Professional Documents
Culture Documents
JUNE 2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is when small efforts come together that great things happen. We would like to pay our
sincerest gratitude to the following for without them, this wont be possible:
To Dr. Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz, head of Genetics and Molecular Biology Division, for
granting us with the golden ticket;
To BIO 131 students for not stopping us rummage through their work;
And most especially, to His Almighty, for the courage and wisdom to move forward.
To everyone who entrusted us with their insights, opinions and ideals, thank you! Hope that we
put your teachings to good use.
R.D.S.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Acknowledgement
ii
List of Appendices
iv
Abstract
CHAPTER
Page
1.0 Introduction
1.1
Problem Statement
1.2
Objectives
1.3
Project Scope
1.4
3.0 Methodology
16
18
29
REFERENCES
32
APPENDICES
34
iii
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
Page
34
35
36
iv
ABSTRACT
Microscopy the use of a microscope is an essential activity in the study of
microscopic organisms, especially today with most researches venturing in the field of
microbiology. Past studies had revealed that while manipulating the microscope, the user may
experience symptoms that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. In the University of the
Philippines Los Baos, the Institute of Biological Sciences has been producing several
graduates specializing in genetics and molecular biology. The study aims to investigate whether
the reviewed literature holds true for the laboratory setup in the institute. Moreover, the visual
environment is also inspected as it is a dominant factor in the possibility of experiencing eye
strain among the microscopists. Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and light survey are
used to evaluate the body posture of the students and the lighting of the room, respectively. The
scores for the postural assessment revealed that the perceived illumination on the working
surface followed the recommendation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA). While, RULA scores showed that the activity needs further investigation and that
changes in the work environment may be necessary. This can be achieved by designing a new
workplace for the microscope setup and adding auxiliary support for a more proactive approach
to mitigating the risks of MSD/CTD.
Introduction
Microscope work is straining both to the visual system and the musculoskeletal system.
Operators are forced into an unusual exacting position, with little possibility to move the
head or the body. They are often forced to assume an awkward work posture such as
the head bent over the eye tubes, the upper part of the body bent forward, the hand
reaching high up for a focusing control, or with the wrists bent in an unnatural position.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Basic Microscope Ergonomics, n.d.)
The continuing research on prokaryotes has presented the scientific community with
major breakthroughs in fostering mans understanding of life on a microscopic level.
Prokaryotes are described as organisms having very simple cell structure: no nucleus or
organelles whose size typically ranges not more than 2 microns in diameter. Such organisms
as bacteria proved to be beneficial in food processing and drug manufacturing. Like most
autotrophs, cyanobacteria, formerly known as blue-green algae, have the ability to
photosynthesize, producing oxygen which is relevant in sustaining the ecosystem. Yogurts
which are gaining popularity as a dietary supplement contain lactobacillus which promotes
digestion (Microscope, n.d.). However, chronic exposure often leads to detrimental effects
normally on the health of the infected individual. Syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are some of
the sexually transmitted disorders (STDs) caused by bacteria. Other floral and faunal pathogens
have plagued several countries which resulted to the weakening of their socioeconomic milieu
(Microscope, n.d.). Thus, scientists proceed with the study of the micro-biome in general to
either further the development in the mentioned sectors, or prepare as rebuttal to the
devastation brought about by these plagues.
In investigating the microorganisms behavior, the scientist extensively uses the
microscope to be able to zoom in on the fine details beyond the normal capabilities of the
human eye, and render them on other imaging device like a camera (Abramowitz, 2003). The
activity of viewing an enlarged image of something minute while manipulating the microscope is
coined as microscopy (Kapitza, 1997). According to Sillanpaa and Nyberg (2010), microscope
works, by nature, require the person to maintain a static work posture which often lasts for
1
long periods of time. In the context of ergonomics, it can be assessed as problematic in which
prolonged body fixations can gradually lead to the development of cumulative trauma disorders.
A study revealed that as high as 80% of microscopists experience musculoskeletal symptoms
like low-back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches (Haines & McAtamney, 1993; Kalavar,
Hunting, 1996; cited by Sillanpaa and Nyberg, 2010). Lee, Waikar, Aghazadeh, and Tandon
(1986) asserted that electromyographic examinations of microscopists showed that as short as
four hours of work, there has been a significant increase in muscle strain, about the neck and
shoulder region and in the back, augmenting by 25% to 65% (cited by Sillanpaa and Nyberg,
2010).
