Lab chairs

[Maria Y. Boulina]

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Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep expertise))).
What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with? Thay have
to be durable and should withstand multiple height adjustment every day.
Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
Thank you!
Marcia

[Craig Brideau]

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I use these ones:
http://www.globalindustrial.ca/g/office/stools/polyurethane/5-way-adjustable-polyurethane-stool
The seats are a little hard but the adjustable height seems to help with
eyepieces vs general tasks. The do have some cushioning and are non-fabric
so they handle general spills with no issues.

I liked these odd ones and got one to try:
http://www.globalindustrial.ca/g/office/stools/polyurethane/lyon-ergonomic-sit-stand-stool
I thought it was fairly comfortable as an alternative to normal sitting,
but everyone else I work with doesn't like it. @:-)

Craig


On Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 2:01 PM, Marcia Boulina <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep expertise))).
> What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with? Thay have
> to be durable and should withstand multiple height adjustment every day.
> Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
> http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
> I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
> Thank you!
> Marcia
>

[Sergey Tauger]

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For convenience of ones from Europe: 1 lb = 0.453 kg | 1 kg = 2.20 lb :)

Sit-stand stool suggested by Craig is really convenient if microscope table is
higher than 1.10-1.20 m, but it can frighten a novice. I use a likely, but with
arms - you don't want to put hands on microscopy table.
In our lab we use the piano stools:
http://imgur.com/ofgH0IO
Durable, adjustable, makes people more accurate, and you can't fall asleep
while seated)

I really dislike stools with wheels. Don't trust the "weight up to" strings - if you
move from inclined to straight pose rather fast, and one of wheels is just
behind your spine - the wheel will break even if your weight is 60 kilos. The
likely thing can harm backrest if it is not a separate part. Another bad thing
about wheels - some people prefer riding such chairs from microscope to some
not really distant place without standing up. It causes more vibration than
walking.

Best,
Serge

[DamirSudar]

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Hi Marcia,

Another type of chair that some people love and others hate for microscopy is the HAG
Capisco chair. See: http://www.haginc.com/products/hag-capisco/

One specific feature is that you can use it in reverse where you lean with your front into the
chair when you look through the eyepieces, thus relieving stress on your back. See:
http://www.ergo247.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Hag-Capisco-reverse.jpg

Make sure you get the chairs vinyl-covered and not fabric. Most EH&S departments require
that.

- Damir

[Craig Brideau]

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On Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 3:31 PM, Sergey Tauger <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Sit-stand stool suggested by Craig is really convenient if microscope
> table is
> higher than 1.10-1.20 m, but it can frighten a novice. I use a likely, but
> with
> arms - you don't want to put hands on microscopy table.
>

The semi-standing posture takes some getting used to. I think that's why
it's not a popular choice in my lab.


> In our lab we use the piano stools:
> http://imgur.com/ofgH0IO
> Durable, adjustable, makes people more accurate, and you can't fall asleep
> while seated)
>

Those are good, but some labs prohibit wood for chemical resistance (and
absorbance) and flammability issues. Our lab is L2 so we had to use plastic
and metal on everything.



> I really dislike stools with wheels. Don't trust the "weight up to"
> strings - if you
> move from inclined to straight pose rather fast, and one of wheels is just
> behind your spine - the wheel will break even if your weight is 60 kilos.


One version of the chair replaces the wheels with 'pods' which are firm
rubber feet that go where the wheels normally go. This stops the chair from
rolling. I have a couple chairs configured this way, with the rest on
wheels. The users seem split on who prefers what type of chair. I find the
shorter people like the pods while taller people like the wheels.



