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Axio Lab.A1
Basic setting of the microscope from an ergonomic point of view
Carl Zeiss
04/2013 430037-7144-001
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For example, in the TÜV-certified ergonomic configuration, including the comfortable ergo tube (425522-
9040-000), the eyepiece viewing height and angle are continuously variable to cover the range from the
5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male. When using other ergo tubes from the Axio Lab.A1
program the coverage of the setting range is somewhat smaller.
In all cases it is important that the user can adjust his/her sitting position and eyepiece viewing height
according to individual needs. The sitting position should adjusted so that the underarms rest horizontally
on the work surface and the upper arms are relaxed. It should not be necessary to raise the shoulders or
bend over. The upper part of the body should be as upright as possible [DIN EN 1335-1: Office work
chairs]. The seat and backrest of the office swivel chair should satisfy ergonomic requirements and
support dynamic sitting postures [TÜV 2PfG974: Ergonomic requirements for office swivel chairs].
Accordingly, eyepiece viewing should be achieved by swinging the binocular part up or down for fixed
observation tubes or by continuous adjustment of an inclinable eyepiece and/or viewing angle for ergo
tubes. The viewing angle should in this case be between 8° and approx. 30°. The eyepiece viewing height
should be selected to enable the user to assume a relaxed, upright posture. The static muscle work of the
user's musculoskeletal system should be reduced as far as possible, to minimize the risk of muscle strain
in the back and neck. In addition, insofar as he/she is working on the variable ergo tube, the user should
slightly vary the settings from time to time in order to reduce muscle strain caused by extended periods of
work.
The TÜV ergonomically certified configuration of the Axio Lab.A1 provides optimum conditions. Other
Axio Lab.A1 configurations, in particular those equipped with the ergo stage and/or ergo tube, likewise
enable a wide range of adjustments to maximize ergonomics at the microscope workstation. These
ergonomic design considerations should always be taken into account when setting up a microscope
workstation in the laboratory. The longer the user works continuously at a microscope workstation, the
more important these considerations are.
