Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the secondary effects of laboratory accidents highlighted in the text?
What are the secondary effects of laboratory accidents highlighted in the text?
Loss of reputation, loss of customers/income, negative effect on staff retention, and increased costs due to litigation and insurance.
What role does a laboratory director play in ensuring safety during the design of new facilities?
What role does a laboratory director play in ensuring safety during the design of new facilities?
The laboratory director must actively participate in the design and planning stages to ensure a safe environment for laboratory activities.
What responsibilities does a Quality Manager have regarding personnel safety training?
What responsibilities does a Quality Manager have regarding personnel safety training?
A Quality Manager must ensure that personnel are trained in basic safety rules and their specific duties when new activities or techniques are introduced.
How should a laboratorian manage their awareness regarding biosafety?
How should a laboratorian manage their awareness regarding biosafety?
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What is a required action when developing new laboratory activities?
What is a required action when developing new laboratory activities?
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Why is it important to consider laboratory organization when developing new diagnostics?
Why is it important to consider laboratory organization when developing new diagnostics?
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What does active engagement in safety audits entail for a Quality Manager?
What does active engagement in safety audits entail for a Quality Manager?
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What should a laboratory facility avoid in its design to enhance patient safety?
What should a laboratory facility avoid in its design to enhance patient safety?
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What is one major disadvantage of using steel for laboratory benchtops?
What is one major disadvantage of using steel for laboratory benchtops?
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Why should work benches in microbiology areas be organized based on the types of samples analyzed?
Why should work benches in microbiology areas be organized based on the types of samples analyzed?
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How often should benchtops be cleaned and disinfected in a laboratory?
How often should benchtops be cleaned and disinfected in a laboratory?
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What is a key responsibility of the laboratory safety officer?
What is a key responsibility of the laboratory safety officer?
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List one personal protective equipment (PPE) required in laboratory safety practices.
List one personal protective equipment (PPE) required in laboratory safety practices.
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What practice should be prohibited to prevent contamination in the lab?
What practice should be prohibited to prevent contamination in the lab?
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Describe the proper storage condition for flammable chemicals.
Describe the proper storage condition for flammable chemicals.
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What should be done with sharps and needles in the laboratory?
What should be done with sharps and needles in the laboratory?
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What is the purpose of conducting regular risk assessments in the laboratory?
What is the purpose of conducting regular risk assessments in the laboratory?
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What cleaning frequency is suggested for laboratory ceilings and walls?
What cleaning frequency is suggested for laboratory ceilings and walls?
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What type of training should laboratory staff receive to mitigate risks?
What type of training should laboratory staff receive to mitigate risks?
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How should chemicals that pose special hazards be handled?
How should chemicals that pose special hazards be handled?
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What should laboratory waste management procedures include?
What should laboratory waste management procedures include?
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What is a recommended action if spills occur in the laboratory?
What is a recommended action if spills occur in the laboratory?
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What kind of equipment should be available for emergencies in the laboratory?
What kind of equipment should be available for emergencies in the laboratory?
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What design feature ensures that public access to biological materials is minimized in a laboratory?
What design feature ensures that public access to biological materials is minimized in a laboratory?
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How can access to rooms where hazardous materials are stored be restricted?
How can access to rooms where hazardous materials are stored be restricted?
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What is the significance of locating sample collection areas near the entry door?
What is the significance of locating sample collection areas near the entry door?
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Why is it essential to separate clean and dirty laboratory material circulation pathways?
Why is it essential to separate clean and dirty laboratory material circulation pathways?
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What is the ideal location for service rooms in a laboratory?
What is the ideal location for service rooms in a laboratory?
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How should molecular biology activities be spatially organized within a laboratory?
How should molecular biology activities be spatially organized within a laboratory?
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Why is risk assessment important in a laboratory setting?
Why is risk assessment important in a laboratory setting?
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What role does a safety officer play in a laboratory?
What role does a safety officer play in a laboratory?
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What are some considerations for ensuring stable power supply for sensitive equipment in a laboratory?
What are some considerations for ensuring stable power supply for sensitive equipment in a laboratory?
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What must be recorded when laboratory staff are exposed to hazards?
What must be recorded when laboratory staff are exposed to hazards?
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Why is it important to consider liquid waste disposal when placing equipment in a laboratory?