> The
> likely thing can harm backrest if it is not a separate part. Another bad
> thing
> about wheels - some people prefer riding such chairs from microscope to
> some
> not really distant place without standing up. It causes more vibration than
> walking.
>

I discourage this by ensuring the room is so cluttered that you can't move
anywhere. @:-)

Craig





>
> Best,
> Serge
>

[Barbara Foster]

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*****

Hi, Marcia

This question brings up an important point:  In microscopy, unlike
any other analytical technique, the user is part of the
system.  Chairs should not only be adjustable in height, but also
should have back support so that the user can address the microscope
in a relaxed position... neither straining too high or crouched too low.

Also, regarding putting your arms on the table:
Most microscopes are designed so that, when you are properly seated,
you can rest your forearms in a relaxed position on either side of
the microscope so that you can make adjustments to both stage
position and focus without much additional movement.  I realize that
many systems are now computer controlled, but either way, be aware of
how much extra elbow and shoulder motion is needed to go from stage
adjustment to focus adjustment.

I agree with the comments that advocate for fabric rather than
leather or wood.

As for Craig's comment re: the alternative to conventional chairs: I
know folks who swear by them, but I also know that they are an acquired taste

Personally, in my lab, I have what would be equivalent to a
well-padded office stool, with short arms.

Hope this is helpful!

Good hunting!
Barbara Foster, President & Chief Consultant
Microscopy/Microscopy Education*
www.MicroscopyEducation.com

Have you taken part yet in the current MME user study: "20 Really
Quick Questions"?  If not, please give us your input.  Every data
point is important! Deadline: Dec 6.  "Thank you gift": A chance to
win one of TEN $100 Amazon gift cards
Click here or paste into your browser:
<http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb>http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb 



At 07:51 PM 12/3/2014, you wrote:

>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>*****
>
>Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep expertise))).
>What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with? Thay have
>to be durable and should withstand multiple height adjustment every day.
>Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
>http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
>I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
>Thank you!
>Marcia

[Rosemary.White]

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*****

Just an additional note: If you're working with any GM material, the
chairs will need to be vinyl or some other material less porous than
fabric. (Australian PC2 regulations.)

cheers,
Rosemary

Dr Rosemary White
CSIRO Black Mountain
GPO Box 1600
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia

T 61 2 6246 5475
E [hidden email]


On 4/12/14 2:19 PM, "Barbara Foster" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>*****
>
>Hi, Marcia
>
>This question brings up an important point:  In microscopy, unlike
>any other analytical technique, the user is part of the
>system.  Chairs should not only be adjustable in height, but also
>should have back support so that the user can address the microscope
>in a relaxed position... neither straining too high or crouched too low.
>
>Also, regarding putting your arms on the table:
>Most microscopes are designed so that, when you are properly seated,
>you can rest your forearms in a relaxed position on either side of
>the microscope so that you can make adjustments to both stage
>position and focus without much additional movement.  I realize that
>many systems are now computer controlled, but either way, be aware of
>how much extra elbow and shoulder motion is needed to go from stage
>adjustment to focus adjustment.
>
>I agree with the comments that advocate for fabric rather than
>leather or wood.
>
>As for Craig's comment re: the alternative to conventional chairs: I
>know folks who swear by them, but I also know that they are an acquired
>taste
>
>Personally, in my lab, I have what would be equivalent to a
>well-padded office stool, with short arms.
>
>Hope this is helpful!
>
>Good hunting!
>Barbara Foster, President & Chief Consultant
>Microscopy/Microscopy Education*
>www.MicroscopyEducation.com
>
>Have you taken part yet in the current MME user study: "20 Really
>Quick Questions"?  If not, please give us your input.  Every data
>point is important! Deadline: Dec 6.  "Thank you gift": A chance to
>win one of TEN $100 Amazon gift cards
>Click here or paste into your browser:
><http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb>http://www.surveygizmo
>.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb
>
>
>
>At 07:51 PM 12/3/2014, you wrote:
>>*****
>>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>>*****
>>
>>Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep
>>expertise))).
>>What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with? Thay
>>have
>>to be durable and should withstand multiple height adjustment every day.
>>Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
>>http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
>>I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
>>Thank you!
>>Marcia

[Craig Brideau]

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*****

We have the same 'no fabric allowed' limits here in Canada.
Some microscopy workstations include a large padded rest on a bar in front
of the microscope. This is typical of setups where the microscope is on a
small floated optical table where you don't want to be leaning your weight
on the tabletop. The rests let you position your arms comfortably near the
controls while supporting your weight off the table.

