General Protocol in the Laboratory Flashcards
What is the purpose of general protocol and safety in the laboratory?
To ensure that we and the community around us are safe.
Define Aseptic Techniques.
Handling specimens considering their contamination.
What does safety refer to in the laboratory context?
Condition of protecting ourselves from any type of harm or injury.
What is an accident?
Any unexpected, unplanned occurrence which may or may not result in injury, property damage, work stoppage, or interference.
Define Occupational Safety.
The prevention or control of accidents in the workplace.
What is a hazard?
Any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on someone or something.
List types of hazards.
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biological
What does exposure refer to?
The extent to which individuals come into contact with a hazard.
Define risk in the context of hazards.
The probability of realizing harm due to an exposure to a hazard.
What is the RISK FORMULA?
Hazard + Exposure = Risk
What defines unsafe conditions in the workplace?
Non-ideal workplace conditions that can cause immediate injuries or accidents.
What are engineering controls?
Instruments or machines used to isolate someone from the hazard.
Define unsafe acts.
Risky acts such as not following protocols or order of process.
What are occupational health hazards?
Factors in the workplace that can lead to long-term health issues.
List types of occupational health hazards.
- Chemical
- Physical
- Biological
- Radioactive
- Ergonomic
What is the meaning of biological hazards?
Biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms.
What is the chain of infection?
Requires a continuous link between an infectious agent, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a means of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible host.
What are fomites?
Inanimate objects that can carry biological agents.
What are Universal Precautions?
All patients are considered to be possible carriers of bloodborne pathogens.
What does Body Substance Isolation (BSI) entail?
All body fluids and moist body substances are considered potentially infectious.
What is the major disadvantage of BSI?
Does not recommend hand washing after removal of gloves unless visually contaminated.
What is emphasized in the Standard Precautions Guidelines?
Hand hygiene.
What does proper handwashing procedure include?
- Wet hands with warm water
- Apply soap
- Rub to form lather
- Rinse hands
- Dry with paper towel
- Turn off faucets with a paper towel
What should be done for biologic waste disposal?
All biologic waste must be placed in appropriate containers labeled with the biohazard symbol.