chapter 9 Flashcards
What is biosafety?
Biosafety involves biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms and their toxins that can adversely affect human health.
Biosafety addresses concerns ranging from mild allergic reactions to serious medical conditions.
Which agencies are involved in developing and overseeing laboratory safety issues?
- OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- WHO: World Health Organization
- HHS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
These agencies provide guidelines and standards for microbiology laboratories.
What are the four biosafety levels (BSLs)?
- BSL-1: Microorganisms that generally do not cause disease in healthy humans.
- BSL-2: Moderate risk agents with more strict guidelines.
- BSL-3: Serious disease potential agents requiring increased safety and training.
- BSL-4: Exotic agents with high aerosol transmission risk and life-threatening infections.
Each level has specific containment and safety requirements.
What type of organisms are handled at BSL-1?
Microorganisms that generally do not cause disease in healthy humans.
Examples include non-pathogenic strains of E. coli.
What additional precautions are taken in BSL-2 laboratories?
Containment devices, administrative controls, and more strict guidelines than in BSL-1.
This level includes agents that pose a moderate risk to personnel.
What is the focus of BSL-3 laboratories?
Clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, and production laboratories using agents that can potentially cause serious disease or lethality.
Access to these laboratories is limited.
What distinguishes BSL-4 laboratories?
They work with exotic agents that have a high risk of aerosol transmission and cause life-threatening infections.
Facilities handling these agents are completely isolated.
What does MSDS stand for and its purpose?
Material Safety Data Sheets provide standards for the safe use and handling of chemicals in the laboratory.
Developed by NIOSH in connection with OSHA.
What types of radiation are mentioned in laboratory safety?
- Ionizing
- Nonionizing
- Radioactive chemicals
- UV light
- Visible light
Radiation damage can result from a single large exposure or cumulative small doses.
What common laboratory equipment is used for safety?
- Fire extinguishers
- Fume hoods
- Autoclave
- Eyewashes and safety showers
- Refrigerators/freezers
- Disposal of hazardous waste
Each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in maintaining safety in the laboratory.
What is the role of fume hoods in a laboratory?
They prevent or minimize exposure to hazardous agents and can come in various types such as general-purpose and biosafety cabinets.
Specific hoods, like perchloric acid hoods, must be used for certain procedures.
What types of protective gear are typically used in laboratories?
- Gloves (latex and non-latex)
- Respiratory protection
- Laboratory coats
- Eye protection
Eye protection is mandatory in many laboratories.
What safety issues are prevalent in healthcare facilities?
- Blood-borne pathogens
- Biological hazards
- Potential chemical and drug exposure
- Waste products
These concerns necessitate strict safety protocols.
What are key safety requirements for hospitals and nursing homes?
- Industrial hygiene
- Hazard communication and training
- Hazardous waste disposal procedures
- Disaster preparation procedures
- Risk management procedures
OSHA regulations apply to these facilities.
What is the importance of emergency response procedures in laboratories?
Laboratory workers need to know specific emergency procedures and follow OSHA regulations.
Standards include hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
Fill in the blank: The _____ provides guidelines for the safe use of chemicals in laboratories.
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
True or False: The highest rates of injury and illness in healthcare industries are found in nursing homes and personal care facilities.
True
