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Ankles
above
Knees
above
Hips
above
Shoulders
above
Ears
• Use cable supports to minimise ‘cable drag’
• Adjust the monitor so your eyes are level with the top third of the monitor
• Schedule patients to vary examination types
• Change posture at least every 8 – 10 minutes
• Refocus your eyes every few minutes
• Stretch and relax muscles often
The Australasian Sonographers Association would like to thank Bernadette Mason, Peter Mason, Val Gregory, Jenn Reid, Carolyn Hummerston and Robyn Tantau for the preparation of this poster and Julie Wheatley for her assistance with the illustrations. Copies of this poster may be ordered through the ASA Office, Level PO Box 356 Dingley 3172Victoria Australia. • Phone +61•3P: 9552 • Fax +61 3 9558 1399 • admin@a-s-a.com.au • www.a-s-a.com.au 2, 93–95 QueenVillage Street,Victoria Melbourne 3000 Australia +610000 3 9552 0000 • E: memberservices@sonographers.org • W: www.sonographers.org This poster remains the property of the Australasian Sonographers Association. No part of it may be reproduced without permission.
• Vary posture by alternating sitting and standing; varying scanning techniques; changing transducer grip; repositioning equipment and alternating scanning arm
• Minimise twisting, bending, reaching, lifting, using excessive force and awkward postures
• Position all equipment and the patient as close as possible to you
• Support arms, trunk and back as much as possible • Have ‘mini breaks’ during examinations
• Avoid sharing the monitor with the patient
• Adjust all equipment to achieve an acceptable posture before starting to scan
Hips
above
Shoulders
above
Ears
sonographers.org www.a-s-a.com.au
REMEMBER: FATIGUED MUSCLES MUST BE GIVEN TIME TO RECOVER
• Regular physiotherapy and optical health checks are recommended
• Always take tea and meal breaks to give your body time to completely relax
• Take regular frequent breaks from scanning – at least 10 minutes every hour is recommended
Wrists and elbows in a neutral position
Rotation on the head less than 45 degrees and ideally less than 15 degrees
Flexion of the neck less than 30 degrees and ideally less than 20 degrees
Forearms almost parallel to the floor
Backward reach should be minimal
Forward reach less than 25 degrees
Abduction of the arms less than 30 degrees
Thighs slightly lower than hips
Feet supported on chair or ultrasound unit footrest
Sitting
• All equipment should be fully adjustable
Tips for Safe Scanning
Wrists and elbows in a neutral position
Rotation on the head less than 45 degrees and ideally less than 15 degrees
Flexion of the neck less than 30 degrees and ideally less than 20 degrees
Forearms almost parallel to the floor
Backward reach should be minimal
Forward reach less than 25 degrees
Abduction of the arms less than 30 degrees
Weight evenly distributed on both feet
Standing
TAKE THE TIME TO GET IT RIGHT
POSTURE IS IMPORTANT FOR SONOGRAPHERS
PREVENT INJURY
19/03/2015 12:04:11 PM
A S A W O R K H E A LT H & S A F E T Y I S S U E
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