Aside from poor body posture, microscopy also causes eye strain with the concentration
needed in viewing through the ocular lens. An investigation done by Soderberg et al (1983)
highlighted the relationship between the eye function and visual strain in the population of
microscope operators at an electronics plant. On the average, 80% of them experienced
symptoms which strain the human visual faculty. Statistically, it has been found out that aside
from poor eye coordination and uncorrected astigmatism, the duration in which the operator
uses the microscope directly correlates with the manifestations of visual fatigue.
Table I. Prevalence of medical problems in microscopy
Anatomical Location
Neck
Shoulders
Back (Total)
Lower Back
Lower Arms
Wrists
Hands and Fingers
Legs and Feet
Eyestrain
Headaches
Employee Percentage
50-60
65-70
70-80
65-70
65-70
40-60
40-50
20-35
20-50
60-80
Microscopy has the potential to cause the user discomfort and poses negative
health implications such as recurring pain in the neck, shoulder, back and suffering from
visual strain a study of Haines and McAtamney revealed 80% of microscope users
suffers from low-back pain, neck pain and tension headaches; and 80% of the
microscope operators of an electronic plant experienced visual strain from the
investigation of Soderberg.
1.2 Objectives
To reduce or eliminate hazards, while using the microscope, which can lead to
the development of cumulative trauma disorders
To minimize eye strain experienced by the students while using the microscope
.
Workstation layout
Increase in productivity
Improvement in workers safety and health
Reduction of compensation claims
Compliance with government regulations
Improvement in job satisfaction
Increase in quality of work
Reduction of worker turnover
Reduction of lost work time
Improvement in workers morale
Reduction of absenteeism rate
2.0 Anthropometry
Anthropometry, as defined by Del Prado-Lu (2007) and cited by Singh et al (2013), is
the science of measurement and the art of application that establishes the physical geometry,
mass properties, and strength capabilities of the human body. Its purpose is to record the body
size and shape of an individual in a systematic fashion with the use of caliper-like devices and
other graduated measuring tool (Freivalds, 2012; Singh et al, 2013). The validity of the
anthropometric data will depend on the accuracy of the measurement, the reliability of both the
tool and the person implementing the procedure, and the allowable degree of error that the
study is willing to compromise.
7
The database access is crucial in optimizing the design of the workplace, and products
as to achieve an environment aligned with the ergonomic principles. Armstrong (1983), as cited
by Singh et al (2013), stated that acute and sub-acute cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs),
usually in the hand, wrist, and forearm, results from poor design and excessive use of hand
tools. Hence, many product designers and ergonomists make sure that the product, or the work
space, fits the structural size of the individuals body. Aside from that, factors like gender,
ethnicity, growth and development, secular trend, aging, social class, occupation, clothing, and
personal equipment (Fernandez and Goodman, n.d.) dictate to what extent the anthropometric
data can be deemed applicable.
When normalized, the person can easily compute for the desired percentile value, using
the appropriate k and z values, as follows:
Table III. kth percentile vis--vis z value (Freivalds, 2012)
kth percentile
z value
10 or 90
1.28
5 or 95
1.645
2.5 or 97.5
1.96
1 or 99
2.33
Continuing with the example, it is computed that the mean stature for males in the U.S.
is 68.3 in. while the standard deviation is 2.71 in. (Webb Associates, 1978; cited by Freivalds,
2012). Given this, the 95th percentile male stature is computed as
10
awareness and diagnosis, and the evolution of reporting methods (Fernandez and Goodman,
n.d.).
When an individual maintains an awkward posture while doing work for some time, or
applies a great amount of force repetitively, these instances are potential precursors to the
development of CTDs. Aside from these, exposure to multi-axial vibration also augments the
risk as it causes constriction of blood vessels, usually in the fingers, which impedes normal
blood flow, and leads to numbness and swelling of the hand tissues. There are three identified
major categories of upper extremity CTDs which include tendon disorders, neurovascular
disorders, and nerve entrapment disorders (Putz-Anderson, 1988; cited by Fernandez and
Goodman, n.d.).
eliciting satisfaction and a sense of well-being. Clearing them from the situation implicates the
underlying discomfort which in turn invokes anxiety on the physical, or psychological state of the
individual.
12
if applicable. Force/Load ranges are set, evaluate which range does the evaluated position fall
then add, having the total Wrist and Arm Score.
For Section B, evaluate Neck and Trunk Position. Assess the legs if it is supported or
not. Using these three scores, locate Posture Score in Table B. Add Muscle Use and
Force/Load, if applicable, having the total Neck, Trunk, Leg Score.
Final RULA Score is located in Table C, where Wrist & Arm Score for the row and Neck,
Trunk, Leg Score for the column. Assess the level of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Risk and
improve workplace to decrease the risk of MSD and other upper body disorders.