Why is it important to consider liquid waste disposal when placing equipment in a laboratory?
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What are the three main routes through which toxic chemicals can enter the body?
What are the three main routes through which toxic chemicals can enter the body?
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What type of flooring is recommended for laboratory environments and why?
What type of flooring is recommended for laboratory environments and why?
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What materials are suggested for laboratory work benches, and what is a key advantage of using them?
What materials are suggested for laboratory work benches, and what is a key advantage of using them?
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Why is training on safety procedures imperative in laboratories?
Why is training on safety procedures imperative in laboratories?
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What specific precautions should be taken when storing compressed gas cylinders?
What specific precautions should be taken when storing compressed gas cylinders?
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What type of paint is recommended for laboratory walls and ceilings, and why?
What type of paint is recommended for laboratory walls and ceilings, and why?
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What is a vital step after the analysis of biological samples in a laboratory?
What is a vital step after the analysis of biological samples in a laboratory?
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What is the recommendation for disposing of sharps in a laboratory?
What is the recommendation for disposing of sharps in a laboratory?
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What kind of ventilation system is crucial for a laboratory's physical design?
What kind of ventilation system is crucial for a laboratory's physical design?
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What should never be used for the disposal of laboratory glass?
What should never be used for the disposal of laboratory glass?
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How can laboratory staff prevent cross-contamination during different laboratory activities?
How can laboratory staff prevent cross-contamination during different laboratory activities?
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Why is it important to label chemicals properly in the laboratory?
Why is it important to label chemicals properly in the laboratory?
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What information is provided in a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
What information is provided in a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
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What unique storage requirements exist for radiochemicals?
What unique storage requirements exist for radiochemicals?
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Why should contaminated laboratory glass be decontaminated before disposal?
Why should contaminated laboratory glass be decontaminated before disposal?
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What is the implication of laboratory acquired infections, as discussed in the content?
What is the implication of laboratory acquired infections, as discussed in the content?
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How should chemicals that can ignite be stored in a laboratory?
How should chemicals that can ignite be stored in a laboratory?
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What is the primary biological safety level commonly operated by clinical laboratories for routine work?
What is the primary biological safety level commonly operated by clinical laboratories for routine work?
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List two types of personal protective equipment commonly worn in BSL-2 laboratory settings.
List two types of personal protective equipment commonly worn in BSL-2 laboratory settings.
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What determines the need for additional personal protective equipment in a BSL-2 laboratory?
What determines the need for additional personal protective equipment in a BSL-2 laboratory?
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Why is following the CDC recommended standard precautions important in a BSL-2 laboratory?
Why is following the CDC recommended standard precautions important in a BSL-2 laboratory?
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Name one type of respiratory protection that may be required in certain situations within a BSL-2 lab.
Name one type of respiratory protection that may be required in certain situations within a BSL-2 lab.
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What are the primary roles of laboratory coats in a lab setting?
What are the primary roles of laboratory coats in a lab setting?
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What specific materials are commonly used to make fire-retardant laboratory coats?
What specific materials are commonly used to make fire-retardant laboratory coats?
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How should gowns be properly secured during usage?
How should gowns be properly secured during usage?
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Why is it necessary to wear safety goggles instead of just safety glasses in certain situations?
Why is it necessary to wear safety goggles instead of just safety glasses in certain situations?
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What are the limitations of safety glasses regarding chemical splash protection?
What are the limitations of safety glasses regarding chemical splash protection?
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Describe the appropriate use of aprons in the laboratory.
Describe the appropriate use of aprons in the laboratory.
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What should be done with disposable gloves after use in the laboratory?
What should be done with disposable gloves after use in the laboratory?
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What should you look for when selecting a gown for lab work?
What should you look for when selecting a gown for lab work?
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What is the recommended cleaning protocol for safety glasses?
What is the recommended cleaning protocol for safety glasses?
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When is it necessary to wear a face shield in addition to other PPE?
When is it necessary to wear a face shield in addition to other PPE?
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Why is it advised not to wear gloves outside of the laboratory?
Why is it advised not to wear gloves outside of the laboratory?
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What factors determine the choice of glove material for laboratory safety?
What factors determine the choice of glove material for laboratory safety?
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What precautions should be taken when using reusable gloves in the lab?
