Edward Elton

The Effect of Microbiological Containment Systems on Dexterity

Microbiology laboratories use containment equipment such as safety cabinets and isolators or respiratory protective equipment to protect workers against aerosol infection hazards. There is a perception among microbiologists that the use of containment equipment reduces dexterity to a point where the risks associated with using sharps are increased. Thus, in a situation where it is essential to use sharps, the use of respiratory protection is frequently the favored method of operator protection. Using three methods of manual dexterity testing, the effect of latex gloves, a positive pressure respirator, and three forms of containment equipment, (a Class II safety cabinet, a half suit, and a flexible film isolator) were tested against performance in these tests using bare hands in 10 subjects. The study was extended to additionally assess Class III cabinets using 20 subjects. With the exception of latex gloves, the personal protective equipment and containment equipment all had a statistically significant detrimental effect on manual dexterity compared with working solely with bare hands. The use of containment systems, especially barrier containment systems such as Class III cabinets and isolators, significantly reduces dexterity and may increase the chance of accidents. The use of positive pressure respirators with double gloves also affects dexterity but to a lesser extent. The use of sharps should be minimized within containment equipment. Risk assessment may be required to address the comparative risk of aerosol and needlestick infection with different agents to choose the most appropriate containment systems.

Integrating Ergonomics in the Design Process: A Practical Case Study

The authors were commissioned to work as part of a design team in the production of a new supermarket checkout. The primary goals at the onset of the project were to reduce build costs and enhance customer interaction without compromising health and safety. The ergonomics issues identified through the initial literature search highlighted two key checkout operator considerations: the need to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury and the importance of factors other than equipment design, such as task design and training, in minimizing risk and optimizing performance. This paper discusses how these two considerations were maintained and developed throughout the design process as the original project goals changed. Its purpose is not to discuss the ergonomics of checkout design: rather, it uses the checkout design case history to highlight where the ergonomics practitioner can successfully contribute to project success.

Evaluating the fit of operating theatre tables – using basic ergonomics to help improve procurement of medical technology:

This paper discusses an appraisal of the fit of operating theatre tables to the surgical staff who have to use them. In total 55 tables were evaluated in 70 configurations. By identifying the ethnic profile of the surgical population, appropriate anthropometric data was obtained which provided a user-centred focus for the evaluation. Using basic dimensional data the range of adjustment of the height of each table was scrutinised to see if it was appropriate to accommodate the needs of the user in terms of reach for open and laparoscopic surgery as well as sight lines. It was found that the majority of tables failed to provide adequate adjustment to accommodate the needs of the users, with smaller users suffering the poorest fit. By converting the data comparison to a simple star rating scheme, a relatively complex ergonomic investigation could be made readily available to procurement professionals and help guide them into appropriate choices to enable them to secure best value in equipment selection and help prevent ongoing occupational ill health.

Have I Just Pressed Something? The Effects of Everyday Cold Temperatures on exterity

This paper details work on the effect of physical context of use on inclusive product interaction. Context of use refers to a set of circumstances which relate to the users, tasks, equipment/tools and environment (both Physical and Social) (ISO, 1998). In particular, the physical context of use refers to factors such as lighting levels, temperature, weather conditions, vibration, noise, the built environment, etc.