Lab Safety

Question 1

Why safety in the lab

Answer 1

Safe working protects
You
Other lab workers
Your work
Visitors
Cleaners

Question 2

What is the regulation of safety
What the law says

Answer 2

You must work safely
You must not endanger others
You must not misuse laboratory equipment

Question 3

Secondary effect of a laboratory accident

Answer 3

Loss of staff confidence
Loss of reputation
Loss of customers
Increased cost : litigation and insurance

Question 4

Control measures

Answer 4

1) Use less risky substances
2) Ensure you follow rules and regulations
3) Totally enclose the process e.g a glove box
4) partially enclose the processs e.g fume cupboard
5) Ensure there is adequate ventilation
6) Reduce exposure time, increase distance and reduce volumes
7) Ensure you wear protective coverings
8) Safe systems of work

Question 5

How to protect yourself

Answer 5

Wear protective clothing
Fasten your laboratory coats
Don’t wear loose sandals or open shoes
Long hair must be tied back

Question 6

Gloves should be worn for?

Answer 6

Handling blood and bodily fluids
Touching the mucous membranes or non intact skin of patients
Or surfaces soiled with bodily fluids and blood and for performing venipunctures

Question 7

General hazards in a laboratory

Answer 7

Fire
Breakage of glass wear
Spillages
Sharps
Pressure equipments/ gas cylinders
Extremes of heat
Biological hazards
Chemical hazards
Radiation