What precautions should be taken when using reusable gloves in the lab?
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What safety standards should safety glasses meet?
What safety standards should safety glasses meet?
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What are the primary methods recommended by the CDC for ensuring laboratory safety?
What are the primary methods recommended by the CDC for ensuring laboratory safety?
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Explain the significance of goggles in a laboratory setting.
Explain the significance of goggles in a laboratory setting.
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List two important practices for the effective use of gloves in a laboratory.
List two important practices for the effective use of gloves in a laboratory.
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What must higher containment level laboratories ensure for aerosol management?
What must higher containment level laboratories ensure for aerosol management?
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Identify the major routes through which laboratory staff acquire infections.
Identify the major routes through which laboratory staff acquire infections.
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What are disposable laboratory coats recommended for in level 3 laboratories?
What are disposable laboratory coats recommended for in level 3 laboratories?
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How can masks contribute to safety in a laboratory?
How can masks contribute to safety in a laboratory?
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What factors influence the need for specific types of PPE in laboratory work?
What factors influence the need for specific types of PPE in laboratory work?
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Describe the function of safety glasses or face shields in laboratory settings.
Describe the function of safety glasses or face shields in laboratory settings.
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What is the importance of training lab staff on PPE use?
What is the importance of training lab staff on PPE use?
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Why are contact lenses not recommended without additional eye protection in laboratories?
Why are contact lenses not recommended without additional eye protection in laboratories?
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What is the primary reason that gloves should not be reused in the laboratory?
What is the primary reason that gloves should not be reused in the laboratory?
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How does body protection in the form of lab coats contribute to laboratory safety?
How does body protection in the form of lab coats contribute to laboratory safety?
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What additional measures should be taken when manipulating dangerous liquids?
What additional measures should be taken when manipulating dangerous liquids?
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Specify how a respirator serves as part of laboratory personal protective equipment.
Specify how a respirator serves as part of laboratory personal protective equipment.
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What factors should laboratories consider when selecting appropriate gloves for PPE?
What factors should laboratories consider when selecting appropriate gloves for PPE?
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Why are nitrile gloves often preferred over latex gloves in clinical settings?
Why are nitrile gloves often preferred over latex gloves in clinical settings?
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What additional considerations should be made when selecting chemical-resistant gloves?
What additional considerations should be made when selecting chemical-resistant gloves?
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Describe a scenario where insulated gloves would be necessary in a laboratory.
Describe a scenario where insulated gloves would be necessary in a laboratory.
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What are the key components of a respiratory protection program in a laboratory?
What are the key components of a respiratory protection program in a laboratory?
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How is the effectiveness of respirators like N95 and P100 measured?
How is the effectiveness of respirators like N95 and P100 measured?
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What is the primary difference between facemasks and respirators in terms of protection?
What is the primary difference between facemasks and respirators in terms of protection?
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When should medical evaluations be conducted for respirator users in a lab?
When should medical evaluations be conducted for respirator users in a lab?
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What types of materials are neoprene gloves most suitable for in the lab?
What types of materials are neoprene gloves most suitable for in the lab?
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Why should latex gloves not be reused in laboratory settings?
Why should latex gloves not be reused in laboratory settings?
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What does the term 'oil proof' mean in the context of respirators?
What does the term 'oil proof' mean in the context of respirators?
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In what situations would cryogenic gloves be necessary?
In what situations would cryogenic gloves be necessary?
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What is a potential limitation of chemical-resistant gloves based on their use?
What is a potential limitation of chemical-resistant gloves based on their use?
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Which respirators are the most commonly used in clinical labs, and why?
Which respirators are the most commonly used in clinical labs, and why?
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What is the primary purpose of wearing surgical grade masks in a healthcare setting?
What is the primary purpose of wearing surgical grade masks in a healthcare setting?
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What are the main components of a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)?
What are the main components of a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)?
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Why are dedicated lab footwear recommended in a laboratory setting?
Why are dedicated lab footwear recommended in a laboratory setting?
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What criteria should be followed when selecting PPE for clinical laboratory work?
What criteria should be followed when selecting PPE for clinical laboratory work?
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What is the significance of a laboratory process/task risk assessment?
What is the significance of a laboratory process/task risk assessment?
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How often should PPE be cleaned and disinfected between uses?
