general protocols in the lab Flashcards
Unexpected, unplanned occurrence which may or may not result in injury, property damage, work stoppage or interference or any combination of these situations
accident
The prevention or control of accidents in the workplace
occupational safety
- for example: laboratory
- its our basic human right
Any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on someone or something.
hazard
Refers to the extent to which individuals come into contact with a hazard. It involves the duration, frequency and intensity of contact with the hazardous agent or environment.
exposure
Example is the use of ppe. To reduce the hazard. Hence reduce/ minimize the risk when using the ppe. However when eliminating the hazard which is the source of hence no risk.
The probability of realizing harm is sure to be an exposure to a hazard.
risk
these are the most common biological hazards
Microorganisms and bacteria
Any conditions in the workplace that can cause immediate injuries or accidents.
occupational safety hazard
- unsafe condition
- unsafe act
non ideal workplace conditions and has a poor workplace set up, hazardous or lack of hazard controls.
Unsafe condition
risky acts such as not following protocols or order of process
Unsafe act
Factors in the workplace that can lead to long term health issues.
Occupational health hazards
possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of chemical hazard
Preservatives, dyes, fumes and reagents
Exposure to toxic, carcinogenic or caustic agent [cancer, skin burns, skin irritation]
possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of physical hazard
Noise, vibration,lighting, heat, cold and sharps
Cuts, burns or puncture
possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of biological hazard
Infectious agent
Bacterial , fungal or parasitic infections
possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of radioactive hazard
Equipment and radioisotopes
Exposure to radiation [cancer may develop as undergo mutations. pregnant women - harmful for fetus may casue deformatives]
possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of ergonomic hazard
Manual handling, restrictive working area
Chronic back pain
hierarchy of controls
most effective to least effective:
elimination
- physically remove the hazard
- however, not practical. lack of resources, low budget.
substitution
- replace the hazard
- example: Slide warmer rather than an alcohol lamp. As it is much safer.
engineering controls
-isolate ppl frm the hazard
- biosafety cabinet
administrative controls
- change the way ppl work
- guidelines and policies
ppe
- protect the worker with ppe
what are the nature of hazards
Biological
Physical
Chemical
Electrical
Radioactive
Fire/ Explosive
Refers to biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans.
biological hazard
- aka biohazards
- examples:
germs (bacteria, virus and fungi)
toxins
mold and harmful bacteria
*Simple Rule: If it’s tiny and can infect or poison you, it’s a biohazard!
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.
chain of infection
true or false:
plants can also be a reservoir
true
inanimate objects that carry biohazardous agents.
fomites
- example: lab gowns, bag that u put your lab gown in
Malaria’s Vector
Female Anopheles mosquito
- bites an infected person, picks up the malaria parasite, and then spreads it to someone else when she bites again.
Universal Precautions (1987)
All patients are considered to be possible carriers or BBP.
The CDC excluded urine and body fluids not visibly contaminated by blood.
Limited to BBP
Difference Between Universal Precautions (UP) & Body Substance Isolation (BSI)
- main focus
- what’s considered infectious
- handwashing rule
- protective measures
UP prevents BBP transmission while BSI prevent all body fluid infections
UP - only blood & fluids with visible blood (required after glove removal)
BSI - all moist body substance (not required unless visible contamination)
BOTH needs complete PPE (gloves, masks, gown) - BSI is extended to ALL fluids while UP is for BBP
standard precautions
Applies to all patients regardless of disease status.
All body substances should be considered infectious
Key components:
Hand hygiene
Proper use of hand gloves
Mouth, nose and eye protection
Protective gown
Patient placement
Patient care equipment
Environmental control
Soiled linen
Occupational health and BBP
Respiratory hygiene/ cough etiquette
disadvantages of BSI
do not recommend hand washing after removing gloves unless visual contamination is present.
Combined Universal Precautions (UP) & Body Substance Isolation (BSI).
CDC & HICPAC (1996)
- Created Standard Precautions to improve infection control.
- Ensures all body substances are treated as infectious.
a group of experts that advises the CDC on infection control practices and focuses on preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)
- Helps develop safety guidelines for healthcare workers.
OSHA - Engineering Controls
Use sharps disposal containers to prevent injuries.
Equip safety devices for needles; discard with the safety device activated.
Label all biohazardous materials and containers clearly.
OSHA - Sharps Disposal
where should the sharps be disposed
puncture-resistant, leak-proof container
- containers must display the biohazard symbol and be easily accessible in work areas.
- never overfill the container; replace it when it reaches the safe capacity mark
what is the purpose of requiring all employees to practice standard precautions and document annual training?
To ensure consistency in safety protocols and reduce the risk of accidents or exposure to hazards.
Why is eating, drinking, smoking, and applying cosmetics prohibited in the work area?
To prevent contaminants from being introduced into the environment and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
What is the importance of establishing a daily work surface disinfection protocol?
To regularly sanitize surfaces and prevent the buildup of harmful microbes or contaminants, especially in high-risk environments.
What types of PPE should be provided to employees in high-risk environments?
Laboratory coats, gowns, face shields, and gloves.
and laundry facilities be provided for non-disposable protective clothing
donning and doffing of PPE
Proper donning of PPE:
Gown
Mask or respirator
Goggles or face shield
Gloves
Proper doffing of PEE:
Gloves
Goggles or face shield
Gown
Mask or respirator
Why is providing immunization for the hepatitis B virus free of charge important in the workplace?
MEDICAL:
To protect employees from potential exposure to the hepatitis B virus, especially in environments with a higher risk of bloodborne pathogens (BBP).
