Lab Safety Practices Quiz

Good Lab Practices

• Prioritize safety by adhering to lab requirements and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Identify safety equipment upon entering a new lab to ensure quick reactions during emergencies.
• Document all experimental steps and chemical usage meticulously.
• Label samples accurately with content, hazards, date, and initials.
• After experiments, clean glassware, store reagents correctly, dispose of waste properly, and disinfect work surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wear garments that cover the body, including closed-toe shoes and long pants, to minimize exposure.
• Avoid loose sleeves and secure long hair to prevent hazards, particularly around flames.
• Leave personal items outside the lab to avoid contamination.
• Maintain cleanliness; wash hands before exiting and keep nails short.
• PPE must be worn at all times and should include lab coats, safety goggles, gloves, and respirators as necessary.

Lab Safety Protocols

• Clean the lab regularly; ensure emergency exits remain accessible.
• Store chemicals in designated cabinets to prevent accidents.
• A lab coat, exclusively for lab use, protects against spills and must be long-sleeved and buttoned.
• Use chemical-resistant goggles for splash hazards; safety glasses protect against flying debris.
• Immediate eye washing is necessary in case of chemical exposure.

Laboratory Biosafety Levels

• Classified into four levels based on risk and safety measures:
  • Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1): Basic lab practices with minimal risk.
  • Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2): Increased safety measures with protective clothing and biological safety cabinets (BSC).
  • Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3): More stringent controls, including controlled access and specific clothing for handling hazardous pathogens.
  • Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4): Maximum containment for deadly pathogens requiring positive pressure suits and isolated lab environments.

HEPA Filters

• HEPA filters capture at least 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 microns.
• Function through interception, impaction, and diffusion mechanisms to trap contaminants effectively.
• Essential in BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs for maintaining air quality and safety.

Hazard Groups

• Hazards categorized by infection risk:
  • Group 1: Low infection risk, unlikely to cause disease in humans (e.g., Bacillus subtilus).
  • Group 2: Moderate risk with known treatments (e.g., Salmonella).
  • Group 3: Serious disease threats with community transmissibility (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
  • Group 4: Extremely dangerous with high community risk and no available treatment (e.g., Ebola virus).

Biosafety Cabinets (BSC)

• Provide a controlled environment for handling infectious materials.
• Types of BSC include:
  • Class I: Protects the operator.
  • Class II: Protects both operator and work area.
  • Class III: Maximum protection, fully enclosed.
• Proper usage includes thorough decontamination procedures before and after work.

Staff Actions for Lab Safety

• Implement a buddy system for emergencies; all lab users must be registered.
• Mandatory training required for lab entry; unauthorized personnel are prohibited.
• Maintain a clean exit protocol by disinfecting surfaces and safely disposing of waste.
• Sign in and out for accountability and security purposes.

This quiz will test your knowledge on essential lab safety practices. You'll learn about the importance of personal protective equipment, proper labeling of samples, and how to respond to emergencies in the lab. Understanding these key concepts is crucial for maintaining a safe laboratory environment.