8 Questions
What was the primary source of laboratory-acquired infections in the past?
Mouth pipetting
What is the primary purpose of personal protective equipment and clothing in a laboratory?
To provide a barrier to minimize the risk of exposure to aerosols, splashes, and accidental inoculation
What should be worn over normal prescription eye glasses and contact lenses in a laboratory?
Goggles
What should be removed before leaving the laboratory?
Protective clothing
What type of plastic are face shields made of?
Shatterproof
What is the purpose of a laboratory coat?
To act as a barrier to minimize the risk of exposure to aerosols, splashes, and accidental inoculation
What is the correct order of actions when leaving a laboratory?
Remove protective clothing, wash hands, and then exit the laboratory
What is the primary hazard posed by centrifuges and other laboratory equipment?
Unique hazards that require design changes to improve safety and reduce risks
Study Notes
Laboratory Equipment Hazards
- Laboratory equipment, such as needles, centrifuges, glass instruments, and pipettes, can pose unique hazards to laboratory workers.
- The design of laboratory equipment has evolved over time to improve safety and reduce risks.
Pipettes and Infection Risks
- In the past, researchers used "mouth pipetting" to suction liquids into glass tubes, which was a major source of laboratory-acquired infections.
- Pathogens can also be transferred to the mouth if a contaminated finger is placed on the suction end of a pipette.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- PPE acts as a barrier to minimize the risk of exposure to aerosols, splashes, and accidental inoculation.
- The type of PPE used depends on the nature of the work performed in the laboratory.
- Protective clothing should be worn when working in the laboratory and removed before leaving the laboratory.
- Hands should be washed after removing protective clothing.
Types of PPE
- Laboratory coats, gowns, coveralls, and aprons provide protection against biological and chemical hazards.
- Goggles worn over normal prescription eye glasses and contact lenses provide protection against splash and impact hazards.
- Face shields (visors) made of shatterproof plastic fit over the face and are held in place by head straps or caps, providing additional protection.
This quiz covers the hazards associated with laboratory equipment, including needles, centrifuges, and pipettes, and how their design has evolved to improve safety and reduce risks.
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