What should be done when an employee has been accidentally exposed to bloodborne pathogens (BBP)?
MEDICAL:
Medical follow-up should be provided to the employee to monitor for potential infections and ensure appropriate treatment.
Documenting annual training of employees in safety standards.
Documenting evaluations and implementation of safer needle devices.
documentation
- Involving employees in the selection and evaluation of new devices and maintaining a list of those employees and the evaluations.
Emphasis in the standard precautions guidelines.
Hand Hygiene
- lab personnel must always sanitize hands b4 patient contact, after gloves are removed, before leaving the work area, at any time when hands have been knowingly contaminated, before going to designated break areas and before and after using bathroom facilities.
Handwashing Procedure
Wet hands with warm water. Do not allow parts of your body to touch the sink.
Apply soap, preferably antimicrobial.
Rub to form a lather, create friction and loosen debris. Thoroughly clean between the fingers and under the fingernails for at least 20 seconds; Include thumb and wrists in the cleaning.
Rinse hands in a downward position to prevent recontamination of hands and wrists.
Obtain paper towel from the dispenser,
Dry hands with a paper towel.
Turn off faucets with a clean paper towel to prevent contamination.
where should all biologic waste, except urine, must be placed
in appropriate containers labeled with the biohazard symbol.
urine: pouring it into a laboratory sink.
Disinfection of the sink using a 1:5 or 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite should be performed daily.
Bottles are effective for 1 month if protected from light after preparation.
true or false:
Every chemical in the workplace should be presumed hazardous.
true
hence, Avoid getting these materials in or on bodies, clothes or work areas.
why acid should always be added to water
avoid the possibility of sudden splashing caused by the rapid generation of heat in some chemical reactions.
- Wearing goggles and preparing reagents under a fume hood are recommended.
What should be done in the event of chemical contact or spill on the body?
Flush the affected area with a large amount of water for at least 15 minutes and then seek medical attention.
What does OSHA require for facilities that use hazardous chemicals?
OSHA requires all such facilities to have a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) available to employees.
key components of a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP):
-Appropriate work practices
-Standard operating procedures
-PPE
-Engineering controls (e.g., fume -hoods, flammable safety cabinets)
-Employee training requirements
-Medical consultation guidelines
Why is it important to use appropriate work practices and standard operating procedures in a chemical environment?
These practices help prevent accidents and ensure safe handling and usage of hazardous chemicals.
role of employee training in a Chemical Hygiene Plan?
Employee training ensures that workers are aware of the hazards and know how to safely handle chemicals and respond to emergencies.
What should be included on chemical labels?
Labels should describe the particular hazards of the chemical, such as whether it is poisonous, corrosive, flammable, explosive, teratogenic, or carcinogenic.
developed the Standard System for the Identification of the Fire Hazards of Materials, NFPA 704.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
spill response guidelines
transes
biological spill response guidelines
transes
RACE & PASS
RACE
Rescue
Alarm
Contain
Extinguish/ evacuate
PASS
Pull pin
Aim at the base
Squeeze handles
Sweep nozzle side to side
fire type
index card
When might radioactive hazards be encountered in the clinical laboratory?
When procedures using radioisotopes are performed.
What three factors affect the amount of radiation exposure?
Time, distance, and shielding.
Where must the radioactive hazard symbol be displayed?
It must be displayed on the doors of all areas where radioactive material is present.
Why should equipment not be operated with wet hands?
increases the risk of electrical shock
- equipment should be unplugged and allowed to dry completely before using
What safety measure should be followed with all electrical equipment?
All electrical equipment must be grounded with three-pronged plugs.
What should be done immediately in the event of an electrical shock accident?
must be removed immediately, without touching the person or equipment involved.
- circuit breaker should be turned off, the equipment unplugged, or the equipment moved using a non-conductive object such as glass or wood.
- after electrical shock exposure, the victim shld receive immediate medical assistance, and CPR may be necessary.
summary of universal precautions and safety procedures
transes
what are some physical hazard work practice controls to follow in the laboratory?
Avoid running in rooms and hallways
Watch for wet floors
Bend the knees when lifting heavy objects
Keep long hair pulled back
Avoid dangling jewelry
Maintain a clean, organized work area
What are some laboratory safety and conduct practices all personnel should follow?
Strictly adhere to laboratory practices and safety protocols.
Always practice aseptic techniques.
Minimize aerosol production and related hazards.
Wash hands before and after laboratory tasks.
Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in the lab.
Avoid touching your face, and never place objects in your mouth while in the lab.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn in the laboratory?
Hairnet, goggles, mask, laboratory gown, and shoe covers should always be worn during laboratory activities.
What should never be done when pipetting in the laboratory?
Mouth pipetting is NOT allowed; always use the appropriate pipetting devices.
What should be done in an emergency situation in the laboratory?
Locate and properly use emergency equipment such as wash/shower stations, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency contact numbers.
What precautions should be taken when dealing with mucous membrane or skin contamination from blood?
Cover cuts with impervious dressings and avoid contact with blood on broken skin or mucous membranes.
How should these following samples be disposed of after use?
- blood
- stool
- urine
- microscope slides
All blood samples are considered potentially infectious. Use proper disposal techniques for used needles, lancets, and blood-soaked materials. Never reuse lancets.
Stool samples should be incinerated or soaked in disinfectant solution and then buried in disposable specimen containers after each experiment.
Urine samples should be discarded via the sewage system, avoiding skin contact.
Pace slides used in direct fecal smear procedures or any other parasitologic procedure in a pot containing 1% hypochlorite solution. Bury in a disposable specimen container.
