Maximize space and improve workflow with the ergoCentric Utility Shelf—the hands-free wall-mounted fold-down shelf trusted by healthcare facilities and institutions for over 30 years. Recommended by Ask Ergo Works, the leading ergonomics company specializing in workspace design, this innovative space-saving shelf provides a convenient touch-down surface for charting, laptops, food trays, and equipment while maintaining a low-profile design when closed.

Why You'll Love It

• Hands-free opening with forearm or elbow promotes hygiene and convenience—perfect for infection control environments
• Space-saving fold-down design protrudes only 3.5" when closed, staying clear of handrails and high-traffic areas
• Non-slip surface holds 120 lbs securely—accommodates laptops, keyboards, food trays, clipboards, and medical equipment
• Patent-pending damper system ensures smooth, controlled opening and closing for years of reliable use
• Versatile 22" × 15.5" surface fits most laptops, standard food service trays, and clipboards

Ergonomic Benefits Backed by 30+ Years of Expertise

Ask Ergo Works has been helping healthcare facilities, laboratories, and institutions create efficient, ergonomic workspaces since the 1990s. The ergoCentric Utility Shelf addresses critical workflow challenges in space-constrained environments by providing a convenient, accessible work surface exactly where you need it—without permanent desk space or clutter.

Key ergonomic and workflow advantages:

• Hands-free operation reduces cross-contamination in healthcare settings
• Provides ergonomic work surface at proper height for standing tasks
• Eliminates need to balance items or search for available surfaces
• Reduces bending and reaching by placing work surface at accessible height
• Improves workflow efficiency with convenient touch-down points
• Minimizes clutter in hallways and patient rooms
• Low-profile design prevents trip hazards and maintains clear pathways
• Durable construction withstands continuous institutional use

Hands-Free Operation for Hygiene & Convenience

The ergoCentric Utility Shelf features innovative hands-free opening that's essential for healthcare and food service environments:

• Forearm or elbow activation: Open the shelf without using your hands
• Infection control: Reduces touch points and cross-contamination risk
• Convenience: Open shelf even when hands are full
• Smooth operation: Patent-pending damper system provides controlled, quiet opening
• No sharp edges: Safe design won't catch skin or clothing
• Stays open: Damper holds shelf in open position until you're ready to close it

This hands-free feature is especially valuable in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and food service areas where hand hygiene is critical and staff often have their hands full.

Space-Saving Fold-Down Design

The low-profile design maximizes space efficiency in high-traffic areas:

Closed Position:

• Protrudes only 3.5" from wall
• Stays clear of standard handrails
• No trip hazard in hallways or patient rooms
• Sleek, professional appearance
• Minimal visual impact

Open Position:

• Extends 15.75" from wall
• Provides full 22" × 15.5" work surface
• Stable platform for laptops, trays, and equipment
• Non-slip surface keeps items secure
• Supports up to 120 lbs

The fold-down design is ideal for spaces where permanent desks or tables aren't practical—hallways, patient rooms, laboratories, clean rooms, and high-traffic areas.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:

• Work surface: 22" W × 15.5" D
• Closed protrusion: 3.5" from wall
• Open protrusion: 15.75" from wall
  

Capacity:

• Weight capacity: 120 lbs
• Accommodates: Laptops, keyboards, mice, standard food service trays, clipboards, medical charts, tablets, small equipment

Features:

• Hands-free opening with forearm or elbow
• Non-slip work surface
• Patent-pending damper system for smooth operation
• No sharp edges—safe for skin and clothing
• Low-profile closed position
• Wall-mounted installation
• Durable construction for institutional use

Construction:

• Patent-pending damper mechanism
• Durable materials designed for continuous use
• Professional-grade construction
• Easy-to-clean surfaces

Warranty & Certifications:

• Warranty: 5 years
• Designed for institutional and commercial use
• Developed in collaboration with acute care hospital

Model Information:

• Model: ergoCentric Utility Shelf
• Manufacturer: Ergocentric
• SKU: UTILITYSHELF
• Barcode: 628068870214

Perfect For

• Hospital hallways and patient rooms
• Nursing stations and medical charting areas
• Laboratories and clean rooms
• Food service and cafeteria areas
• Educational institutions and libraries
• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Office hallways and common areas
• Anywhere space is limited but work surfaces are needed
• High-traffic areas where permanent desks aren't practical
• Infection control environments requiring minimal touch points

Common Applications

Healthcare Settings:
Ideal for nurses and medical staff to chart, place food trays, or set down medical equipment. Position near hand sanitizer dispensers outside patient rooms for convenient, hygienic workflow. The hands-free operation is essential for infection control.

