Thanks for all the help, everyone.  So far I have 2 ideas, run with them
if you'd like for your situation, or comment as well. 

Periscope Idea, DIY
-Except only 1 turn, creates problem of magnification and orientation
(mirror reverses image)
-Solution, create tube with several (odd in number) convex lenses, and a
mirror at 45 degrees at the top over the specimen.
-Will magnify and allow work in a neutral posture (working at elbow
height with hands and eyes looking forward to the mirror.

Camera Idea
-expensive alternative
-project image pf specimen on a screen at eye level.

Both are simple add-ons that allow the inking, sectioning, etc. to be
performed on a horizontal surface but also reduce the risk of neck and
back injury.

Currently looking into building the "periscope."  BTW does anyone know
if this thing has a name besides calling it a modified microscope.

Thanks,
Ian


Ian Bertmaring, MS, AEP - Ergonomist
Department of Environment, Health & Safety
1120 Estes Drive Extension, CB #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599 - 1650

Phone: (919) 843 - 4642; Fax: (919) 962 - 0227

ergonomics@ehs.unc.edu 

http://www.ehs.unc.edu/workplace_safety/ergonomics/


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Monfils,
Paul
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 5:07 PM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Grossing postures and proceedures - Ergonomics

Possibly an angled mirror over the specimen?  Bottom edge of the mirror
in contact with the benchtop, behind the specimen; mirror leaning toward
the tech at a suitable angle?  This would give the tech a perpendicular
view of the specimen with a normal angle of view for the tech.
> ----------
> From: 	histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of
Bertmaring,Ian (Environment Health & Safety)
> Sent: 	Monday, December 11, 2006 1:46 PM
> To: 	histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: 	[Histonet] Grossing postures and proceedures -
Ergonomics
> 
>  I have a situation that I am looking for a solution for and I figured

> some one in this community could help me.
> 
> The Problem:
> When techs at UNC perform grossing, they often lean (while standing or
> seated) with their head into the fume hood/bio safety cabinet to get a

> top down view of the biopsies and excisions (performing inking, 
> describing markers, and slicing samples).  This posture poses a 
> significant risk of injury on the back and neck thus the need for a 
> workstation adjustment.  The risk of inhalation is low, but present, 
> so that is a minor concern as well.
> 
> Initial Thoughts:
> 1.  Rotate the sample to face the histologist, like reading a book.
> 2.  Affix the sample to a cutting board (or the surface currently in
> use) by means of a reverse action tweezers mounted to the board.
> 3.  At this angle the histotech can see the sample with minimal neck 
> bending (while keeping the head out of the hood) as well as reduce the

> need to hold the sample while performing inking, etc.
> 
> Questions:
> 1.  Has anyone tried this?
> 2.  Does anyone else have a solution that would work in this
situation?
> 3.  What is your opinion on this solution?
> 
> Any ideas or comments are greatly welcome.
> 
> Thank you!
> 
> Ian
> 
> 
> Ian Bertmaring, MS, AEP - Ergonomist
> Department of Environment, Health & Safety 1120 Estes Drive Extension,

> CB #1650 Chapel Hill, NC 27599 - 1650
> 
> Phone: (919) 843 - 4642; Fax: (919) 962 - 0227
> 
> ergonomics@ehs.unc.edu
> 
> http://www.ehs.unc.edu/workplace_safety/ergonomics/
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
> 
> 
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