If you spend hours working at a fume hood, you may already feel the strain in your back, wrists, or shoulders. Here’s how to set up and use your fume hood ergonomically to protect yourself.
How Fume Hood Work Causes Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Work-related MSDs are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time. Proper ergonomics can prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These injuries or disorders of the nervous system’s soft tissue are caused by:
• Repetitive motions
• Forceful exertion
• Awkward positions
• Applying force
When these conditions are present pain will be felt in the hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, joints, or elbows, leading to any of the most common MSDs:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Epicondylitis
• Trigger finger
• Muscle strain
• Low back injuries
When signs or symptoms of MSD are noticed, they should be addressed immediately and amendments made.
Common Ergonomic Hazards of Using a Fume Hood
Fume hoods are not the most ergonomically friendly piece of equipment. When using a fume hood, especially an older one, you may experience:
• Constrained knee and leg space
• Contact pressure on the forearms, wrists, knees, and legs
• An awkward posture of the neck and back
• Constrained and unnatural body positions
• Working with your elbows in a winged-out position
• Overreaching
Ergonomic Tips When Using a Fume Hood
So what can be done to reduce your chance of MSDs and make working at a fume hood much more friendly to your health?
- Pull your chair up to the fume hood so that your back is supported by the backrest.
- Remove the chair arms if they interfere with your ability to get work done.
- Work at elbow height and try not to raise your arms above shoulder height.
- Avoid overreaching by placing materials close to you.
- Avoid resting arms on the sharp edges of the fume hood.
- Take breaks to relieve pressure caused by leaning on the front edge of the fume hood.
- Place disposal bins close by and at elbow height.
- If possible, remove drawers and supplies from under the fume hood for extra leg room. When there is limited legroom, standing or partially seated postures will reduce forward bending or reaching, leading to less strain on your back and shoulders.
- Make sure the viewing window is clean to reduce eye strain.
- Support your feet on a foot ring or platform.
- If you must stand at the fume hood, wear proper footwear with good cushioning or use anti-fatigue floor mats.
Good fume hood ergonomics is an investment in your team’s health and productivity. Small adjustments to posture, positioning, and equipment setup can prevent costly injuries and keep your lab running smoothly.
National Laboratory Sales is a full-service new and used lab furniture supplier carrying a full line of fume hoods and cabinets. We are happy to help you with your laboratory needs and encourage good ergonomics in all workplace settings.