13
postures first then Group B postures. There is a posture scoring scale and additional
adjustments that are needed to be considered and accounted for, for each region.
For Group A, assess Neck, Trunk and Legs Position of the posture of worker being
evaluated. Locate Posture Score in Table A using the 3 assessments stated before. If there is a
force/load, identify the score based on the ranges given in step 5 of the worksheet. Add the
scores for steps 4 & 5 to obtain Score A.
For Group B, evaluate the Upper Arm, Lower Arm and Wrist Position. Using the scores
for the 3 positions, locate the Posture Score in Table B. Add coupling score after evaluating how
the student handle things while in the evaluated position. Add the score for steps 10 and 11 of
the worksheet, named it as Score B.
Look up Posture Score in Table C using the scores from A and B. Add 1 if the evaluated
posture is held for a period of time, as described in the duration ranges of the worksheet, having
the Final REBA Score. Using the Final Score, identify the level of MSD (Musculoskeletal
Disorder) Risk and assess what actions to be done to improve the workplace.
On the other hand, OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System) method was
developed by Ovako Company in Finland and is used to estimate the degree of a workers
static load at workstation by analyzing the workers posture. It is an analytical method that has
a purpose of improving the condition at a workstation, ergonomically. The same as REBA, it
considers different positions of back, shoulders and legs, and take into account the weight lifted
by the worker (Grzybowska, 2010).
7.0 Photometry
Photometry is directly related to light surveying as it is the study of measurement of light
brightness with consideration to the physical properties of human vision. It mainly aims to
measure the brightness of visible light, as it appears to the human eye (Simpson, 2010).
14
The unit of measurement to be obtained from the light meter during a survey is lux,
which is the amount of illumination observed by an observer. It can be computed by dividing the
amount of visible light from the source, or luminous flux, by the area where the light is spread
out (Simpson, 2010).
15
3.0 Methodology
The process of conducting the study comprised of three main procedures: data
collection, data analysis, and data evaluation.
Collection of data is always the first step in conducting a study because this will serve as
the building block of the research. The method used for this procedure is the use of a
customized questionnaire. The researchers gathered information on possible hazards faced by
microscope users and transformed them into simple questions answerable by Yes or No. This
is done to reduce the possibility of students overthinking the answer to a question with multiple
choices. Data gathered from these questions will be used for analysis to evaluate the current
postural conditions of the respondents. Their height and age are also asked in the form because
these will be used together with anthropometric data suitable in every condition to come up with
conclusions and recommendations. A sample of the questionnaire is shown below.
possibility that the students would feel awkward with the researchers recording them instead of
recording them while roaming around the area and will most likely gather inaccurate results due
to them not performing the work naturally.
Part of the evaluation of integrated data is light surveying. It requires the use of a light
meter which measures the illumination from a certain distance to the source of light. This will
serve as another factor that will determine if illumination levels in the workspace is sufficient for
the work. The main point of interest in the work environment for light surveying is the light
source of the microscope since this is where the point where the light hits and the main source
of illumination to the specimen. The light measured here will determine if it is sufficient for
viewing properly without strain or glare from the user. Other points in the workplace, like the
table surface where the students write their observations and the board where they refer to the
some notes and guidelines regarding their exercise, are also going to be considered in the
survey because it can possibly provide result about hazards experienced due to poor lighting.
To aid the researchers in light surveying, a steel tape will be used to measure the distances of
all mentioned points of interest in the workplace from the source of light.
Data gathered from the collection will then be integrated and studied by the researchers
to come up with results and reports on the current setting of the workplace. Postural
assessment methods are to be used to determine if risks are present in the posture of students
while working with a microscope. Various methods are available but Rapid Upper Limb
Assessment (RULA) is going to be used for the study. RULA focuses more on the upper body of
the student in which parts like the neck, trunk, arm, shoulder, and wrist will be assessed
individually. The video recorded by the researchers will be analyzed and used as reference for
the assessment of microscope work. These assessments will then be recorded on a worksheet
obtained from research. A sample worksheet for RULA is shown in Appendix 1. The results from
the assessment will also be used to validate the response of the students from the
questionnaires regarding the hazards they experience during microscope work.
17
No. of Respondents
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
10
Yes
11
11
15
15
16
17
No
13
13
15
The researchers surveyed the students from classes which are using microscope in the
Institute of Biological Sciences. Complete data collected from the students are shown in
Appendix C. Before answering the main questions of the survey, the students are required to
write their height and age, which will be useful in this study. The data gathered from 18
respondents (6 Males, 12 Females), the average height of the students is 63.6 inches with the
mean age of 20 years old.
The students are asked about their experiences with their back, neck and shoulder
during microscopy (Questions 1, 2 and 5). As a result, 50% (9 out of 18) of the respondents said
they feel back pain, and 61% (11 out of 18) said they feel neck and shoulder pain.
18
Questions 3 and 4 are related to the experiences of their arms while using the
microscope. The data shows that only 28% (5 out of 18) said their upper and lower arm feel
tired.
Data gathered for question 6 show that 83% (15 out of 18) of the respondents said they
slouch while using the microscope. Whereas data for question 7 which is related to the hand,
illustrate 16% (3 out of 18) said they feel pain in their wrist.
The information gathered for the question 8, which is associated to the eyes, show that
83% (15 out of 18) of the respondents are experiencing eye-strain. While 89% (16 out of 18)
said viewing the microscope take more than a minute (Question 9). Lastly, 94% (17 out of 18) of
respondents said there are microscope work breaks provided (Question 10).
Old fixtures
19
647
641
614
573
754
701
682
626
634
617
629
608
602
616
568
538
BLACKBOARD
Fig. 5 Light survey result in the laboratory (in lux)
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards stated a minimum of 500 to 1000 lux
shall be provided as light intensity in fixtures where discrimination of fine details is involved
under conditions of a fair degree of contrast such as microscopy. Since the light intensity
measured from the laboratory ranges from 500 to approximately 800, the illumination of the
work environment is sufficient for microscope work and no problems are present in terms of
illumination.
4.3 RULA
The data gathering elapsed for two separate weeks, one for documenting the process
and another for the light survey. The students, the subject of the study, uses a Euromex Holland
monocular microscope which can be adjusted axially with the user by a pivotal knob. This is to
position the eyepiece on an angle comfortable with them. During an informal interview, the
students frequently mentioned that it takes them several hours to complete the laboratory
exercise which causes them eye strain, and acute pain in their back and neck, non-verbatim.
20
E
1
1
2
1
2
1
0
3
2
3
1
4
1
0
5
4
21
The students were sequenced as they appeared on Fig.4. Students A and D had their
upper arms positioned beyond the 20 limit while the remaining had otherwise. Although the
student can rest their arms on the table while rotating the knob, the problem lies with the stress
concentrating only on the part touching the surface. Other factors which contributed to the
variation are whether the arms were abducted, or the shoulders were raised. Same scores were
given for the lower arm position which ranges from 30 to 50 on both sides of the neutral
position. Also, the same grades were affixed to the wrist parameters in which the students
wrists were bended within the -15 to 15 limit with minimal twisting. The subject had to keep its
stance for several hours, evidenced by personal observation, informal interview, and survey.
The force load score across the samples is equivalent to zero because the microscope was
placed on the table and the students were not required to lift any sort of loading.
The scores for the neck position varied across the samples. This is where the sitting
height of the student will matter considerably the most. Some were taller than the average user
so they had to bow their heads to perform the experiment. If not, most leaned their body forward
while using the microscope. All received the same evaluation for trunk position. Although the
legs were supported by the chairs, the items can be later improve to add on the comfort agenda.
The previous scores for the two parameters muscle use and force load is also true for the
neck, trunk and leg analysis. Evaluating for the RULA score, it has been found that microscopy
indeed calls forth further investigation and that ergonomic intervention may be required.
4.4 Recommendation
After analyzing the result from the student survey, light audit, and Rapid Upper Limb
Assessment, the study proposed the following recommendations:
22
Place permanent markings, a straight line will do, about two to three inches from the
edge of the table. The base of the microscope will be positioned tangentially and perpendicular
to the line. The equipment cannot be screwed or attached permanently to the table since it will
be stored in a separate room every time the students finish their laboratory exercise. The
markings have to be light to contrast the tables surface color.
laboratory. The main changes would be for the height of the table and the chair. Using the data
gathered from the respondents, specifically the height, researchers used the data from
Anthropometric measurement of Filipino manufacturing workers, written by Del Prado-Lu, as the
basis for the anthropometric data of the students. To check the validity of referencing to another
work, the study summarized the survey's result, as shown in Table IV, and compared it with that
from Del Prado-Lu's study shown in Table V.
Std. Dev.
5th Percentile
95th Percentile
Male (n=6)
167.64
8.07
154.36
180.92
Female (n=12)
158.31
9.30
143.00
173.61
161.42
3.85
145.31
177.52
23
Female (n=962)
Anthropometric
5th
measurement
Standing height
95th
Std.
Mean
5th
95th
Std.
Percentile
Percentile
Dev.
Mean
Percentile
Percentile
Dev.
