| Ergonomics |
SofTouch™ Electronic Pipettes
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The Total Solution for Ergonomic Pipetting |
SofTouch electronic pipettes offer a total ergonomic pipetting solution, particularly for applications that require intensive pipetting for long durations of time.
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Less Weight = Less Strain
SofTouch pipettes are the lightest electronic pipette available. There is a substantial difference in weights of various electronic pipette brands. Use of the ultra lightweight SofTouch pipette minimizes arm strain while providing the ergonomic benefits of electronic pipetting. |
Eliminates nearly 100% of Pipetting Forces on the Thumb
A simple touch of a button is all that's required to actuate all piston movement for the SofTouch pipettes. Mechanical pipettes require thumb-controlled plunger movement which results in more than 5 kg of force using a traditional pipette. Tip ejection is performed with a lever design that eliminates all tip eject forces on the thumb and distributes the force over four fingers. A gentle squeeze is all that is required to eject tips. |
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Ergonomics, Hamilton Pipettes and You |
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Ergonomics has become a critical factor in today's laboratories. Research has shown that use of traditional pipettes for more than 300 hours per year is associated with an increased risk of hand or shoulder ailments(1). To address the ergonomics issues facing laboratories, Hamilton pipettes were ergonomically designed to minimize the amount of fatigue and discomfort typically experienced in pipetting. Overall, use of Hamilton pipettes decreases several of the risk factors associated with the development of repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. As proven in an independent study(2), Hamilton pipettes have the best ergonomic pipette design.
In addition to using an ergonomically designed pipette, there are several steps that should be taken in the laboratory to decrease the risk of pipette-related repetitive stress injuries. Take 1-2 minute breaks after every 20 minutes of pipetting, if possible. Alternate between tasks in the laboratory to minimize the duration of pipetting sessions. Ensure you are in an ergonomic workspace. The bench should be at the proper height and the chair should have an adjustable height with full back support. Your feet should not be dangling; the chair should provide a foot support or a bench should be available to rest your feet on. Use Hamilton AdvanTip Precision Pipette Tips to ensure a perfect fit on Hamilton pipettes for a positive seal without excess force during tip installation. The perfect fit minimizes tip eject forces.
(1) Bjorsten, M.G., B. Almby and E.S. Jansson, Hand and shoulder ailments among laboratory technicians using modern plunger-operated pipettes, Applied Ergonomics, 1994 25(2): 88-94.
(2)Study conducted by Ergonomic Engineering, Inc., 20 Gulf Road, Pelham, Massachusetts, 01002; Telephone (800) 375-ERGO(3746). For a complete copy of the study click Ergonomic Study or please contact Hamilton Company.
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