Craig
 On Dec 3, 2014 8:40 PM, <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Just an additional note: If you're working with any GM material, the
> chairs will need to be vinyl or some other material less porous than
> fabric. (Australian PC2 regulations.)
>
> cheers,
> Rosemary
>
> Dr Rosemary White
> CSIRO Black Mountain
> GPO Box 1600
> Canberra, ACT 2601
> Australia
>
> T 61 2 6246 5475
> E [hidden email]
>
>
> On 4/12/14 2:19 PM, "Barbara Foster" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> >*****
> >To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> >http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> >Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> >*****
> >
> >Hi, Marcia
> >
> >This question brings up an important point:  In microscopy, unlike
> >any other analytical technique, the user is part of the
> >system.  Chairs should not only be adjustable in height, but also
> >should have back support so that the user can address the microscope
> >in a relaxed position... neither straining too high or crouched too low.
> >
> >Also, regarding putting your arms on the table:
> >Most microscopes are designed so that, when you are properly seated,
> >you can rest your forearms in a relaxed position on either side of
> >the microscope so that you can make adjustments to both stage
> >position and focus without much additional movement.  I realize that
> >many systems are now computer controlled, but either way, be aware of
> >how much extra elbow and shoulder motion is needed to go from stage
> >adjustment to focus adjustment.
> >
> >I agree with the comments that advocate for fabric rather than
> >leather or wood.
> >
> >As for Craig's comment re: the alternative to conventional chairs: I
> >know folks who swear by them, but I also know that they are an acquired
> >taste
> >
> >Personally, in my lab, I have what would be equivalent to a
> >well-padded office stool, with short arms.
> >
> >Hope this is helpful!
> >
> >Good hunting!
> >Barbara Foster, President & Chief Consultant
> >Microscopy/Microscopy Education*
> >www.MicroscopyEducation.com
> >
> >Have you taken part yet in the current MME user study: "20 Really
> >Quick Questions"?  If not, please give us your input.  Every data
> >point is important! Deadline: Dec 6.  "Thank you gift": A chance to
> >win one of TEN $100 Amazon gift cards
> >Click here or paste into your browser:
> ><http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb>
> http://www.surveygizmo
> >.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb
> >
> >
> >
> >At 07:51 PM 12/3/2014, you wrote:
> >>*****
> >>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> >>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> >>Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> posting.
> >>*****
> >>
> >>Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep
> >>expertise))).
> >>What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with? Thay
> >>have
> >>to be durable and should withstand multiple height adjustment every day.
> >>Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
> >>http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
> >>I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
> >>Thank you!
> >>Marcia
>

[Keith Morris]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

We have to use the solid plastic lab seating in a few microscope rooms (one at Cat 3) and these are more like bar stools with a footrest (i.e. draughtsmens chairs) - the microscope PCs sit on high lab benches rather than a desk. Normally draughtsmen chairs are tall for standard lab benches rather than the office desk heights most of our other microscope PCs sit on, but you can get midi height versions. Although tall draughtsmen chairs invariably seem to come with fixed round rubber feet grips, from chats with our safety officer we found that you can buy wheels to replace the fixed feet (they just swap over). Owing to health & safety,  with the solid plastic seat draughtmens chairs (which are taller and heavier than office chairs) it was suggested we got brake loaded casters (i.e. they lock when you sit down but release when you stand up so you can wheel the chair about).

