A - CHAPTER II: LABORATORY SAFETY MANAGEMENT Flashcards
– freedom from harm or danger; absence of risk
SAFETY
concern & responsibility of everyone (employees, administrators, staff)
Safety
affect the morale and threaten the emotional & physical well-being of all persons involved as well as co-workers
Injuries & accidents
are expensive
Accidents
Causes of injuries or accidents:
• Negligence or carelessness • Ignorance or lack of orientation • Fatigue or stress • Lack of awareness • Haste / cramming • Inexperience • Loss of focus
Implementation of [?] are essential
preventive measures
Development of [?]
biological & chemical exposure plans
Healthcare institutions are vested with moral responsibilities to provide:
- Safe environment / workplace
- Training
- Protective equipment and gadgets (laboratory gown, gloves, shoes)
1984
Respiratory Protection Standard
1987
Hazard Communication Standard : “Right – to – Know Law”
1991
Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories – “Laboratory Standard”
1991
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
1992 (revised)
Formaldehyde Standard
- A mandatory process by which a state grants permission to an individual or organization to engage in a given occupation or business
Licensure
- A process by which qualified individuals are listed on an official roster maintained by a government agency
Registration
- A voluntary process by which a NGO grants recognition to an individual who has met certain educational requirements and demonstrated competency by examination
Credentialing / Certification
- A voluntary process of external review in which a private agency grants public recognition to an institution that meets certain standards
Accreditation
REGULATORY AGENCIES:
- Department of Transportation
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Food and Drug Administration
- Department of Health
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
AGENCIES THAT ISSUE GUIDELINES & STANDARDS
- American Association of Blood Banks
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- International Organization for Standardization
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
– a substance, situation or condition that is capable of inflicting harm to human health, property or system functioning
HAZARD
- Capable of producing serious injury or life-threatening diseases
HAZARD
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
- Design and Lay-out
- Structural Safety Rules
a. Building materials : concrete
b. Storm damage control
c. Fire prevention
d. Fire-fighting systems
e. Entrance & exit routes
f. Storage of flammable reagents
g. Blockage of hallways & doors
h. Ventilation system - Workflow process
- Ventilation plan especially for Histopathology & Microbiology Sections
- Location / ease of use / availability of safety fixtures and decontamination stations
Infectious agents
Biologic
Bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infections
Biologic
Needles, lancets, broken glasswares
Sharps
Cuts, punctures, or blood-borne pathogen exposure
Sharps
Preservatives and reagents
Chemical
Exposure to toxic, carcinogenic, or caustic agents
Chemical
Equipment and radioisotopes
Radioactive
Radiation exposure
Radioactive
Ungrounded or wet equipment and frayed cords
Electrical
Burns and shock
Electrical
Bunsen burners, alcohol lamps, organic chemicals
Fire / Explosive
Burns and disability (dismemberment)
Fire / Explosive
Wet floors, heavy boxes, loitering patients or personnel
Physical
Falls, sprains or strains
Physical
Exposure to infectious agents (HBV, HIV) through specimen collection, handling & testing
BIOHAZARD
Preventive measures:
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Handwashing before and after handling patient; after contact with specimen
- Isolation of highly infective or susceptible patients
- Proper disposal of waste
– instituted by CDC (1985)
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTION
– General guidelines for isolation; precautions in hospitals
1983
– Blood specimens are considered potentially infectious
1985