flies, worms and plant specimens, fatigue may occur in the
hand and forearm muscles.
Over a period of time, this may contribute to developing a repetitive
strain injury. Many hand tools can easily be modified to minimize
awkward wrist postures and reduce grip and pinch force.
The basic principle of a modification is to:
- Build up the part of the tool that your hand holds so it will
fit your hand better and reduce pinch force or
- Change the angle of the handle so your hand holds the tool
with a straight wrist.
- Use non-slip materials to reduce the force needed to hold
the tool in position.
The illustrations in this section are examples of some successful
tool modifications that are used in laboratories on the Berkeley
campus. If your hand tools are not illustrated, the concepts may
still apply. Be creative!
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Enlarge
a
dissecting needle tool to reduce pinch grip force
Purchase round cylindrical foam.
Cut the foam along one side and slide it over the syringe or glass
tube to help enlarge the grip. |
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| Enlarging
Forceps |
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| To modify the forceps,
purchase rectangular cylindrical foam.
Partially cut the foam along both sides so the forceps can be placed
inside. |
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| Another way to
modify the forceps is to cut a wine cork in half and then take one
of the cut sections and cut it in half the long way. Glue the two
halves to the outside of the forceps to enlarge your grip. |
| Add
a Handle |
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with handle added
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with handle added |
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Adding a handle to maneuver a rectangular object, such as
a CO2 pad, can reduce using awkward and forceful hand postures.
To make a handle modification, attach the rectangular object (CO2
pad) to a 1/8-inch thick piece of plastic with Velcro (place the
Velcro underneath the CO2 pad so it can be connected to the top
of the plastic). Plastic can be custom-cut at Tap Plastics in
El Cerrito (525-3508).
When measuring for the plastic, allow an additional 3-inches
in length to attach the handle. A handle such as a knob, foam,
cable clamp or T pipe molding can be attached to the outer 3-inches
of the plastic piece with rubber cement. Make sure the handle
will encourage using a neutral hand posture with a minimal amount
of gripping force.
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| Add
a Handle |
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with handle added
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with handle added |
|
Adding a handle to maneuver a rectangular object, such as
a CO2 pad, can reduce using awkward and forceful hand postures.
To make a handle modification, attach the rectangular object (CO2
pad) to a 1/8-inch thick piece of plastic with Velcro (place the
Velcro underneath the CO2 pad so it can be connected to the top
of the plastic). Plastic can be custom-cut at Tap Plastics in
El Cerrito (525-3508).
When measuring for the plastic, allow an additional 3-inches
in length to attach the handle. A handle such as a knob, foam,
cable clamp or T pipe molding can be attached to the outer 3-inches
of the plastic piece with rubber cement. Make sure the handle
will encourage using a neutral hand posture with a minimal amount
of gripping force.
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Unsafe
The photo above shows how the fingers and thumb of the left
hand are using an awkward and forceful posture to maneuver the
CO2 pad in a fly lab.
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Recommended
Here, the left hand is using a less stressful posture because
the fingers and thumb are holding a knob that has been attached
to a piece of plastic. |
Alternative
Handles
Creating Alternative Handles for Straight Tools Can Reduce
Awkward Wrist Postures |
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| Above: Insert
the end of a paintbrush or feather into Plastizote
Tubing to create an alternative way to grip and angle the tool.
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Or,
tape a ¾ or 1-inch plastic cable clamp, depending on your
finger size, onto the middle of the paintbrush. Insert your index
finger inside of the cable clamp so you can more easily maneuver
the brush. Plastic cable clamps can be purchased at most hardware
stores. |
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Next: Campus Resources for Llaboratory Ergonomics
Back to Laboratory Ergonomics Table of Contents
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