For the cat 2 labs (all our other microscope rooms) we mostly went for operators chairs (normal office height chairs) with padded vinyl covers and castors. They have to be washable and splash resistant  - some matt textured vinyl covered seats we have seem more comfortable than smooth shiny vinyl, i.e. softer, but it might be the padding underneath. We can use extra Dunlopillo foam seat cushions (eg. ring cushions) in Cat 2 for those with health problems as these were deemed washable (using a washable nylon stretch cover designed for office chairs to cover the foam cushion). We had to use  midi height operators chairs with our Zeiss Elyra microscope as that has a high air table relative to the PC desk (these are taller than standard office chairs but still safe enough to use with casters). The draughtsmen and midi chairs, from Buro office supplies in the UK (March 2014) were around £160 each.

I never use armrests as we found they can trap under the desk top and get in the way generally when swapping around chairs or perambulating about the room (but that's my preference). All our microscopes are motorised with large stage incubators so I guess we have to stand up to get to the stage, but can sit down when using the microscope eyepieces/focus.

Regards

Keith

-----------------------------------------------------------
Dr Keith J Morris
Cellular Imaging Microscopy Core,
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics,
Roosevelt Drive,
Oxford,
OX3 7BN,
United Kingdom.
 
Tel:  +44   ( 0 ) 1865  287568
Email:   [hidden email]
Webpage: www.well.ox.ac.uk/microscopy-facilities
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
Sent: 04 December 2014 04:06
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Lab chairs

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

We have the same 'no fabric allowed' limits here in Canada.
Some microscopy workstations include a large padded rest on a bar in front of the microscope. This is typical of setups where the microscope is on a small floated optical table where you don't want to be leaning your weight on the tabletop. The rests let you position your arms comfortably near the controls while supporting your weight off the table.

Craig
 On Dec 3, 2014 8:40 PM, <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Just an additional note: If you're working with any GM material, the
> chairs will need to be vinyl or some other material less porous than
> fabric. (Australian PC2 regulations.)
>
> cheers,
> Rosemary
>
> Dr Rosemary White
> CSIRO Black Mountain
> GPO Box 1600
> Canberra, ACT 2601
> Australia
>
> T 61 2 6246 5475
> E [hidden email]
>
>
> On 4/12/14 2:19 PM, "Barbara Foster" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> >*****
> >To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> >http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> >Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> >*****
> >
> >Hi, Marcia
> >
> >This question brings up an important point:  In microscopy, unlike
> >any other analytical technique, the user is part of the system.  
> >Chairs should not only be adjustable in height, but also should have
> >back support so that the user can address the microscope in a relaxed
> >position... neither straining too high or crouched too low.
> >
> >Also, regarding putting your arms on the table:
> >Most microscopes are designed so that, when you are properly seated,
> >you can rest your forearms in a relaxed position on either side of
> >the microscope so that you can make adjustments to both stage
> >position and focus without much additional movement.  I realize that
> >many systems are now computer controlled, but either way, be aware of
> >how much extra elbow and shoulder motion is needed to go from stage
> >adjustment to focus adjustment.
> >
> >I agree with the comments that advocate for fabric rather than
> >leather or wood.
> >
> >As for Craig's comment re: the alternative to conventional chairs: I
> >know folks who swear by them, but I also know that they are an
> >acquired taste
> >
> >Personally, in my lab, I have what would be equivalent to a
> >well-padded office stool, with short arms.
> >
> >Hope this is helpful!
> >
> >Good hunting!
> >Barbara Foster, President & Chief Consultant Microscopy/Microscopy
> >Education* www.MicroscopyEducation.com
> >
> >Have you taken part yet in the current MME user study: "20 Really
> >Quick Questions"?  If not, please give us your input.  Every data
> >point is important! Deadline: Dec 6.  "Thank you gift": A chance to
> >win one of TEN $100 Amazon gift cards Click here or paste into your
> >browser:
> ><http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb>
> http://www.surveygizmo
> >.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb
> >
> >
> >
> >At 07:51 PM 12/3/2014, you wrote:
> >>*****
> >>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> >>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> >>Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
> posting.
> >>*****
> >>
> >>Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep
> >>expertise))).
> >>What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with?
> >>Thay have to be durable and should withstand multiple height
> >>adjustment every day.
> >>Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
> >>http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
> >>I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
> >>Thank you!
> >>Marcia
>

