L1 Flashcards
process of ensuring and maintaining personal and
environmental health and safety in the laboratory
Risk Management
First Step of Risk Management
Identify all hazards
Must be detailed
Mandated by accrediting or regulatory agencies
Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures must include
Control of hazardous substances
Risk Assessments
Health and safety information relevant to handling of specimens
a file of hazardous chemicals
should be readily accessible in the laboratory
Material Safety Data Sheet
Material Safety Data Sheet should include
Normal use
Disposal
Risks associated will spillage
Procedures involving volatile toxic substances should be conducted in a
Fume hood
Types of Hazards
Chemical
Physical
Biological
used to define the maximum allowable airborne concentration of a chemical to which a worker may be exposed.
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), or Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
Every chemical should be labeled with
Chemical name and, if a mixture, names of all
ingredient
Manufacturer’s name and address Date purchased or made
Expiration date
Hazard warnings and safety procedures.
chemicals that cause reversible
inflammatory effects at the site of contact with living tissues(skin, eyes and respiratory passages)
Irritants
cause destruction or irreversible
alterations when exposed to living tissue, or destroy certain inanimate surfaces (e.g., metal)
Corrosive Chemicals
cause allergic reactions in some exposed workers, not just in hypersensitive individuals
Sensitizers
are substances that induce tumors, not only in experimental animals but also in humans
Carcinogens
Example of Carcinogens
Chloroform
Chromic acid
Formaldehyde
Nickel chloride
Potassium dichromate
Carcinogenic dyes(e.g., auramine,
basic fuchsin, and any dye derived
from benzidine)
are capable of causing death by ingestion, skin contact or inhalation at certain specified concentrations.
Toxic Materials
Toxic Materials Include
Methanol
Chromic Acid
Osmium Tetroxide
Uranyl Nitrate
Toxic substances in the fume hood should be stored in pans or trays made of
polyethylene or other chemically resistant material
All volatile substances having high chronic toxicity must be stored in
ventilated storage area
Hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the chemical name and a warning such as:
WARNING! HIGHLY TOXIC OR SUSPECTED CARCINOGEN
Storage areas for highly toxic substances should be maintained under
negative pressure
Hypochlorite solutions are classified as
Irritants or Corrosives
these are infectious agents and their toxins as well as contaminated solutions, specimens or objects
Biological Hazards
Has the highest risk of all histological activities
Grossing of Specimen
Cutting areas or surfaces may be sterilized with
Chlorine Bleach
Handling Spills should include
protective equipment and clean up aids( good quality latex or nitrile gloves similar in thickness to dishwashing gloves, disposable plastic aprons for chemical spills and disposable gowns for biohazards)
Dustpan and brush for powders, sponges, towels and mops for liquids
Adsorbent material (kitty litter or a
commercial sorbent),
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite for biohazards),
Baking soda for acids
Vinegar (5% acetic acid) for alkalis
Sealable plastic bucket
Heavy plastic bags for containment of the salvaged waste
