general protocols in the lab

Question 1

Unexpected, unplanned occurrence which may or may not result in injury, property damage, work stoppage or interference or any combination of these situations

Answer 1

accident

Question 2

The prevention or control of accidents in the workplace

Answer 2

occupational safety
- for example: laboratory
- its our basic human right

Question 3

Any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on someone or something.

Answer 3

hazard

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

The probability of realizing harm is sure to be an exposure to a hazard.

Answer 5

risk

Question 6

these are the most common biological hazards

Answer 6

Microorganisms and bacteria

Question 7

Any conditions in the workplace that can cause immediate injuries or accidents.

Answer 7

occupational safety hazard
- unsafe condition
- unsafe act

Question 8

non ideal workplace conditions and has a poor workplace set up, hazardous or lack of hazard controls.

Answer 8

Unsafe condition

Question 9

risky acts such as not following protocols or order of process

Answer 9

Unsafe act

Question 10

Factors in the workplace that can lead to long term health issues.

Answer 10

Occupational health hazards

Question 11

possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of chemical hazard

Answer 11

Preservatives, dyes, fumes and reagents

Exposure to toxic, carcinogenic or caustic agent [cancer, skin burns, skin irritation]

Question 12

possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of physical hazard

Answer 12

Noise, vibration,lighting, heat, cold and sharps

Cuts, burns or puncture

Question 13

possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of biological hazard

Answer 13

Infectious agent

Bacterial , fungal or parasitic infections

Question 14

possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of radioactive hazard

Answer 14

Equipment and radioisotopes

Exposure to radiation [cancer may develop as undergo mutations. pregnant women - harmful for fetus may casue deformatives]

Question 15

possible source and the possible injury/ health issue of ergonomic hazard

Answer 15

Manual handling, restrictive working area

Chronic back pain

Question 16

hierarchy of controls

Answer 16

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

Question 17

what are the nature of hazards

Answer 17

Biological
Physical
Chemical
Electrical
Radioactive
Fire/ Explosive

Question 18

Refers to biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans.

Answer 18

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!

Question 19

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.

Answer 19

chain of infection

Question 20

true or false:
plants can also be a reservoir

Answer 20

true

Question 21

inanimate objects that carry biohazardous agents.

Answer 21

fomites
- example: lab gowns, bag that u put your lab gown in

Question 22

Malaria’s Vector

Answer 22

Female Anopheles mosquito
- bites an infected person, picks up the malaria parasite, and then spreads it to someone else when she bites again.

Question 23

Universal Precautions (1987)

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Difference Between Universal Precautions (UP) & Body Substance Isolation (BSI)

• main focus
• what’s considered infectious
• handwashing rule
• protective measures

Answer 24

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

Question 25

standard precautions

Answer 25

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

Question 25

disadvantages of BSI

Answer 25

do not recommend hand washing after removing gloves unless visual contamination is present.

Question 25

Combined Universal Precautions (UP) & Body Substance Isolation (BSI).

Answer 25

CDC & HICPAC (1996) - Created Standard Precautions to improve infection control. - Ensures all body substances are treated as infectious.

Question 25

a group of experts that advises the CDC on infection control practices and focuses on preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Answer 25

Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) - Helps develop safety guidelines for healthcare workers.

Question 26

OSHA - Engineering Controls

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

OSHA - Sharps Disposal where should the sharps be disposed

Answer 27

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

Question 28

what is the purpose of requiring all employees to practice standard precautions and document annual training?

Answer 28

To ensure consistency in safety protocols and reduce the risk of accidents or exposure to hazards.

Question 29

Why is eating, drinking, smoking, and applying cosmetics prohibited in the work area?

Answer 29

To prevent contaminants from being introduced into the environment and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Question 30

What is the importance of establishing a daily work surface disinfection protocol?

Answer 30

To regularly sanitize surfaces and prevent the buildup of harmful microbes or contaminants, especially in high-risk environments.

Question 31

What types of PPE should be provided to employees in high-risk environments?

Answer 31

Laboratory coats, gowns, face shields, and gloves. and laundry facilities be provided for non-disposable protective clothing

Question 32

donning and doffing of PPE

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Why is providing immunization for the hepatitis B virus free of charge important in the workplace?

