*****
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: [log in to unmask]
Webpage: www.well.ox.ac.uk/microscopy-facilities
-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Craig Brideau
Sent: 04 December 2014 04:06
To: [log in to unmask]
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, <[log in to unmask]> 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 [log in to unmask]
>
>
> On 4/12/14 2:19 PM, "Barbara Foster" <[log in to unmask]> 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:
> >>[log in to unmask]" target="_blank">http:[log in to unmask]
> >>I am very gratefull for any suggestions.
> >>Thank you!
> >>Marcia
>
|
