Lab Safety and WHMIS Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does PPE stand for in the context of lab safety?

Public Protection Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (correct)

Private Protective Equipment

Protocol Protection Equipment

What is the main purpose of WHMIS?

To provide safety training to workers

To regulate the manufacturing of hazardous products

To provide health and safety information on hazardous materials (correct)

To create safety protocols for environmental practices

Which of the following is NOT a component of WHMIS?

Worker education and training

Product classification

Environmental impact assessments (correct)

Labelling

How many different Hazard Classes are represented in WHMIS?

10 Signup and view all the answers

What significant update occurred in WHMIS in 2015?

Standardization of chemical labelling globally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

An international standard for chemical labeling and classification Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of aligning WHMIS with GHS?

Improved hazard classification criteria Signup and view all the answers

Before attending a lab, what is one important preparation step you should take?

Read the lab manual and associated protocols Signup and view all the answers

What does the Hazard Pictogram for 'FIRE' represent?

Flammable Material Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of a chemical supply company regarding Safety Data Sheets?

To prepare and update Safety Data Sheets Signup and view all the answers

What should an individual do before working with a chemical?

Look up and understand the Safety Data Sheet Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms are permitted in Containment Level 1 laboratories?

Well-studied organisms that are low risk Signup and view all the answers

How many parts does a Safety Data Sheet consist of?

16 parts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required in a CL1 laboratory according to the guidelines?

Special ventilation systems Signup and view all the answers

What category is 70% Denatured Alcohol classified under?

Category 2 flammable liquid Signup and view all the answers

Which of these organisms is an example of a Risk Group 1 organism?

Escherichia coli K-12 Signup and view all the answers

What is a Pathogen Safety Data Sheet used for?

Identifying biological hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary shape of WHMIS 2015 pictograms?

Red square on point Signup and view all the answers

What does the door signage in a laboratory indicate?

The Containment Level and required PPE Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet?

Environmental Impact Assessments Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Containment Level 1 laboratories?

Minimal potential hazard to laboratory personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to maintain proper air balancing in a laboratory using volatile chemicals?

Maintain doors in a closed position Signup and view all the answers

Which Containment Level is the only teaching lab on campus as per the information provided?

Containment Level 2 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding agents used in a CL1 laboratory?

They are selected for their low risk and low hazard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Risk Group Database called ePATHogen?

To provide classification information for microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a biohazard?

Microorganisms that can potentially cause disease in humans Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sections is NOT included in a PSDS?

Nutritional Information Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'biological material' refer to?

Anything with a biological origin, regardless of its hazard status Signup and view all the answers

What should you do first upon entering a lab space?

Read the signage on the door Signup and view all the answers

What type of substance is classified as a microbial toxin?

A poisonous substance produced by or extracted from a microorganism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about biological material?

All biological materials pose a risk to human health Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily regulated under the PHAC?

Biohazardous material Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a lab?

To minimize the risk of exposure to hazards Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you have cuts or abrasions before putting on nitrile gloves?

Cover them with a waterproof dressing Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for washing hands in the lab?

At least 20 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What should never be done with needles in a laboratory setting?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How should you prepare to take pictures in the lab if wearing gloves?

Ask someone else to hold the specimens Signup and view all the answers

Which item is NOT considered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Regular footwear Signup and view all the answers

Where are eyewash stations typically located in a lab?

In close proximity to safety showers Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step when donning gloves in a lab?

Ensure hands are dry from washing Signup and view all the answers

What should you do immediately after a hazardous substance spill greater than 50mls?

Notify your instructor and nearby personnel. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a permissible situation for not reporting an incident?

Spill of non-hazardous substances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary contact number for immediate assistance in case of a serious injury in the lab?

911 Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with an Occurrence Report once it is completed?

Forward it to your Supervisor for review and signature. Signup and view all the answers

What types of spill kits are available in the laboratory?

One for biologicals and one for chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

Which item can be used to treat injuries requiring first aid in the laboratory?

The appropriate eyewash station. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with all injuries that occur in the laboratory?

They must be treated immediately and reported. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if an eyewash station or safety shower is needed?

