lab safety

• Safety

  • condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury
• Laboratory Safety

  • necessitates the effective control of all hazards that exist in the clinical laboratory at any given time
• What is the definition of laboratory safety?

  Laboratory safety is the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.
• Why is effective control of hazards important in laboratory safety?

  It is important to ensure a safe working environment in the clinical laboratory.
• What institutions are associated with laboratory safety?

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
  • The Joint Commission (TJC)
  • Department of Health (DOH)
• What is the main goal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)?

  The main goal is to provide all employees with a safe work environment.
• What does OSHA authorize regarding workplace safety?

  OSHA is authorized to conduct on-site inspections to determine compliance with mandatory standards.
• What are some OSHA standards that regulate safety in the laboratory?

  • Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
  • Formaldehyde Standard
  • Laboratory Standard
  • Hazard Communication Standard
  • Respiratory Standard
  • Air Contaminants Standard
  • Personal Protective Equipment Standard
• What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL-TWA) for formaldehyde according to OSHA?

  The PEL-TWA for formaldehyde is 0.75 ppm over an 8-hour duty.
• What is the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard?

  It applies to all exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials in any occupational setting.
• What does the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard mandate?

  It mandates the development of an exposure control plan and safe handling of specimens.
• What is the recommended dilution for bleach to decontaminate surfaces?

  A 10% v/v bleach solution (1:10 dilution) is recommended.
• What is the Hazard Communication Standard designed to ensure?

  It ensures that the hazards of all chemicals used in the workplace are evaluated and communicated.
• What are the key components of the Hazard Communication Standard?


  • Proper labeling of chemicals
  • Training employees
  • Creating a written Hazard Communication Plan
  • Providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• What are biological hazards?

  Biological hazards are agents that can cause disease or infection, such as bacteria, parasites, fungi, or viruses.
• What is the chain of infection?

  1. Infectious agent (microorganism)
  2. Reservoir (source)
  3. Portal of Exit
  4. Mode of Transmission
  5. Portal of Entry
  6. Susceptible Host
• Who are considered susceptible hosts in the context of infection?

  Immunocompromised individuals, such as the elderly, newborns, and people with HIV.
• What are the color codes for healthcare waste management?

  • Yellow: Infectious
  • Red: Sharps
  • Orange: Radioactive substances
  • Green: Biodegradable
  • Black: Non-biodegradable
• What vaccines are mentioned in the study material?

  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV)
  • Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine for TB
  • Flu vaccine
  • Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine
  • COVID Vaccine (free)
• What is the purpose of Universal Precaution?

  Universal Precaution aims to treat all patients as possible carriers of bloodborne pathogens.
• What does Body Substance Isolation (BSI) guidelines recommend?

  BSI guidelines recommend considering all body fluids as potentially infectious and wearing gloves at all times.
• What are the components of Standard Precautions?

  • Handwashing
  • Gloves
  • Mask, eye protection, and face shield
  • Gown
  • Patient care equipment
  • Environmental control
  • Linen
  • Occupational health and bloodborne pathogens
  • Patient placement
• What must clinical laboratories do to comply with the new Hazard Communication Standard?

  • Plan and implement a written hazard communication program
  • Obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS)
  • Educate all employees
  • Maintain hazard warning labels on containers
• What is the purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

  MSDS provides safety information for employees who may use hazardous materials.
• What information is included in a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

  • Product name and identification
  • Hazardous ingredients
  • Permissible exposure limit (PEL)
  • Physical and chemical data
  • Health hazard data
  • Primary routes of entry
  • Fire and explosion hazards
  • Reactivity data
  • Spill and disposal procedures
  • PPE recommendations
  • Emergency and first aid procedures
  • Storage and transportation precautions
  • Chemical manufacturer’s contact information
• What does the OSHA Laboratory Standard require?

  It requires the appointment of a chemical hygiene officer and the development of a chemical hygiene plan.
• What should a Chemical Hygiene Plan include?

  • Procedures to protect employees against toxic chemicals
  • Engineering controls
  • PPE
  • Safe work practices
  • Administrative controls
  • Provisions for medical surveillance
• What are the responsibilities of a Chemical Hygiene Officer?

  • Implement and develop Chemical Hygiene Policies
  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
  • Conduct inspections
  • Perform risk assessments
  • Review and evaluate lab safety manuals
• What are some laws concerned with lab safety?

  • Clean Water Act
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
  • Toxic Substances Control Act
  • Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
  • The Joint Commission (TJC)
  • College of American Pathologists (CAP)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• What does the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 categorize waste into?

  It categorizes waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous wastes.
• What is the color-coding scheme for waste containers?

  • Black: Non-infectious dry waste
  • Green: Non-infectious wet waste
  • Yellow: Infectious and pathological waste
  • Yellow with black band: Chemical waste
  • Orange: Radioactive waste
  • Red: Sharps and pressurized containers
• What are the employer's responsibilities regarding laboratory safety?

  • Establish laboratory work methods and safety policies
  • Provide supervision and guidance
  • Provide safety information and training
  • Maintain adequate equipment and facilities
  • Comply with established safety methods
  • Notify supervisors of unsafe conditions
  • Engage in the use of personal protective equipment
• What are general laboratory safety practices?

  • No smoking, eating, or cosmetics
  • Proper use of PPE
  • Nonporous closed-toe shoes
  • Handwashing between patients
  • Proper disposal of sharps
• What safety equipment is required in laboratories?

  • Safety showers
  • Eyewash stations
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire blankets
  • Spill kits
  • First aid supplies
• What are the primary and secondary barriers in laboratory safety?

  • Primary Barrier: Direct containment at the hazard (e.g., biosafety cabinet)
  • Secondary Barrier: Laboratory design, air locks, controlled access zones
• What should be done in case of spills in the laboratory?

  • Wear appropriate protective equipment
  • Use mechanical devices for cleanup
  • Absorb spills with appropriate materials
  • Disinfect the spill site
  • Dispose of materials in biohazard containers
• How should concentrated acid/base spills be handled?

  They should be diluted with water before cleanup and covered with a neutralizer.
• What are some categories of chemical hazards?

  • Corrosive
  • Toxic substances
  • Carcinogens
  • Mutagens & Teratogens
  • Ignitable
  • Reactive
• What is the flash point of flammable chemicals?

  The flash point is the temperature at which sufficient vapor is given off to form an ignitable mixture with air.
• What are examples of flammable chemicals?

  • Acetone
  • Benzene
  • Ethanol
  • Heptane
  • Isopropanol
  • Methanol
  • Toluene
  • Xylene