Pipette Ergonomics (2024)

Table of Contents

With repetitive tasks that are commonly associated with pipette use, it is important to be aware of your body position and respond appropriately if you ever encounter discomfort. Pipette Posture Pipette Injuries and Common Causes Pipette Selection Lab Workstations Understand the Demands of Reaching and Holding

With repetitive tasks that are commonly associated with pipette use, it is important to be aware of your body position and respond appropriately if you ever encounter discomfort.

Maintain straight wrists - Do not twist or rotate your wrists while using the pipette
Always have a relaxed but firm grip on the pipette
Keep elbows and your body close to your work
Try to sit with your work slightly below your elbows which will reduce the need to raise your arms
For every 15 minutes of pipette work, take a 2 minute break
Rotate pipette tasks with other activities

Possible Cause	Symptoms
Repetitive Tip Insertion/ Pipette Manipulation	Discomfort in the wrist and elbows
Forceful Pipette Grip/ Plunger/ Ejection with Thumb	Discomfort on thumb side of wrist or where the fingers and thumb join the palm
Awkward Wrist Posture While Using the Pipette	Weakness in the hand; numbness, discomfort or tingling in the fingers or wrist
Tip Insertion and Ejection Away From the Body	Increasing elbow discomfort; discomfort from the forearm and contact pain on the elbows
Resting Elbow on the Lab Bench or Surface	Numbness or tingling in the ring and little ringer; loss of hand strength, elbow pain

Select the lightest pipette that can fit in your hand comfortably
When possible, use multi-channel pipettes to reduce repetitions
Try pipette that have finger aspirators and thumb dispensers to reduce thumb strain
Latch-mode or electronic pipettes are useful for repetitive tasks
Use thin-walled pipette tips that are easy to eject

Select Appropriate Pipette for Task

Select Correct Tips to Pipette Size

Keep waste bins, beakers and often used equipment within reach. Use low profile waste bins, these bins should not be taller than the tubes being filled.
Use low profile tubes, solution containers and waste bins to prevent shoulder strain
Adjust the height of sample holders, solution containers and waste bin to avoid bending of the wrists
Use anti-fatigue mats or sole inserts if you standing for more than 20 minutes at a time
Make sure the area underneath your bench is clear of boxes and materials so you can sit close enough to your work