How often should PPE be cleaned and disinfected between uses?
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What essential training must employers provide to workers using PPE?
What essential training must employers provide to workers using PPE?
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Why should skin-covering clothing made of natural fibers be worn in labs?
Why should skin-covering clothing made of natural fibers be worn in labs?
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What role does a PPE maintenance program play in workplace safety?
What role does a PPE maintenance program play in workplace safety?
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When are disposable sleeve guards particularly used in laboratories?
When are disposable sleeve guards particularly used in laboratories?
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What actions should employees take if they need new or additional PPE?
What actions should employees take if they need new or additional PPE?
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What is the primary purpose of having a PPE program in a lab?
What is the primary purpose of having a PPE program in a lab?
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What key aspect must be considered when choosing PPE for infection control?
What key aspect must be considered when choosing PPE for infection control?
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What should lab policies enforce regarding hair and clothing?
What should lab policies enforce regarding hair and clothing?
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How are disposable shoe covers utilized in laboratories?
How are disposable shoe covers utilized in laboratories?
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Study Notes
Laboratory Safety Program
- A laboratory safety program protects employees, patients, equipment, and the environment.
- Negligence of laboratory safety incurs costs related to reputation loss, customer loss, staff retention, litigation, and insurance.
- Laboratory directors play a crucial role in the design and planning of safe laboratory facilities.
- They should assess potential risks and ensure a safe environment for laboratory activities, including services to patients.
- Quality managers or safety officers develop safety guidelines, train personnel, manage safety issues related to chemicals and pathogens, perform risk assessments, and conduct laboratory safety audits.
- All laboratory staff should be aware of basic safety rules and processes.
Laboratory Design
- The design should separate patients and patient samples’ pathways to prevent cross-contamination.
- The reception desk should be near the entry door.
- Access to rooms where biological samples are manipulated or hazardous materials are stored should be restricted to authorized personnel.
- To prevent or reduce risks of cross-contamination, follow the path of the sample through the laboratory during pre-examination, examination, and post-examination phases.
Spatial Organization
- Divide the laboratory into areas with different access control to separate patients from biological samples.
- Group related activities in a single room or clearly delineate bench space for specific activities to prevent cross-contamination.
- Locate service rooms, including autoclaves and sinks for cleaning glassware, in a central area for easier access and efficient circulation of materials.
- Molecular biology activities require separate space with at least two rooms to prevent contamination.
- Fluorescence microscopy needs a dark room with proper ventilation and should not be used for chemical storage.
- UV illumination systems for DNA gel photography require a dark room and appropriate eye protection equipment.
Physical Aspects of Facilities
- The laboratory should have proper ventilation, adequate space for circulation, and high ceilings.
- Walls and ceilings should be washable and disinfectable.
- Floors should be easy to clean, disinfect, and have no edges between the walls and floors.
- Work benches should be made of durable and disinfectable materials like ceramic tiles, but beware of the grout needing regular disinfection.
- Wood should not be used for benchtops due to its difficulty in cleaning and disinfection and its susceptibility to deterioration.
- Steel should also be avoided because it rusts when washed with chlorine.
- Organize work benches according to the type of analysis performed, with adequate space for equipment and materials.
- In microbiology areas, separate work benches for different sample types or pathogens to minimize cross-contamination risks.
- Clean and maintain all laboratory areas regularly.
- Clean and disinfect benchtops after each use and spills.
- Clean floors regularly.
- Schedule weekly or monthly cleaning for ceilings, walls, refrigerators, and storage areas.
- Record cleaning and disinfection activities, including the date and person responsible.
Safety Management Program
- A safety program promotes laboratory safety.
- Designate a laboratory safety officer for developing the safety program and organizing safety measures.
- The safety officer is responsible for developing a safety manual, organizing safety training and exercises, conducting risk assessments and safety audits, and ensuring an adequate supply of safety equipment.
- Standard laboratory safety practices include limiting or restricting access to the laboratory, handwashing after handling infectious materials, prohibiting eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, and applying cosmetics in work areas, prohibiting mouth pipetting, using techniques that minimize aerosol or splash production, using biosafety cabinets for potential aerosol/splash creation, preventing inhalation exposure by using chemical fume hoods, storing chemicals properly in compatible groups, securing compressed gas cylinders, decontaminating work surfaces daily, decontaminating cultures and regulated wastes before disposal, implementing a pest control program, using personal protective equipment, prohibiting open-toed shoes, disposing of waste according to laboratory policies, and organizing monthly and yearly fire drills and laboratory evacuation procedures.