[MJ Tomaszewski]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Another thing to take into consideration are the short people:

I've often found that the only way I could scope for a long time was by
standing due to 2 reasons:
1. my torso is too short to sit with my legs under the table and still look
into the binocs (no so much of a problem now that we mostly look at things
on a screen), and
2. My feet generally don't touch the ground if the chair is raised up at
all (I'm 5 foot 2), and this makes my legs fall asleep if I sit all the way
back, or if I sit forward, I get no back support. I'd recommend chairs with
the foot rings on them so people can rest their feet/ or get the foot
risers.

Monica

On Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 10:19 PM, Barbara Foster <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Hi, Marcia
>
> This question brings up an important point:  In microscopy, unlike any
> other analytical technique, the user is part of the system.  Chairs should
> not only be adjustable in height, but also should have back support so that
> the user can address the microscope in a relaxed position... neither
> straining too high or crouched too low.
>
> Also, regarding putting your arms on the table:
> Most microscopes are designed so that, when you are properly seated, you
> can rest your forearms in a relaxed position on either side of the
> microscope so that you can make adjustments to both stage position and
> focus without much additional movement.  I realize that many systems are
> now computer controlled, but either way, be aware of how much extra elbow
> and shoulder motion is needed to go from stage adjustment to focus
> adjustment.
>
> I agree with the comments that advocate for fabric rather than leather or
> wood.
>
> As for Craig's comment re: the alternative to conventional chairs: I know
> folks who swear by them, but I also know that they are an acquired taste
>
> Personally, in my lab, I have what would be equivalent to a well-padded
> office stool, with short arms.
>
> Hope this is helpful!
>
> Good hunting!
> Barbara Foster, President & Chief Consultant
> Microscopy/Microscopy Education*
> www.MicroscopyEducation.com
>
> Have you taken part yet in the current MME user study: "20 Really Quick
> Questions"?  If not, please give us your input.  Every data point is
> important! Deadline: Dec 6.  "Thank you gift": A chance to win one of TEN
> $100 Amazon gift cards
> Click here or paste into your browser:
> <http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb>http:/
> /www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1885625/c7c50d3c93fb
>
>
> At 07:51 PM 12/3/2014, you wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep expertise))).
>> What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with? Thay
>> have
>> to be durable and should withstand multiple height adjustment every day.
>> Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
>> http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
>> I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
>> Thank you!
>> Marcia
>>
>

[Keith Morris]

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
*****

Hi Monica,

Just as an aside on using the microscope and PC standing up, watch out for 'tennis elbow'. I was using a draftmen's chair (that came with the foot rest) with my main works/office PC on a lab bench top (higher than an office desk). I didn't like the chair much as it had a domed top and fixed rubber feet and I couldn't shuffle about on it. So I stood up and used the computer that way instead. That seemed cool as Goethe always stood at a tall wooden desk to write - I've even seen his desk in his house in Frankfurt - however his sloped wooden desk was very high and he would have been able to keep his hand and wrist straight when writing. After many months of standing regularly at the PC I started to get pains in the muscles just below the elbow on the outer arm and the wrist/thumb area. I assumed it was RSI from mouse use as I sit at a desktop PC 24/7, but in fact it was due to standing above the mouse and bending my hand backwards against the wrist all the time (i.e. pushing back the hand, up and backwards towards the wrist, going towards a right angle). It took more than a year to get rid of the pain once it arrived (largely as I didn't know initially what was causing it) and now I make sure my forearm is straight with the wrist and hand when using the mouse (they also suggested using a smaller mouse ball shaped mouse, but I stuck with my sculptured  Logitech performance MX I like).  Apparently tennis elbow is tiny tears and inflammation developing near the bony lump (the lateral epicondyle) on the outside of your elbow caused by muscle strain on the muscles used to straighten your wrist. I now sit at a desk + operators chair with my PC in the lab (we had the lab benching modified to a lower desking area within the lab)

