SonoSite S-Cath - Chapter 6: Safety; Ergonomic Safety

Chapter 6: Safety 67
Safety
Chapter 6: Safety
Thischaptercontainsinformation requiredbyregulatoryagencies,including information
abouttheALARA(aslowasreasonablyachievable)principle,theoutputdisplaystandard,
acousticpowerandintensitytables,andothersafetyinformation.Theinformationappliesto
theultrasoundsystem,transducer,accessories,andperipherals.
Ergonomic safety
Thesehealthyscanningguidelinesareintendedtoassistyouinthecomfortandeffectiveuse
ofyourultrasoundsystem.
WARNING:
To prevent musculoskeletal disorders, follow the guidelines in this section.
Use of an ultrasound system may be linked to musculoskeletal disorders
a,b,c
.
Use of an ultrasound system is defined as the physical interaction among the
operator, the ultrasound system, and the transducer.
When using an ultrasound system, as with many similar physical activities, you may
experience occasional discomfort in your hands, fingers, arms, shoulders, eyes, back,
or other parts of your body. However, if you experience symptoms such as constant
or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning
sensation, or stiffness, promptly see a qualified health professional. Such symptoms
can be linked with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs can be painful and may
result in potentially disabling injuries to the nerves, muscles, tendons, or other parts
of the body. Examples of MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
While researchers are not able to definitively answer many questions about MSDs,
there is a general agreement that certain factors are associated with their
occurrence including: preexisting medical and physical conditions, overall health,
equipment and body position while doing work, frequency of work, duration of
work, and other physical activities that may facilitate the onset of MSDs
d
. This
section provides guidelines that may help you work more comfortably and may
reduce your risk of MSDs
e,f
.
a. Magnavita, N., L. Bevilacqua, P. Mirk, A. Fileni, and N. Castellino. “Work-related Musculoskeletal Complaints in Sonologists.”
Occupational Environmental Medicine. 41:11 (1999), 981-988.
b. Craig, M. “Sonography: An Occupational Hazard?” Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 3 (1985), 121-125.
c. Smith, C.S., G.W. Wolf, G. Y. Xie, and M. D. Smith. “Musculoskeletal Pain in Cardiac Ultrasonographers: Results of a Random
Survey.” Journal of American Society of Echocardiography. (May1997), 357-362.
d. Wihlidal, L.M. and S. Kumar. “An Injury Profile of Practicing Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alberta.” International
Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 19 (1997), 205-216.
e. Habes, D.J. and S. Baron. “Health Hazard Report 99-0093-2749.” University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. (1999).
f. Vanderpool, H.E., E.A. Friis, B.S. Smith, and K.L. Harms. “Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Work-related
Musculoskeletal Problems in Cardiac Sonographers.” Journal of Medicine. 35:6 (1993), 605-610.