Laboratory Environments:
Provides a clean, stable surface for laptops, clipboards, or equipment in labs where bench space is limited. The non-slip surface keeps items secure, and the fold-down design saves valuable floor space.

Food Service Areas:
Perfect for temporarily placing food trays, clipboards, or tablets. The hands-free opening is especially convenient when carrying trays or when hands are occupied.

Educational Institutions:
Creates convenient study or work surfaces in hallways, libraries, or computer labs without taking up permanent floor space. Students can use laptops or take notes while standing.

Office Common Areas:
Provides touchdown surfaces in hallways or break rooms for quick tasks, laptop work, or placing items temporarily. Ideal for hot-desking environments or shared spaces.

Manufacturing & Industrial:
Offers a clean surface for clipboards, tablets, or small tools in production areas where space is at a premium. The durable construction withstands industrial environments.

Installation & Placement

Installation considerations:

• Wall-mounted design requires secure mounting to wall studs or appropriate anchors
• Install at ergonomic height for standing work (typically 36-42" from floor to shelf surface)
• Ensure adequate clearance for shelf to open fully (15.75" from wall)
• Position near hand sanitizer dispensers in healthcare settings
• Consider traffic flow and ensure closed shelf doesn't obstruct pathways
• Professional installation recommended for institutional settings

Optimal placement locations:

• Outside patient rooms near hand sanitizer stations
• In hallways at regular intervals for staff convenience
• Near nursing stations for charting
• In laboratories near equipment or workstations
• Food service areas for tray placement
• Study areas in libraries or educational facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the hands-free opening work?
Simply press the shelf with your forearm or elbow, and the patent-pending damper system smoothly opens it to the full position. This allows you to open the shelf even when your hands are full or when you want to minimize hand contact for hygiene reasons.

Will it hold a laptop and mouse?
Yes! The 22" × 15.5" surface easily accommodates most laptops (up to 17"), a mouse, and even a keyboard. The non-slip surface keeps everything secure.

Is it safe in high-traffic areas?
Absolutely. When closed, it protrudes only 3.5" from the wall—less than standard handrails—so it doesn't create a trip hazard. The design has no sharp edges to catch clothing or skin.

How much weight can it hold?
The shelf is rated for 120 lbs, which is more than sufficient for laptops, food trays, medical equipment, clipboards, and most items you'd place on it temporarily.

Does it stay open or close automatically?
The patent-pending damper system holds the shelf in the open position until you manually close it. This prevents it from slamming shut unexpectedly and allows you to work hands-free.

Can it be used in sterile environments?
Yes, the hands-free operation and easy-to-clean surfaces make it suitable for healthcare and laboratory environments where hygiene is critical. The minimal touch points reduce cross-contamination risk.

What's the difference between this and a regular fold-down shelf?
The ergoCentric Utility Shelf features hands-free opening (most fold-down shelves require hand operation), a patent-pending damper system for smooth controlled movement, and a low-profile design specifically engineered for institutional use.

Is installation difficult?
Installation requires mounting to a wall with appropriate hardware (wall studs or anchors). Professional installation is recommended for institutional settings to ensure proper weight support and safety.

Why Choose Ask Ergo Works?

As an authorized ergoCentric dealer with over 30 years of ergonomic expertise, Ask Ergo Works provides expert guidance to help healthcare facilities, laboratories, and institutions optimize their workspaces for efficiency, safety, and hygiene. We've helped Fortune 500 companies and healthcare systems create better work environments through smart space planning and ergonomic solutions.

What you get:

• Genuine ergoCentric products with full 5-year manufacturer warranty
• Expert workspace design consultations available
• Trusted by healthcare facilities and Fortune 500 companies
• 30+ years of institutional workspace optimization expertise
• Free shipping included
• Responsive support for installation and placement guidance

Designed for Healthcare Professionals

The ergoCentric Utility Shelf was developed in collaboration with an acute care hospital to address real-world challenges faced by healthcare staff:

• Need for convenient charting surfaces near patient rooms
• Infection control requirements for minimal touch points
• Space constraints in hallways and patient rooms
• Safety concerns about protrusions and trip hazards
• Durability requirements for 24/7 institutional use

The result is a purpose-built solution that improves workflow, enhances hygiene, and maximizes space efficiency in demanding healthcare environments.

Ready to improve workflow and save space? Experience the convenience of hands-free, fold-down work surfaces exactly where you need them. Order your ergoCentric Utility Shelf today and discover why it's trusted by healthcare facilities and institutions nationwide.

Questions about installation, placement, or whether this shelf is right for your facility? Contact our workspace design specialists for personalized recommendations and space planning guidance.