- Laboratory waste management requires proper disposal of all potentially harmful materials.
- Separate waste containers should be used for different waste types and clearly identified by color codes.
- Pay special attention to potentially harmful contaminated waste such as sharps and contaminated glassware.
- Dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers labeled "SHARPS".
- Deface BIOHAZARD markings or symbols on non-biohazardous sharps containers before sealing them tightly.
- Dispose of laboratory glass in sturdy cardboard boxes to prevent puncture hazards.
- Decontaminate contaminated laboratory glass before disposal.
- Never use boxes for sharps, contaminated materials, liquid wastes, chemically contaminated glassware, or chemical containers that cannot be disposed of as regular solid waste.
Identification of Risks
- Laboratory workers encounter various risks depending on the type of activities and analyses performed.
- Risk assessment is crucial for the laboratory director to manage and reduce risks to employees.
- A safety officer can assist in identifying potential risks and incorporating preventive measures.
- Develop safety procedures for accident, injury, or contamination scenarios.
- Keep a record of staff exposures to hazards, actions taken, and preventative measures implemented.
- Laboratory equipment poses significant risks for staff injuries, making training on specific safety procedures mandatory.
- Autoclaves, centrifuges, compressed gas cylinders, and fume hoods require specific safety training and precautions.
- Many laboratory instruments pose a danger of electrical shock, and some emit dangerous microwaves or radiation if misused or poorly maintained.
- Store compressed gas cylinders securely by chaining them to the wall and securing the safety caps over the valve when moving or storing them.
- Handle and dispose of needles, broken glass, and other sharps appropriately to prevent infection.
- Needle recapping should be avoided whenever possible. If necessary, use the correct procedure: keep one hand behind the back and scoop the cover over the needle with the other hand.
- Dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant, leak-proof, sharps containers labeled "SHARPS".
- Deface BIOHAZARD markings on non-biohazardous sharps containers before sealing them tightly.
- Laboratory glass disposal requires sturdy cardboard boxes to prevent puncture hazards.
- Contaminated laboratory glass must be decontaminated prior to disposal.
Chemical Safety
- Exposure to toxic chemicals poses a serious threat to laboratory staff.
- Chemicals enter the body through inhalation, absorption through the skin, and ingestion.
- Label all chemicals, including solutions and transfers, with common names, concentrations, hazards, date received, date opened, and expiration date.
- Store corrosive, toxic, and highly reactive chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
- Store flammable chemicals in flammables cabinets.
- Radiochemicals require special precautions and dedicated benches with specific covers for manipulation.
- Radioactive materials need specific storage areas that provide appropriate protection and waste containers.
- The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides detailed hazard and precautionary information.
- Businesses are required to provide MSDS for all chemicals they manufacture or distribute.
- Laboratories must follow the precautions listed in the MSDS to ensure safe handling and storage of chemicals.
