User manual LEICA ERGOHANDBOOK BROCHURE

[. . . ] Success is a question of attitude ErgoHandbookTM Contents Section The purpose of this handbook What do you mean by ergonomics ?Ergonomics applied to improving microscopy workstations Ergonomics, illustrations and tables Assessment of the workplace Why invest in ergonomics?Dimensions with Leica ergonomics modules Want to know more about ergonomics?Agencies Questionnaire about the ergonomic arrangement of the workplace Current publicity material ­ Fax order form 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ErgoHandbookTM, Leica Microsystems Ltd 1. [. . . ] If these options are not available, the daily working hours at the microscope should be restricted and the operator encouraged to take frequent breaks of appropriate length. It is known that eyes and muscles can recover quickly under these conditions. If these deliberate breaks in work are accompanied by physical exercises, work takes on a new dimension. Microscopy is not for everybody Those who work at the microscope carry a high responsibility, whether they are in the research laboratory or in industrial quality assurance. A lot is expected of their expertise, their powers of concentration and their attention to detail. Microscope operators need to be selected partly on the basis of their eyesight and of the capabilities of their musculo-skeletal systems. Fine work with the stereomicroscope needs good eyes and steady hands. The tendency to trembling is an important example; it depends on individual makeup, on health and on age. Persons with back problems, arthritis, sinovial inflammation, carpal syndrome or peripheral circulation problems are likely to have considerable problems. Difficulties are also to be expected with overweight persons, because the distance between the eye and the eyepiece cannot be changed. More training means less troubles The more demanding the task, the more comprehensive the training required for it. Thorough instruction for working with the microscope should include ergonomic aspects, work planning and optical considerations. Continuous monitoring and advice from the field of occupational medicine are also very important. The key to minimizing bodily and optical difficulties in microscopical work is to know, and to practise to know what can be done to arrange and organize a workstation as well as possible, to apply that knowledge, and to repeatedly practise routine microscope adjustments such as dioptric setting, focusing, and the resetting of the illumination, until they become second nature. A healthy approach brings success The life style and personal attitudes of the individual affect the subjective perception of stress. Too little sleep, the taking of medicines and the use of coffee, tobacco and alcohol, can all reduce the visual power. They can all lead to an increase in hand tremor, as can energetic sport immediately before working with the microscope. On the other hand, regular and reasonable exercise in the form of sport during leisure time is to be encouraged as a means of improving health generally and of preventing the deterioration of muscles and joints. To summarize: Ergonomics is not a slogan; it is a fundamental theme which relates to the well-being of the individual when at work. If basic ergonomic principles are followed during the creation of microscopical workstations, health problems are less likely to arise. As many as possible of the parameters involved need to be matched to one another so that the individual can work productively and without making mistakes, and so that eyes and muscles are not overtaxed. Each person has a different bodily build, and each activity has its own specific requirements. ErgoHandbookTM, Leica Microsystems Ltd ­ Section 3 ­ Ergonomics applied to improving microscopy workstations 3 Consequently every workstation must be considered separately and equipped individually. [. . . ] Improved viewing conditions for photographing in combination with accessories. Inclined binocular tube, low Stock no. 10 429 781 Low viewing height for stereomicroscope outfits which are tall because they have a transmitted-light stand or are equipped with a video-/phototube, a drawing tube, a coaxial illuminator etc. High and low ErgoWedgeTM ±15° Stock no. 10 346 910 A fixed intermediate piece with which the angular tilt range of the various binocular tubes can be extended by 15° both upwards and downwards. Improved viewing conditions with various outfits. ErgoHandbookTM, Leica Microsystems Ltd ­ Section 5 ­ The Leica ergonomics program 5 Standard Inclined binocular tube 45° Stock no. [. . . ]