We have a few adjustable foot rests around for users with our operators chairs and all our full height draftsman chairs have the integral footrest. One colleague uses a kick step/stepstool with locking castors as a footrest on the draughtsman chairs (so they don't sit with their feet tucked back underneath them all the time). Seems to work well for them, so thanks for the tip. We also and encourage users to adjust the chairs for themselves when they get to the microscope. On one research microscope, our inverted Nikon TE2000U, the eyepieces binocular head can rotate up and down to accommodate different users height (I think it's called the T-Terg Ergonomic Tube), and that works really well - shame it's not more common.

Have a nice weekend.

Regards

Keith

Without haste, without rest
Johann Von Goethe's motto

-----------------------------------------------------------
Dr Keith J Morris
Cellular Imaging Microscopy Core,
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics,
Roosevelt Drive,
Oxford,
OX3 7BN,
United Kingdom.
 
Tel:  +44   ( 0 ) 1865  287568
Email:   [hidden email]
Webpage: www.well.ox.ac.uk/microscopy-facilities
 


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of MJ Tomaszewski
Sent: 04 December 2014 12:09
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Lab chairs

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*****

Another thing to take into consideration are the short people:

I've often found that the only way I could scope for a long time was by standing due to 2 reasons:
1. my torso is too short to sit with my legs under the table and still look into the binocs (no so much of a problem now that we mostly look at things on a screen), and 2. My feet generally don't touch the ground if the chair is raised up at all (I'm 5 foot 2), and this makes my legs fall asleep if I sit all the way back, or if I sit forward, I get no back support. I'd recommend chairs with the foot rings on them so people can rest their feet/ or get the foot risers.

Monica

On Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 10:19 PM, Barbara Foster <[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
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> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****
>
> Hi, Marcia
>
> This question brings up an important point:  In microscopy, unlike any
> other analytical technique, the user is part of the system.  Chairs
> should not only be adjustable in height, but also should have back
> support so that the user can address the microscope in a relaxed
> position... neither straining too high or crouched too low.
>
> Also, regarding putting your arms on the table:
> Most microscopes are designed so that, when you are properly seated,
> you can rest your forearms in a relaxed position on either side of the
> microscope so that you can make adjustments to both stage position and
> focus without much additional movement.  I realize that many systems
> are now computer controlled, but either way, be aware of how much
> extra elbow and shoulder motion is needed to go from stage adjustment
> to focus adjustment.
>
> I agree with the comments that advocate for fabric rather than leather
> or wood.
>
> As for Craig's comment re: the alternative to conventional chairs: I
> know folks who swear by them, but I also know that they are an
> acquired taste
>
> Personally, in my lab, I have what would be equivalent to a
> well-padded office stool, with short arms.
>
> Hope this is helpful!
>
> Good hunting!
> Barbara Foster, President & Chief Consultant Microscopy/Microscopy
> Education* www.MicroscopyEducation.com
>
> Have you taken part yet in the current MME user study: "20 Really
> Quick Questions"?  If not, please give us your input.  Every data
> point is important! Deadline: Dec 6.  "Thank you gift": A chance to
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>
>
> At 07:51 PM 12/3/2014, you wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Dear Microscopists, i have a question that will require deep expertise))).
>> What would be the best chairs to equip the imaging facility with?
>> Thay have to be durable and should withstand multiple height
>> adjustment every day.
>> Any other considerations? I was looking at those below:
>> http://livingroomsfurnitures.com/items/Dpdcrq@1/910.html
>> I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
>> Thank you!
>> Marcia
>>
>