Material Safety Data Sheets
- MSDS provide safety information about hazardous materials
- They are available to employees before handling hazardous materials
- Should be kept near the location of the hazardous material being used
Laboratory Safety
- Laboratories must have adequate ventilation, especially those working with moderate risk pathogens
- Higher containment levels labs use inward air flow and absolute filtration to prevent aerosol spread
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- PPE is safety clothing or equipment designed to protect against injury or infection
- Must be worn to minimize exposure to various workplace hazards
- The need for PPE depends on the hazard, work operation, the nature and amount of harmful materials
Hierarchy of Safety Controls
- The CDC's hierarchy of controls helps prioritize the methods used to protect employees
- The preferred method is to eliminate the hazard, followed by substitution
- Engineering and administrative controls are further measures to reduce hazards
- PPE is used as a mitigation strategy when other methods aren't sufficient
- It should be selected based on the hazards and risks present
- PPE users must understand its proper use, functioning, and limitations
Body Protection
-
Lab coats
- Protect skin and clothing from splashes
- Act as a removable barrier in case of spills
- Prevent contamination outside the lab
- Commonly made of a 35% polyester, 65% cotton blend
- Should cover the entire upper body, extend to the knees, fit comfortably, have a fitted wristband, and be fire-retardant if needed
-
Gowns
- Provide a broad barrier against splashes
- Commonly used in high-risk settings
- Can be worn over clothing or a lab coat
- Often disposable, sometimes referred to as "isolation gowns"
- Choose gowns based on the intended use's risk level
-
Aprons
- Used for additional splash protection
- Useful for procedures involving large volumes of liquids or corrosive chemicals, autopsies, chemical handling
- Made of various materials like plastic, vinyl, PVC, neoprene, and rubber
- Should fit comfortably and extend from below the neck to above the feet
Eye and Face Protection
-
Safety glasses
- Provide protection against minor spills, splashes, and flying objects
- Don't provide adequate protection from significant chemical splashes
- Should not be used as regular glasses
- Should meet ANSI Z87.1-2010 standard for impact and shatter resistance, and have side shields
- Need to be regularly cleaned and replaced when damaged
-
Safety goggles
- Seal around the eyes, preventing objects or liquids from entering
- Offer side and forward protection
- May be required for processes where safety glasses aren't adequate
-
Face shields
- Worn in addition to safety glasses or goggles when a splash hazard is present
- Protect the entire face from splashes
- Used in combination with other PPE, like a mask or respirator
Hand Protection
-
Gloves
- Should be worn when there are potential hazards like skin absorption, chemical burns, electrical dangers, punctures, or exposure to infectious substances
- When wearing gloves, avoid touching objects that could be contaminated
- Avoid touching your face, hair, or clothing
- Should not be worn outside the lab
- Disposable gloves shouldn't be reused or disinfected
- Disposable gloves should be changed when contaminated
- Reusable gloves need to be washed regularly and air-dried
- Should resist the chemicals and hazards being used and handled
- The SDS or glove manufacturer should be consulted for proper glove selection
-
Latex gloves
- Protect from exposure to biological hazards
- Don't provide adequate protection against chemical hazards
- Latex can cause allergies, so nitrile often replaces latex gloves
- Should not be reused
-
Nitrile gloves
- Widely used in labs
- Offer protection against infectious material and many routine hazardous chemicals, such as solvents, oils, petroleum products, and some corrosives
- More puncture resistant than rubber gloves
- Should not be reused
-
Insulated gloves
- Protect against extreme heat or cold
- Heat-resistant gloves used for autoclave unloading, handling hot samples
- Cryogenic gloves used for handling liquid nitrogen, dry ice, ultra-low temperature specimens
- Cryo-protective gloves don't offer protection against full immersion in cryogenic liquids
-
Chemical-resistant gloves
- Selected based on the specific chemicals used
- Chemical compatibility with gloves should be verified in the SDS and manufacturer's charts
- Neoprene gloves are typically liquid-proof and chemical-resistant, but not always very flexible
- Butyl gloves offer good flexibility and resistance to strong corrosives, acids, and solvents
Respiratory Protection
-
Respirators
- Protect against hazardous atmospheres, including airborne particles
- Fit tightly to the face
- Commonly used types are N95, KN95, P100, and PAPRs
- N95s are the most common type in labs
- The decision to use a face mask or respirator depends on the hazards present and a lab-specific risk assessment
- Users must pass a medical evaluation and annual fit-testing according to OSHA
- Respiratory protection programs include hazard evaluation, medical clearance, fit testing, a respiratory protection plan, and training
- Respirators are categorized based on their resistance to oily aerosols and filter efficiency:
- N = Not resistant to oil
- R = Resistant (somewhat) to oil
- P = Oil proof (strongly resistant to oil)
- Efficiency ratings indicate the percentage of particles a respirator can filter:
- 95% efficient = 95% of particles 0.3 μm in diameter stopped
- 97% efficient = 97% of particles 0.3 μm in diameter stopped
- 99.97% efficient (100%) = 99.97% of particles 0.3 μm in diameter stopped
- N95 and P100 should meet NIOSH certification standards
- KN95s are manufactured and approved in China
- CDC, NIOSH, and FDA websites provide information on approved masks and respirators
-
Face masks
- Loose-fitting, disposable masks covering the nose and mouth
- Resistant to fluids and protect from large droplets, splashes, or sprays
- NIOSH does not approve face masks for protecting against regulated hazardous materials
- They are not considered respiratory protection, as gases, vapors, and tiny particles can pass through them
- Some surgical grade masks are FDA-cleared
- Commonly used to prevent the spread of potentially infectious droplets
-
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
- Positive-pressure respirators that supply purified air to the headpiece
- Do not have a tight seal to the face
- No medical evaluation required for use
- Typically reusable and should be cleaned and disinfected regularly
Other Considerations for PPE
-
Foot protection
- Lab footwear should be closed-toed and fully cover the feet
- Avoid sandals, flip flops, canvas shoes, or permeable fabrics
- Dedicated lab footwear might be recommended based on risk assessments
- Personnel clothing and dress codes may apply
- Sleeve guards may be required for some procedures
- Personnel clothing and dress codes can be established to ensure safe practices and minimize contamination
Disposable Shoe Covers
- Used for added protection in high-risk settings like BSL-3 labs, isolation rooms, and other areas where contamination needs to be prevented.
Sleeve Guards Usage
- Used when lab coats are too short or cuffs don't overlap the gloves.
- Used in molecular testing labs to prevent contamination from lab personnel shedding skin.
General Lab Dress Code
- Long hair should be tied back.
- Long pants covering ankles, free of fraying or tears.
- Natural fiber clothing is preferred because it's fire resistant.
- Clothing should cover as much skin as possible.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program Essential Components
- Identification and mitigation of hazards and risks.
- Selection, maintenance, and use of PPE.
- PPE training for employees.
- Monitoring program effectiveness and making changes as needed.
- Free provision of PPE to staff.
Selecting Appropriate PPE
- Compliance with national and state safety regulations and recommendations.
- Use in various combinations depending on lab and work.
- Variety of sizes for staff to choose from.
- Delay or limit transfer of hazardous materials to personal clothes or skin.
- Protect personal clothes and skin from contamination.
- Provide adequate protection from identified hazards.
- Act as a primary barrier between user and hazards like infectious substances, chemicals, or other hazardous materials.
- Can be used with other controls.
Laboratory Risk Assessment
- Identifies potential hazards.
- Determines associated risks.
- Selects appropriate PPE for protection.
- Considers factors like specimen types, facility capabilities, staff qualifications, and other safety equipment.
Safety Plan Enforcement
- Defines and documents tasks and activities.
- Identifies associated hazards.
- Specifies required PPE for protection and mitigation.
PPE Training Requirements
- When PPE is necessary.
- Types of PPE required.
- Proper donning, adjusting, wearing, and doffing of PPE.
- PPE limitations.
- Proper care, maintenance, use, and disposal.
Demonstrating PPE Competence
- Staff must demonstrate the ability and competence to wear and use PPE before performing work requiring PPE.
- Retraining needed when work conditions change or staff fails to demonstrate proper PPE use.
Employers' Responsibilities
- Conduct hazard assessments to identify PPE mitigations.
- Provide PPE to employees free of charge.
- Train employees in PPE use and care.
- Implement a PPE maintenance program.
Employee Responsibilities
- Properly wear, use, and dispose of PPE.
- Attend required PPE training sessions.
- Notify lab managers or safety officers about the need for new or additional PPE.
Situations Requiring PPE
- Potential exposure to hazardous materials like chemicals and infectious substances.
Benefits of Proper PPE and Lab Attire
- Minimize skin exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological agents, and other hazardous materials.
Lab-Specific PPE Policies
- Labs must create and implement their own lab-specific PPE policies and practices based on risk assessments, ensuring a safe workplace.
BSL-2 Setting PPE
- Most clinical labs operate at BSL-2 level.
- CDC standard precautions for healthcare and BSL-2 laboratory safety practices outlined in the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) are suitable for most routine clinical lab work and sample handling hazards.
Typical BSL-2 Laboratory PPE
- Lab coat or gown.
- Nitrile gloves.
- Safety glasses or face shields.
- Respiratory protection.
Additional BSL-2 PPE
- Based on risk assessments, additional PPE could be required for precautionary purposes related to specific work tasks or settings.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the essential aspects of safety management in laboratory settings, covering the roles of directors and quality managers. It also emphasizes the importance of biosafety awareness and the organization's design in ensuring patient safety. Test your knowledge on laboratory accident secondary effects and safety audits.