Notify your lab instructor right away. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Safety in Biology and Environmental Sciences Labs

Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory before any work in the lab.
Long hair must be tied back.
Suitable hand protection is required.
Protective eyewear is essential.
Buttoned-up, fitted coats are necessary.
Full-length pants are required.
Closed-toe shoes are needed.

Lab Hazards

Biology and Environmental Science labs may expose students to minor hazards.
Precautionary steps are put in place to mitigate risks.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) lowers the risk of exposure to hazards.
Students should read the relevant lab manual and associated protocols beforehand.
Students should ask questions before working with equipment.

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

WHMIS is a comprehensive system providing health and safety information on hazardous products used, handled, or stored in Canadian workplaces.
Key components of WHMIS are hazard identification, product classification, labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and worker education and training.
In Canada, WHMIS regulations are legally binding.
WHMIS is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labeling of chemicals, which results in improved hazard identification.
New hazard classes are part of WHMIS 2015.
Hazard classification criteria are more comprehensive to indicate severity of hazards.
WHMIS 2015 uses pictograms to indicate hazard classes.
There are 10 different hazard classes with categories that provide more specifics on the product.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

SDS is a 16-part document containing details about chemicals (name, hazards, composition, first aid, fire-fighting procedures, accidental release measures, handling and storage).
Chemical supply companies must ensure SDS are up to date.
End-users are responsible for reviewing and understanding SDS before using a chemical.
Safety Data Sheets are publicly accessible online.

Biological Material

Biological material includes anything with a biological origin (microorganisms, proteins, toxins, nucleic acids, blood samples, etc.).
Many biological materials are not hazardous.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) manages the regulation of biohazardous material.
Risk Groups (RG) classify how hazardous a biological agent is, and what facilities/equipment are required to work safely with it.

What is a Biohazard?

Biohazard is an agent that can cause disease in humans.
Biohazardous substances can cause either disease or be asymptomatic.
Biohazardous substance transmission is possible to fellow students, family and friends.
Examples of biohazards include bacteria, viruses, parasites, mold, and fungi.
Microbial toxins produced by or extracted from microorganisms are also regulated.

Entering a Lab Space

Lab signage describes the hazards present and the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for entry.
Hazards include flammable, corrosive and irritating/toxic materials.
PPE includes safety glasses, lab coats, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Emergency contacts, in case of incidents, are included on signage.

Containment Levels (CL)

Containment levels (CL) specify minimum physical containment and operational practices for handling potentially hazardous materials/toxins.
Containment Level 1 (CL1) Labs are for less-hazardous organisms (e.g. common bacteria and fungi)
Organisms used are low risk/low hazard.
Lab equipment will vary based on the Containment level.

Lab Ventilation

Fume hoods are engineering controls to protect against volatile chemicals
Snorkel systems are also used but are less effective
Air balancing in labs is important for maintaining proper ventilation inside the lab.
Doors should be closed to prevent air leaks.

Operational Practices

Wear appropriate attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, hair tied back).
Use mechanical pipetting devices.
Frequently wash hands.
Minimize splashes/aerosols.
Decontaminate surfaces with 70% ethanol.
Safely handle wastes.
Cell phones and other electronic devices should be avoided in the lab, especially if wearing gloves.
Avoid wearing personal items that could contaminate experiment materials.
Clean equipment as necessary
Report any incidents as per facility safety procedures.

Operational Practices, Donning/Doffing Gloves

Proper techniques for donning and doffing gloves should be followed to maintain worker safety and prevent contamination.

Operational Practices, Eyewash Stations & Safety Showers

Eye wash stations and safety showers are provided to deal with accidental exposure to hazardous substances
Immediately contact lab instructor if you require an eyewash or safety shower.

Spills in Laboratories

Labs have spill kits (biological and chemicals).
Notify instructor/personnel of any spills, especially hazardous substances larger than 50mls
Properly clean up spills as per safety instructions.

Accidents/Occurrence Reporting

Report any injuries.
Immediately contact security if required
Use the Occurrence Reporting System for incidents.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers essential concepts related to lab safety, focusing on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Participants will explore the components, updates, and responsibilities associated with WHMIS and safety data sheets. It's an important tool for anyone working in a laboratory environment.