Laboratory Hazards Quiz

Types of Hazards in the Laboratory

• Laboratory hazards can be categorized into different types: biological, chemical, radiation, electrical, fire, sharps and ergonomic.

Biological Hazard

• A biological hazard is a pathogen (disease-producing agent) that can be transmitted through various routes.
• Routes of transmission include direct contact (touching, biting, sexual intercourse), indirect contact (airborne, vector-borne, vehicle-borne (fomites, dust), and vertical transmission.
• Disposal of biological hazards requires specialized containers with a biohazard symbol.
• Decontamination methods vary by institution and can include incineration or autoclaving.

Sharps Hazard

• A sharps hazard includes needles, lancets, and broken glasswares.

Chemical Hazard

• A chemical hazard can be a solid, liquid or gas that can harm those exposed to it.

Radiation Hazard

• Radioactive materials are a hazard in clinical labs when performing procedures that use radioisotopes.

Electrical Hazard

• Electrical hazards can cause electric shock, burns, and fire.

Fire Hazard

• Any actions, materials, or conditions that might increase the size or severity of a fire, or that might cause a fire to start, are considered fire hazards.
• The acronym RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish or Evacuate) can be used to remember the steps to take in the event of a fire.
• The acronym PASS (Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) are steps to remember when using a fire extinguisher.

Ergonomic Hazard

• Ergonomic hazards are a collection of injuries involving the musculoskeletal and/or nervous systems resulting from long-term repetitive twisting, bending, lifting, or maintaining static postures for extended periods.