OSHA and Bloodborne Pathogens Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)?

To provide a safe work environment for all employees (correct)

To ensure all employees have access to health insurance

To regulate employee working hours

To mandate breaks for employees during working hours

Which of the following is NOT a requirement of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

Mandatory use of surgical masks by all employees (correct)

Presuming all blood and body fluids are potentially infected

Providing a written Exposure Control Plan

Implementation of Universal Precautions

Which category of exposure represents individuals who are never exposed to blood and body fluids?

Category 3 (correct)

Category 4

Category 1

Category 2

What is the first line of defense in infection control according to the good work practices outlined?

Washing hands frequently Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to clean up blood or body fluid spills?

1:10 dilution of household bleach Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is prohibited in the clinical area to avoid contamination?

Eating meals Signup and view all the answers

What is an employee's right concerning exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

To know the lab results of the source patient Signup and view all the answers

When must employers offer the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost?

To personnel in Category 1 and 2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a good work practice when handling biological samples?

Using gloves and washing hands frequently Signup and view all the answers

What is required to monitor airflow in biological safety cabinets (BSC)?

Routine quality control testing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Chemical Hygiene Plan?

To outline procedures for chemical spills and exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the storage of flammable solvents?

They must be kept in a flame cabinet. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately if a chemical is splashed in the eye?

Use eye wash and wash for 15 minutes, then seek medical attention. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is appropriate for treating infectious or medical wastes?

Incineration or autoclaving Signup and view all the answers

What is required to accompany the chemical inventory in a laboratory?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Signup and view all the answers

Which type of waste is defined as any solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals?

Medical waste Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before working with radioisotopes?

Obtain proper training Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a hazardous chemical is spilled in your area?

Contain the spill and leave the area. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four factors necessary for a fire to occur?

Oxygen, fuel, ignition source, and reaction chain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of waste that requires special handling in a laboratory?

Routine office trash Signup and view all the answers

Which class of fire includes ordinary combustible solid materials?

Class A Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire extinguisher is most suitable for flammable liquids?

Multipurpose dry-chemical Signup and view all the answers

What should you never do when storing hazardous chemicals?

Store flammable liquids in glass containers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bag should be used for disposing of infectious waste?

Orange or red seamless plastic bag labeled with the biohazard symbol Signup and view all the answers

What should NEVER be used on flammable liquids or electrical fires?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action to take when encountering malfunctioning electrical equipment?

Disconnect power and tag it out Signup and view all the answers

Which position is responsible for overseeing training and safety regarding chemical hygiene?

Chemical hygiene officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if a person experiences a severe electric shock and cannot let go of the instrument?

Use a nonconductive material to disconnect Signup and view all the answers

What type of extinguishers are suitable for class D fires?

Dry-chemical extinguishers (trained firefighters only) Signup and view all the answers

How should you extinguish a fire when using a fire extinguisher?

Aim at the base of the fire Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Enacted in 1970 to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
Compliance checked through on-site inspections by state or federal agencies.
Establishes safety standards applicable to clinical laboratories.

Bloodborne Pathogens

OSHA mandates “Universal Precautions” for managing exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
All blood and body fluids are considered potentially infectious.
Requires an Exposure Control Plan to be documented in writing.
Key pathogens include HIV, HBV, and HCV.

Exposure Categories

Category 1: Daily exposure to blood and body fluids.
Category 2: Regular exposure to blood and body fluids.
Category 3: No exposure to blood and body fluids.
Hepatitis B vaccination must be provided to personnel in Categories 1 and 2 at no cost.

Risk Reduction Measures

Use engineering controls (e.g., work shields, pipeting devices) to minimize exposure risks.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided by employers at no cost.
Important PPE examples include gloves, masks, and gowns.

Good Work Practices

Handwashing is critical before and after lab activities.
Avoid mouth pipetting and consuming food or drink in the lab area.
Needles should not be recapped, bent, or broken after use.
Clean spills immediately with a 1:10 bleach solution and regularly clean workspace surfaces.

Biological Safety Cabinets

Essential for safe manipulation of infectious materials.
Must monitor airflow to prevent aerosol transmission of pathogens.
Direct airflow design reduces exposure risk to lab personnel.

Hazardous Chemicals

OSHA’s “Right to Know” standard grants employees access to information about hazardous chemicals.
Chemical inventories and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be maintained for all chemicals used.
MSDS provide essential information on chemical risks and first aid measures.

Chemical Storage and Hygiene

Chemicals should be stored according to National Fire Protection Association guidelines.
Flammable solvents should be secured in flame cabinets.
A Chemical Hygiene Plan outlines procedures for spills and requires adequate training.

Chemical Spills Response

Contain spills, evacuate the area, and use emergency resources (eye wash, shower).
Access MSDS and notify a supervisor following a spill.

Waste Disposal

Hazardous waste can pose health or environmental threats when mishandled.
Infectious and medical waste require special handling and labeling with biohazard symbols.
Sharps containers must be puncture-proof and leak-proof.

Radiation Safety

Caution and restricted access are essential around radioactive materials.
Regular monitoring of equipment and employee exposure is necessary.
Proper training on the safe handling of radioisotopes is mandated.

Fire Safety

Fire requires a fuel source, ignition, oxygen, and a reaction chain.
Fires classified into Classes A, B, C, and D based on their fuel types.
Fire extinguishers should match the type of fire; NEVER use water on flammable or electrical fires.

Electrical Safety

Lock out/tag out procedures must be followed for malfunctioning equipment.
Report electrical shocks, replacing all frayed electrical wires and plugs.
Emergency actions should prioritize safe disconnection of shocked individuals.

Other Hazards

Cryogenic materials require specialized containers for safe handling under low temperatures.

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Description

This quiz covers the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and its implications for workplace safety concerning bloodborne pathogens. It explores exposure categories, required precautions, and safety standards for clinical laboratories. Test your knowledge on essential health protocols and regulatory practices.