Cardiff Workshop

Question 1

What are the risks posed by unmarked spray bottles?

Answer 1

1. Do not know the date of opening or expiry.
2. Risk of contaminated spray use.
3. Risk of out of date spray use.
4. Spray bottles must be changed every 3 months.

Question 2

Why is chemical wetting of the HEPA filter in a BSC an issue?

Answer 2

Potential for holes in the filter:
Risk of contaminated air because of chemical damage to HEPA fabric, or opening of filter pores though stretching while while wet, allowing larger particles through. Alcohol should not be directly sprayed into HEPA filters.

Question 3

What is the issue with bottles/vials/syringes obstructing air flow in BSC?

Answer 3

Risk of contamination because of greater potential for turbulence in air flow plus risk of slowing of air flow which may allow particles to impact on critical zone.

Question 4

What risk is posed by unlabeled syringes?

Answer 4

Risk of wrong formulation being given to the patient from the risk of component mix up.

Question 5

What risk is posed by operators resting their hands on the bench?

Answer 5

Touching non-sterile surface with contaminated gloves.
Risk of chemical and microbial contamination because gloves touch surfaces and subsequently transfer this contamination to the critical zone and enter the product.

Operators should work in mid-air at all times and minimise any contact with surfaces. Arrange workspace and seating to facilitate this. ‘Elbow inch’ rule when working. Prayer hands in hood at other times.