SAFETY LAB IN ANACHEM

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1970 to provide all employees, including clinical laboratory personnel, with a safe work environment
• OSHA standards include:

  1. Bloodborne pathogen standard

  2. Formaldehyde standard

  3. Laboratory standard

  4. Hazard communication standard

  5. Respiratory protection standard

  6. Air contaminants standard

  7. Personal protective equipment standard
• Bloodborne Pathogens:

  • Applies to all exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials
  • Defines terminology relevant to such exposures
  • Mandates the development of an exposure control plan
  • Universal precautions state that all human blood, tissue, and most fluids are known to be infectious, including HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens
• Hazard Communication:

  • OSHA HazCom Standard ensures that the hazards of all chemicals used in the workplace have been evaluated
  • Defines hazardous substances and provides guidance for evaluating and communicating identified hazards
  • Sample chemical label includes statement of hazard, hazard class, safety precautions, NFPA hazard code, fire extinguisher type, safety instructions, formula weight, and lot number
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Hazard Communication includes:

  • Product name and identification
  • Hazardous ingredients
  • Permissible exposure limit
  • Physical and chemical data
  • Health hazard data and carcinogenic potential
  • Primary routes of entry
  • Fire and explosion hazards
  • Reactivity data
  • Spill and disposal procedures
  • PPE recommendations
  • Handling
  • Emergency and first aid procedures
  • Storage and transportation precautions
  • Chemical manufacturer’s name, address, and telephone number
  • Special information section
• Chemical Fume Hoods:

  • Contain and expel noxious and hazardous fumes
  • Personal air monitoring should be conducted as an added precaution
• Biosafety Cabinets:

  • Remove particles that may be harmful to employees working with potentially infectious biologic specimens
• Types of Hazards:

  I. Flammable/Combustible Chemicals:

  • Flammable: flash point below 37.8°C (100°F)
  • Combustible: flash point above 37.8°C (100°F)

  II. Corrosive Chemicals

  III. Reactive Chemicals

  IV. Carcinogenic Chemicals
• Waste Management
• Safety Rules Inside the Laboratory