MLS112 Module 6 Hazards in Clinical Labs PDF

MODULE 06: HAZARDS IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY MODULE OBJECTIVES 1) Describe the principles of biohazard and biosecurity; 2) Identify hazards found inside the clinical laboratory; 3) Enumerate and describe the strategies utilized for management of laboratory hazards; and 4) Enumerate the pr...

MODULE 06: HAZARDS IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY MODULE OBJECTIVES 1) Describe the principles of biohazard and biosecurity; 2) Identify hazards found inside the clinical laboratory; 3) Enumerate and describe the strategies utilized for management of laboratory hazards; and 4) Enumerate the prescribed strategies, policies, and practices in management of health care wastes. MODULE 06 – UNIT 01 PRINCIPLES OF BIOHAZARD AND BIOSAFETY UNIT OBJECTIVES 1) Define the difference between a hazard and a risk; 2) Describe the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) and other bodies addressing occupational hazards; 3) Define biohazards and describe the chain of infection; 4) Define biosafety and biosecurity; 5) Describe the classification of microorganisms according to risk groups; 6) Discuss the Universal Precautions (UP), Body Substance Isolation (BSI), and Standard Precautions (SP); 7) Discuss the essentials of Standard Precautions; and 8) Discuss the Biosafety Levels. TOPIC OUTLINE Hazard vs Risk Occupational Safety and Health Biohazard and The Chain of Infection Risk Group Classification and Biosafety Level Occupational Exposure M06 – U01 – TOPIC 01 Hazard vs Risk Is there any difference between the two? Is it a hazard or a risk? Formalin Improper posture and limited ergonomic tools Broken glass contaminated with a patient's blood Chemical Hazard Hazard: Formalin, a commonly used fixative, is toxic and carcinogenic. Risk: Spilling formalin in a poorly ventilated area increases the risk of respiratory irritation and long-term health effects. Risk Reduction: Using a fume hood and wearing appropriate PPE reduces the risk. Physical Hazard Hazard: Broken glass from a microscope slide contaminated with a patient's blood. Risk: The technician may accidentally cut their hand while cleaning the broken slide, risking bloodborne infections. Risk Reduction: Proper disposal of broken glass in sharps containers minimizes the risk. Ergonomic Hazard Hazard: Repetitive pipetting during a long workday. Risk: Without proper posture or ergonomic tools, the technician risks developing repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Risk Reduction: Using adjustable chairs, pipette aids, and scheduling regular breaks reduces the risk. M06 – U01 – TOPIC 02 Occupational Safety and Health Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Guidelines for the well-being of personnel at work Advisory council IOD: Injury of Duty *Needlestick injury  Safe and healthful working conditions Setting standards Training, outreach, education, and assistance OSHA Categories of Exposure Category 1: Daily exposure Category 2: Regular exposure Category 3: No exposure e.g., Administrative roles  Continuing studies and researches Training programs Information dissemination mechanism Work environment monitoring Medical examination of workers  Standard specifications: PPE and other safety devices Policy and standards formation of GOs Assistance of GOs and NGOs E.O. 307 What is the difference between biosafety and biosecurity? Biosafety Containment principles, practices, and technologies to protect personnel, environment, and public Biosecurity Protecting biological materials from theft, misuse, or intentional release Biosafety Protects people from infectious agents and toxins Biosecurity Protects infectious agents from people BioRisk Association of the Philippines (BRAP) NGO, non-profit, est. 2015 Promote biosafety and biosecurity as scientific disciplines Enhance laboratory safety standards in the Philippines Member of IFBA International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA) NGO, non-profit Certification programs Global mentorship Partnerships Integration of biosafety into public health M06 – U01 – TOPIC 03 Biohazard and The Chain of Infection Biological Hazard and Symbol Any biological material that can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment Recognized globally Biological Symbol Used on containers, specimen bags, waste bags, and signage to mark potential risks The Chain of Infection Sequence of events required for an infection to spread Modes of Transmission Contact Direct, indirect, droplet Airborne Common vehicle Soil, water, food Vector-borne Mechanical, biological Safety Practices Related to the Biohazard Symbol M06 – U01 – TOPIC 04 Risk Group Classification and Biosafety Level Biosafety Biosecurity Risk Group Classification of Biological Agents Handwashing, wearing PPE, limited access to people, mechanical pipetting, cleaning and decontamination of area, warning signs BSL-1 standard practices, using biosafety cabinets, trained personnel, availability of eye wash station, vaccination for the workers, if applicable HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter Recirculation of air through HEPA filters M06 – U01 – TOPIC 05 Occupational Exposure Occupational Exposure 1. Requiring all employees to practice Universal/Standard Precautions 2. Providing laboratory coats, gowns, face and respiratory protection, and gloves to employees and laundry facilities for non-disposable protective clothing 3. Providing sharps disposal containers and prohibiting recapping of needles 4. Prohibiting eating, drinking, smoking, and applying cosmetics, lip balm, and contact lens in the work area Occupational Exposure 5. Labeling all biohazardous material and containers 6. Providing free immunization for HBV 7. Establishing a daily disinfection protocol for work surfaces; an appropriate disinfectant for blood-borne pathogens is 5.25% hypochlorite (1:10). 10% common household bleach inactivates: HBV for 10 minutes; HIV for 2 minutes Occupational Exposure 8. Providing medical follow-up for employees who have been accidentally exposed to blood- borne pathogens 9. Documenting regular training in safety standards for employees Universal Precautions (UP) All blood and bodily fluids should be treated as if they are infectious, regardless of whether the source is known to be infected Designed to reduce the risk of blood-borne transmission Does not apply to non-bloody fluids (e.g., sweat or saliva without blood) Body Substance Isolation (BSI) Assumes all body substances (inc. urine, feces, saliva, mucus) are potentially infectious Designed to reduce the transmission of pathogen from moist body substances Does not address environmental cleaning or broader infection risks Less comprehensive than SP Standard Precautions (SP) Combines principles of UP and BSI Designated for the care of all staff and patient, regardless of diagnosis or presumed infectious status Protection from both bloodborne and non- bloodborne pathogens Includes respiratory hygiene, environmental cleaning, and px isolation when necessary  Universal Body Substance Standard Aspect Precautions Isolation Precautions All patients, all Bloodborne All moist body Focus fluids, broader pathogens substances risks All bodily Blood, all Blood, bodily substances fluids, Fluids fluids (esp. if (inc. urine, environmental visibly bloody) feces, saliva) risks Bloodborne Emphasizes Comprehensive Scope pathogen barrier infection prevention only precautions control N95 Mask “N” Non-oil “95” 95% efficiency 0.3 microns of particulates Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) QUESTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS