QUIZ 1 Flashcards
requires that employers provide and pay for PPE and ensure that it is used wherever “hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants are encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical
contact.”
The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard
Laboratory chemicals include
cancer-causing agents
(carcinogens), toxins (e.g., those
affecting the liver, kidney, and
nervous system), irritants,
corrosives, sensitizers, as well as
agents that act on the blood
system or damage the lungs, skin,
eyes, or mucous membranes
Chemical Hazards
The Laboratory standard consists of five major elements:
- Hazard identification;
- Chemical Hygiene Plan;
- Information and training;
- Exposure monitoring; and
- Medical consultation and examinations.
- Biological Agents (other than Bloodborne Pathogens) and Biological Toxins
- These hazards are present in various sources throughout the laboratory such as blood and body fluids, culture specimens, body tissue and cadavers, and laboratory animals, as well as other workers.
Biological Hazards
True or false ?
- OSHA defines blood to mean human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood
True
Bloodborne Pathogens The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard is designed to protect workers from the health hazards of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
True
OPIM means:
(1) Other body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with
blood
* (2) Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); and
* (3) HIV- or HBV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV
Besides exposure to chemicals and biological agents, laboratory workers can also be exposed to a number of physical hazards.
Physical Hazards and Others
Laboratory workers are at risk for repetitive motion injuries during routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, working at microscopes, operating microtomes, using cell counters and keyboarding at computer workstations. Repetitive motion injuries develop over time and occur when muscles and joints are stressed, tendons are inflamed, nerves are pinched and the flow of blood is
restricted. Standing and working in awkward positions in front of laboratory hoods/biological safety cabinets can also present ergonomic problems.
Ergonomic Hazards
OSHA’s Ionizing Radiation standard, sets forth the limitations on exposure to radiation from atomic particles. Ionizing radiation sources are found in a wide range of occupational settings, including laboratories. These radiation sources can pose a considerable health
risk to affected workers if not properly controlled.
Ionizing Radiation
is described as a series of energy waves
composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light. Nonionizing radiation includes the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF), and extremely low frequency (ELF). Lasers commonly
operate in the UV, visible, and IR frequencies. Non-ionizing radiation is found in a wide range of occupational settings and can pose a considerable health risk to potentially exposed workers if not properly
controlled.
Non-ionizing Radiation
Noise
OSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure standard, requires employers to develop and implement a hearing conservation program that includes the use of PPE (e.g., hearing protectors), if workers are exposed to a time-weighted average (TWA) of ≥ 85 dBA over an 8-hour work shift. In addition, when workers are exposed to noise levels ≥ 85 dBA, the employer must develop a monitoring program to assess noise levels.
The majority of all centrifuge accidents are the result of user error.
True
- In the laboratory, there is the potential for workers to be exposed to electrical hazards including electric shock, electrocutions, fires and explosions.
- The potential for possible electrocution or electric shock or contact with electrical hazards can result from a number of factors, including
the following: - Faulty electrical equipment/instrumentation or wiring;
- Damaged receptacles and connectors; and
- Unsafe work practices.
Electrical Hazard
- Fire is the most common serious hazard that one faces in a typical laboratory. While proper procedures and training can minimize the chances of an accidental fire, laboratory workers should still be prepared to deal with a fire emergency should it occur.
- Laboratories, especially those using solvents in any quantity, have the potential for flash fires, explosion, rapid spread of fire, and high toxicity of products of combustion (heat, smoke, and flame).
Fire Hazard
- Worker exposure to wet floors or spills and clutter can lead to slips/trips/falls and other possible injuries.
- Keep floors clean and dry
- In addition to being a slip hazard, continually wet surfaces promote the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria that can cause infections.
*Provide warning (caution) signs for wet floor areas. - Where wet processes are used, maintain drainage and provide false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places where practicable, or provide appropriate waterproof footgear,
- The Walking/Working Surfaces standard requires that all employers keep all places of employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition
Trips, Slips and Falls
Storage of food or drink in refrigerators, freezers,
shelves, cabinets or on countertops or benchtops
where blood or OPIM are present
True
Appropriate PPE for workers if blood or OPIM exposure is anticipated
True
The type and amount of PPE depends on the anticipated exposure.
True
Gloves must be worn when hand contact with blood, mucous membranes, OPIM, or non-intact skin is anticipated, or when handling contaminated items or surfaces,
True
Surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers or boots must be worn in instances when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated such as during autopsies or orthopedic surgery.
True
Effective engineering and work practice controls to help remove or isolate exposures to blood and bloodborne pathogens)
True
Hepatitis B vaccination (if not declined by a worker) under the supervision of a physician or other licensed healthcare professional to all workers who have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM.
True
