(C) Physical & Miscellaneous Safety

Question 1

Describe examples where radiation may be used in a laboratory.

Answer 1

Radioimmunoassays (not common) irradiators, gas chromatographs (radioactive foil).

Question 2

Describe ionizing radiation.

Answer 2

Higher energy; when radiation has enough energy to ionized other atoms (remove electrons) in its path.

Question 3

Describe non-ionizing radiation.

Answer 3

Lower energy; radiation in which the level of energy is not capable of ionizing other atoms.

Question 4

Personnel who may receive ___ of maximum dose permissible must wear a dosimeter.

Answer 4

10%.

Question 5

How should radioactive material contaminated with a microbiological organism be treated?

Answer 5

All living organisms need to be destroyed prior to disposal (commonly with bleach).

Question 6

Define Ergonomics.

Answer 6

Focuses on reducing or avoiding musculoskeletal disorders and other injury through workplace, equipment, and process design.

Question 7

Describe some risk factors for potential ergonomics issues.

Answer 7

Inflexible computer workstation, repetitive motion, single event, repeated impact or vibration, frequent reaching of materials.

Question 8

What are two common injuries for improper ergonomics?

Answer 8

Carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow.

Question 9

Noise levels between ___ and ___ require earplugs.

Answer 9

80 - 100.

Question 10

___ dBA require hearing protection (noise-canceling headphones).

Answer 10

> 100.

Question 11

What are the potential hazards of autoclaves and sterilizers?

Answer 11

Potential exposure to burns or cuts.

Question 12

The most common incident caused by centrifuges are…

Answer 12

User error.

Question 13

Define Compressed Gases.

Answer 13

A gas or mixture of gasses in a container having an absolute pressure exceeding 40 pounds per square inch at 70F.

A gas or mixture of gasses having an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130F regardless of the pressure at 70F.

A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100F.

Question 14

Safe operation of compressed gases include:

Answer 14

• Stored upright
• Secured (i.e. chained to a wall)
• Do not drop or allow cylinders to strike each other with force
• Kept away from sources of heat, electricity, and flammable liquids • Transport with protective cap on valve
• Do not roll or drag cylinders
• Monitor the pressure daily when in use
• Permanent labeling on cylinder that identifies the contents

Question 15

Define Cryogen.

Answer 15

Substance used to produce very low temperatures (below -243F) (e.g. liquid nitrogen).

Question 16

Solid Carbon Dioxide (aka dry ice) converts directly to carbon dioxide gas at ___F.

Answer 16

-109F.

Question 17

When administering first aid to a cryogen or dry ice injury, never place the affected part of the body in a warm water bath above what temperature?

Answer 17

40C.