Lectures 4 & 5 Flashcards
(47 cards)
What is the hierarchy of controls?
-Engineering: most effective (designing equipment)
-Administrative: depends on adherence to rules (training procedures)
-PPE: last line of defence (gloves, masks, etc.)
What is decontamination?
Describes the procedures that remove contamination by killing microorganisms with the goal of making items safe for use or disposal.
What is disinfection?
-A type of decontamination that destroys specific types of organisms, but not all spores
-Usually done with chemicals
What is sterilization/
The complete removal of all microorganisms by chemical OR physical means
3 uses of chemical disinfectants for decontamination:
-surfaces and equipment that can’t be autoclaved
-spills of biohazardous material
-in discard jars and pipette jars
What is the most common disinfectant?
Diluted sodium hypochlorite (aka bleach, 5.25%)
What is the more effective concentration of isopropyl alcohol?
70%
What should you always do before using chemical disinfectants?
Check labels for proper use instructions and use appropriate PPE
5 ways to accomplish sterilization:
- Steam autoclaves
- Gas sterilizers
- Filtration
- Dry heat
- Boiling
The 5 aspects of autoclave sterilization:
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Moisture content
- Time
- Contact
What are the effective operating parameters for gravity displacement steam autoclaves?
Temperature: 121C
Pressure: 15 psi
Time: minimum 15 minutes
Describe the proper use of an autoclave:
-Items loaded into metal or heat-resistant plastic containers
-Avoid stacking/crowding items
-Remove lids from lidded containers
-Autoclave should be located near to the lab
What are indicators used for in autoclaves?
Indicators are used to determine if you’ve achieved successful decontamination, can be biological or chemical
What is a biological indicator?
-A test system containing viable bacteria with a defined resistance to a specified sterilization process
-After sterilization the bacteria must be incubated; if no bacteria grow, it was successful.
What is a chemical indicator?
A test system that changes in response to certain predefined variables, often changing from one colour to another to indicate success.
What is ergonomics?
The science of designing work with the worker in mind, an integral part of work efficiency and worker well-being.
Name 7 results of improper ergonomics:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
- Fatigue
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Monotony (increased errors and accidents)
- Biochemical stresses that create strains, aches, injuries
- Eye strain from screens
- Lowered morale (mental health issues)
What are MSDs?
Disorders of muscles, tendons, and nerves caused gradually by overuse that become hazardous due to continual repetition, forceful manner, speed of the movements, and lack of recovery time
What are the 3 common risk factors for MSDs?
- Force: amount of compression/tension/shear inside or applied to the body (e.x. wrists on a desk while typing
- Posture: deviating from neutral posture causes stress on the body (e.x. bending, twisting)
- Time: frequency, duration, repetition of tasks/movements
Name 5 ergonomic considerations and solutions:
- Adjustable work surfaces
- Variation of tasks and movements
- Using carts to move heavy materials
- Design and position of screens
- Air quality (temperature, humidity)
What are the dangers and precautions associated with compressed gas?
- Dangers: can explode if heated, high pressure gas streams can puncture skin, can make a toxic, flammable, or corrosive atmosphere
- Precautions: secure cylinders upright to architectural support, store away from the lab, transport using 4-wheeled hand trucks or dollies
What are the dangers and precautions associated with cryogenics?
- Dangers: burns and tissue damage, embrittlement of materials, pressure buildup in container
- Precautions: wear PPE, no jewelry, be aware of drops of liquid nitrogen remaining on containers, wear eye protection until pressure has been released
What are the dangers and precautions associated with electrical hazards?
- Dangers: potential ignition source, can be fatal
- Precautions: avoid using extension cords and multiple adapters, use outlets with grounding connection, pull plugs not cords, keep cords away from high traffic areas
What are the dangers associated with ionizing radiation, and where does it come from?
- Sources: x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons
- Dangerous to: bone marrow, breasts, thyroid, lungs, digestive system, fetuses
