lab safety

• What is the focus of the analysis of urine and body fluids in the laboratory?


  Recognition of hazards
• Why is a safety-focused attitude important in laboratory work?


  It helps prevent accidents and ensures a safe working environment
• What are the CDC's Universal Precautions established in 1987?


  All human blood and other body fluids are treated as potentially infectious
• What should be done with blood and body fluid precautions?


  They should be consistently used for all patients
• What are considered potentially infectious materials?


  Body fluids, unfixed tissues, organs, or blood slides
• What are appropriate barriers to use in the laboratory?


  Gloves, gowns, or laboratory coats
• What are universal practices in the laboratory?


  Wearing gloves, handwashing, and laboratory coats
• What activities are prohibited in the laboratory?


  Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, and touching contact lenses
• What vaccination is recommended for laboratory workers?

  Vaccination against HBV
• What is defined as a biohazard?


  Anything potentially harmful to health
• What are the components of the chain of infection?


  Infectious source, method of transmission, and susceptible host
• What does the expanded chain of infection include?


  Infectious source, reservoir, portal of exit, method of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host
• What are the modes of transmission for infections?


  Direct contact, airborne, droplet, vehicle, vector
• What does the biohazard symbol represent?


  Infectious agents presenting a risk to human health
• What are the prevention methods for biological hazards?


  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Proper handwashing
  • Disposal of biological wastes
• What is the best first aid for a chemical spill?


  Flush the area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
• What does the OSHA rule of January 1990 require from facilities?


  Each facility must have a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
• What are radioactive hazards associated with?


  Procedures using radioisotopes
• What should you do if electrical shock occurs?


  Never touch the person or equipment involved
• How should flammable chemicals be stored?


  In safety cabinets and explosion-proof refrigerators
• What are the types of fire and their corresponding extinguishers?

  • Type A: Water, dry chemical, loaded steam
  • Type B: Dry chemical, Carbon dioxide, Halon foam
  • Type C: Dry chemical, Carbon dioxide, Halon
  • Type D: Metal X, Sand
  • Type K: Liquid designed to prevent splashing
• What are general precautions for physical hazards?


  Avoid running, watch for wet floors, and maintain a clean work area
• What are the steps for proper handwashing?


  1. Wet hands with warm water
  2. Apply antimicrobial soap
  3. Rub to form lather
  4. Clean between fingers and up to the wrist for at least 15 seconds
  5. Rinse hands in a downward position
  6. Dry with paper towel
  7. Turn off faucets with a clean paper towel