Finding A Balance – Engineering Ergonomics for Microbiological Safety Cabinets

Life science research frequently requires long hours in the laboratory. While a great deal of that time is spent planning for experiments and analyzing results, an even greater amount of time is spent running experiments in the laboratory. Because of the sensitive and frequently biohazardous nature of life science work, a significant portion of time is spent using microbiological safety cabinets (MSCs). MSCs play a pivotal role in life science research laboratories because they are designed to support activities such as cell culturing, microbiology sample preparation, and other laboratory activities that require personnel and product protection.

To stay comfortable every day while preventing long-term injury, cabinet users must be conscious about selecting a biosafety cabinet that is designed around the human body. Factors that help ergonomically keep a user safe include physical designs that reduce repetitive injury and allow a user to sit comfortably, but must also include component selections that ease drain on users – as well as consideration for key accessories that promote good posture.

One of the most important ergonomic design features for an MSC is a sloped (angled) front to the cabinet. Tilted at 10 degrees on ReVo Class II MSCs, this design allows for users to lean forward into their work – making access comfortable to deeper parts of the cabinet. As an added benefit, users do not have to rest their face on the glass window, eliminating contamination, and keeping the window free of smudge marks.

As work is conducted across the cabinet’s interior, accessibility is another key factor to consider. By minimizing the size of the front inlet air grilles (located under the user’s forearms), the work surface of the cabinet is more easily in reach of users. Not only does this type of design limit stress injuries by eliminating long reaches, it also limits the amount of arm length that a user puts into the cabinet – further reducing the chance for contamination of the user’s work and reducing the chance for the user to bring biohazards out of the cabinet on their lab coat. As work concludes, a multi-piece work surface allows for easy disinfection without removing the full work surface.

Cabinet Components & Controls

Other factors beyond the physical design of a microbiological safety cabinet can be critical in preventing fatigue for users. Factors such as cabinet noise output, light intensity, and user interface (UI) simplicity can all be designed in less invasive ways to improve user comfort. For optimal peace and quiet, 1.2 meter EN 12469 cabinets should operate with a decibel output of no more than 45 db(A) at normal operating conditions to prevent mental fatigue. When low noise is paired with diffused LED lighting, users can focus on their work without eye strain.

Beyond the cabinet

Even with a strong ergonomically designed cabinet, laboratory users must consider other factors that can improve their posture and wellbeing beyond the cabinet. For starters, adjustable height for different users ensures that all members of a laboratory are comfortable at the cabinet. Utilizing an electric hydraulic base stand ensures that the working height of the MSC is suitable for users of different heights. In situations where a hydraulic stand may not have been purchased with a cabinet, a well-designed adjustable-height chair can be a strong compromise.

Additionally, regular care for one’s body is a great practice that can help avoid discomfort or injury when using a cabinet. Regular stretching, exercise, and activities such as yoga are excellent ways to maintain good posture and health during extended periods of time working in a microbiological safety cabinet.

For more information on cabinet ergonomics, read more about ways to improve your comfort when working in a Class II biosafety cabinet.