167.01
157.00
178.00
8.03
153.92
143.00
165.00
8.28
73.36
67.00
80.00
3.83
68.38
62.00
74.00
4.85
Eye height
(sitting)
The study computed for the percent error to quantify the accuracy between datasets. For
male's standing height, the % error for the mean, 5th percentile, and 95th percentile are 0.38,
1.68, and 1.64, respectively. For female's standing height, the % error for the mean, 5th
percentile, and 95th percentile are 2.85, 0.00, and 5.22, respectively. The values showed little
discrepancy between the two studies which implies that cross-referencing between studies is
valid and acceptable. By interpolating between the height of the students, both male and
female, and eye height while sitting of Filipino manufacturing workers, it is computed that the
average eye height of the students is 71.28 cm. The height of the current table is 77cm, the
plastic chair is 43 cm and the microscope is approximately 22cm tall, the computed
recommended table height for microscope use is 92.28cm. With this desired table height,
slouching of students while microscopy will be prevented and may reduce back and neck pains.
On the other hand, if adjusting the work table will not be possible, adjustable chairs must
replace the plastic chair and the stool. This type of chair is applicable to any variations in height
of the students wherein students can easily adjust the chair using a lever, placed underneath
the chair. The price this type of chair is at a minimum of P2,000 and below is an example of an
adjustable chair.
24
student. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show what the armrest and seat wedge look like. The armrest permits
the distribution of the arms weight. This is better explained by the inverse relationship between
pressure and surface area where maximizing the latter on which the force is acting will decrease
the stress projected on it. Seat wedges, on the other hand, support the back and other body
parts of the user while leaning forward instead of holding a static posture. Microscope armrests
are priced at $25.75, or approximately PhP1133 from alimed.com, while seat wedges are priced
at $11.95, or approximately PhP525.8 from amazon.com.
25
encouraged to close their eyes or focus on something in the distance (OSHA, 2011). This will
decrease the risk of experiencing eye strain, especially with the rooms lighting already at par
with the recommended level. To permit circulation of blood, the students can stand and stretch
for a while. OSHA (2011) recommends to do this every 30-60 minutes. This will be integrated in
the policy for laboratory exercises.
26
Not only does the concern be placed on the body posture, the over-all comfort of the
students should also be taken into consideration. In detail, the following are the
recommendations on fostering comfort among students in the conduct of the activity:
equipped with cushion pads in the back rest and seat to support the back and buttocks of the
students. This will reduce the back pain experienced by the students from the result of the
survey.
chairs to provide temporary rest or break for the thighs and reduce the stress experienced. This
can be used when the user takes a break from microscope work where the feet are rested in the
rings to elevate the feet and reduce the stress experienced by the thighs from the force exerted
by its weight.
27
laboratory since it is already furnished with an air conditioner and electric fan to maintain a
standard room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
work without causing eye strain and other difficulties in observation. The light intensity in
different areas of the workstation tables are shown previously in figure 5 where it follows the
recommended illumination level standards set by OSHA, which is 500 to 1000 lux for work
requiring discrimination of fine details, such as microscope work.
28
respondents who experienced back, neck and shoulder pain. However, most students said that
they experienced eye-strain during microscopy. In addition from the five samples taken, all
RULA scores showed that there is a need to investigate further the activity and recommend
possible actions to minimize the risk.
Some changes can include either the workplace or the tool. However, replacing the
microscopes is not an option because it will entail high losses with the current set still not
obsolete. Thus, the best alternative is to modify the workplace by changing the dimensions of
the working tables and chairs, and implementing tools complimentary to the design changes. In
detail, the following are the recommendations on pacifying the symptoms associated with
MSD/CTD risk:
Schedule microscope work breaks for every 15 minutes to refocus eyesight and for
every 30-60 minutes to stretch
The study has focused largely on the postural assessment of the student microscopists
and the risk associated with it. However, recapitulating on the surveys result, many responded
that they experience visual strain while using the microscope even though lighting inside the
30
31
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33
Appendices
Appendix A: RULA Worksheet (Middlesworth, 1989)
34
35
Gender
M
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
Height Age
12
1
Y
65.0
63.0
62.0
56.7
64.0
64.0
70.0
58.0
62.0
62.0
59.4
69.5
66.0
62.0
61.8
71.0
65.0
62.5
28
19
19
19
21
20
20
20
20
21
19
20
21
20
19
18
18
18
2
N
1
1
1
1
1
N
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
N
1
1
1
1
1
1
11
1
1
9
N
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
13
1
1
13
Question No.
5
6
Y
N
Y
N
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
11 7 15 3
7
Y
8
N
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
Y
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
9
N
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
Y
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
N
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
16
Y
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
17
N
1
36