Answer 33

MEDICAL: To protect employees from potential exposure to the hepatitis B virus, especially in environments with a higher risk of bloodborne pathogens (BBP).

Question 34

What should be done when an employee has been accidentally exposed to bloodborne pathogens (BBP)?

Answer 34

MEDICAL: Medical follow-up should be provided to the employee to monitor for potential infections and ensure appropriate treatment.

Question 35

Documenting annual training of employees in safety standards. Documenting evaluations and implementation of safer needle devices.

Answer 35

documentation - Involving employees in the selection and evaluation of new devices and maintaining a list of those employees and the evaluations.

Question 36

Emphasis in the standard precautions guidelines.

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

Handwashing Procedure

Answer 37

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.

Question 38

where should all biologic waste, except urine, must be placed

Answer 38

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.

Question 39

true or false: Every chemical in the workplace should be presumed hazardous.

Answer 39

true hence, Avoid getting these materials in or on bodies, clothes or work areas.

Question 40

why acid should always be added to water

Answer 40

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.

Question 41

What should be done in the event of chemical contact or spill on the body?

Answer 41

Flush the affected area with a large amount of water for at least 15 minutes and then seek medical attention.

Question 42

What does OSHA require for facilities that use hazardous chemicals?

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Why is it important to use appropriate work practices and standard operating procedures in a chemical environment?

Answer 43

These practices help prevent accidents and ensure safe handling and usage of hazardous chemicals.

Question 44

role of employee training in a Chemical Hygiene Plan?

Answer 44

Employee training ensures that workers are aware of the hazards and know how to safely handle chemicals and respond to emergencies.

Question 45

What should be included on chemical labels?

Answer 45

Labels should describe the particular hazards of the chemical, such as whether it is poisonous, corrosive, flammable, explosive, teratogenic, or carcinogenic.

Question 46

developed the Standard System for the Identification of the Fire Hazards of Materials, NFPA 704.

Answer 46

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Question 47

spill response guidelines

Answer 47

transes

Question 48

biological spill response guidelines

Answer 48

transes

Question 49

RACE & PASS

Answer 49

RACE Rescue Alarm Contain Extinguish/ evacuate PASS Pull pin Aim at the base Squeeze handles Sweep nozzle side to side

Question 50

fire type

Answer 50

index card

Question 51

When might radioactive hazards be encountered in the clinical laboratory?

Answer 51

When procedures using radioisotopes are performed.

Question 52

What three factors affect the amount of radiation exposure?

Answer 52

Time, distance, and shielding.

Question 53

Where must the radioactive hazard symbol be displayed?

Answer 53

It must be displayed on the doors of all areas where radioactive material is present.

Question 54

Why should equipment not be operated with wet hands?

Answer 54

increases the risk of electrical shock - equipment should be unplugged and allowed to dry completely before using

Question 55

What safety measure should be followed with all electrical equipment?

Answer 55

All electrical equipment must be grounded with three-pronged plugs.

Question 56

What should be done immediately in the event of an electrical shock accident?

Answer 56

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.

Question 57

summary of universal precautions and safety procedures

Answer 57

transes

Question 58

what are some physical hazard work practice controls to follow in the laboratory?

Answer 58

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

Question 59

What are some laboratory safety and conduct practices all personnel should follow?

Answer 59

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.

Question 60

What personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn in the laboratory?

Answer 60

Hairnet, goggles, mask, laboratory gown, and shoe covers should always be worn during laboratory activities.

Question 61

What should never be done when pipetting in the laboratory?

Answer 61

Mouth pipetting is NOT allowed; always use the appropriate pipetting devices.

Question 62

What should be done in an emergency situation in the laboratory?

Answer 62

Locate and properly use emergency equipment such as wash/shower stations, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency contact numbers.

Question 63

What precautions should be taken when dealing with mucous membrane or skin contamination from blood?

Answer 63

Cover cuts with impervious dressings and avoid contact with blood on broken skin or mucous membranes.

Question 64

How should these following samples be disposed of after use? - blood - stool - urine - microscope slides

Answer 64

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.