OBJECTIVESAt the end of the discussion, the students must be able to:• Discuss safety awareness for clinical laboratory personnel.• List the responsibilities of employer and employee in providing a safe

workplace.• Identify hazards related to handling chemicals, biologic specimens, and

radiologic materials.• Choose appropriate personal protective equipment when working in the

clinical laboratory.• Identify the classes of fires and the type of fire extinguishers to use for

each.• Describe steps used as precautionary measures when working with

electrical equipment, cryogenic materials, and compressed gases and avoiding mechanical hazards associated with laboratory equipment.

• Select correct means for disposal of waste generated in the clinical laboratory.

• Outline the steps required in documentation of an accident in the workplace.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

1. Electric shock2. Toxic vapors & irritants3. Compressed gases4. Flammable liquids5. Radioactive material6. Corrosive substances7. Mechanical trauma8. Poisons9. Biologic materials10.Cryogenic materials

LABORATORY SAFETY

Safety begins with recognition of hazards and is achieved through the application of:Common sense.A safety-focused attitude.Good personal behavior/habits.Good housekeeping.Continual practice of good laboratory technique.

In most cases, accidents can be traced directly to two primary causes:

1. Unsafe acts (PERSONAL)

2. Unsafe conditions (ENVIRONMENTAL)

LABORATORY SAFETY

3 Strategies to contain hazards:

1. Engineering Controls

2. Personal Protective Equipment

3. Work Practice Controls

LABORATORY SAFETY

Occupational Safety and Health Act• Public Law 91-596, enacted on 1970.• Goal: to provide all employees (clinical laboratory

personnel included) with a safe work environment.• Under this legislation, the Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized to conduct on-site inspections to determine whether an employer is complying with the mandatory standards and assess fines if it finds noncompliance with the regulations.

REGULATIONS

Occupational Safety and Health Act• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and

Health (NIOSH) serves as OSHA’s research and advisory arm.

• The regulations most specific to clinical laboratories :1. Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde Standard 2. Hazard Communication Standard 3. Occupational Exposure to Blood-borne Pathogens4. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in

Laboratories

REGULATIONS

Agencies other than OSHA also have regulations that affect laboratories:• Research Conservation and Recovery Act (RSRA)• Department of Transportation (DOT)• Medical Waste Tracking Act• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

REGULATIONS

Other government and private agencies:• National Fire Protection Association (NPFA)• National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards

(NCCLS)• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)• National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

(NIOSH)• National Institute of Health (NIH)• American Conference of Governmental Industrial

Hygienists (ACGIH)

REGULATIONS

Voluntary accrediting agencies:• Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the

College of American Pathologists • Joint Commission for Accreditation of

Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

REGULATIONS

In the Philippines:• Republic Act 9003 – “Ecological Solid Waste

Management of 2000”• Republic Act 6969 – “Toxic Substances and Hazardous

and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990”• Republic Act 8749 – “Phil. Clean Air Act of 1999”• Republic Act 9275 – “Phil. Clean Water Act of 2004”• Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

REGULATIONS

Safety Responsibility• The employer and the employee share safety

responsibility.• The employer has the ultimate responsibility

for safety and delegates authority for safe operations to supervisors.

• Safety management in the laboratory should start with a written safety policy.

SAFETY AWARENESS FOR CLINICAL LABORATORY PERSONNEL

EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES1. Establish laboratory work methods and safety

policies.2. Provide supervision and guidance to employees.3. Provide safety information, training, personal

protective equipment, and medical surveillance to employees.

4. Provide and maintain equipment and laboratory facilities that are adequate for the tasks required.

SAFETY AWARENESS FOR CLINICAL LABORATORY PERSONNEL

EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES1. Know and comply with the established laboratory work

and safety methods.2. Have a positive attitude toward supervisors, co-workers,

facilities, and safety training.3. Give prompt notification of unsafe conditions or

practices to the immediate supervisor and ensure that unsafe conditions and practices are corrected.

4. Engage in the conduct of safe work practices and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

SAFETY AWARENESS FOR CLINICAL LABORATORY PERSONNEL

SAFETY PRACTICES

General Practices:1. Smoking, eating, and application of cosmetics are

prohibited.2. Protective garment must be worn over clothing. 3. Shoes should be made of nonporous material with

closed toes and heels.4. Contact lenses should be discouraged.5. Goggles or face shields are recommended if contact

lenses are worn.6. Dangling jewelry, long hair, and beards are not allowed.7. Mouth pipetting should be strictly prohibited.

SAFETY PRACTICES

Labels and Signage:• All chemical containers should be clearly labelled.• Appropriate signs to identify hazards are critical.• Areas where flammables, hazardous or toxic

chemicals, and carcinogens are stored or being used must be clearly marked.

• Areas where blood and body fluids are being stored or analyzed should be clearly marked with a biohazard mark.

SAFETY PRACTICES

SAFETY PRACTICES

Flammable

Poison / Toxic

Oxidizer

Harmful / Irritant

Explosion

Environmental Hazard

Corrosive

Biohazard

Radioactive

Labels and Signage:• All chemical containers should be clearly labelled.• Appropriate signs to identify hazards are critical.• Areas where flammables, hazardous or toxic

chemicals, and carcinogens are stored or being used must be clearly marked.

• Areas where blood and body fluids are being stored or analyzed should be clearly marked with a biohazard mark.

SAFETY PRACTICES

Labels and Signage:• The National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) developed a standard hazards-identification system (diamond-shape, color-coded symbol), which has been adopted by many clinical laboratories.

SAFETY PRACTICES

SAFETY PRACTICES

SAFETY PRACTICES

1. Hoods Fume Hoods Biological Hoods

2. Chemical storage equipment3. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

HOODSFume Hoods• Fume hoods are used when chemical reagents may

produce a hazardous fume.• The sash or window should be lowered when

working in the hood.• Air flow should be checked to assure proper

ventilation.• Controls such as power, gas, and vacuum should be

located externally to prevent a spark that may cause a fire when using volatiles.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

HOODSBiosafety / Biological Hoods• Biological safety cabinets (BSCs)• Biological hoods remove particles that may infect the

person working with the biologically infected specimen.

• These hoods contain a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter and are used typically in a microbiology laboratory.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

BIOSAFETY LEVEL AGENTS

1 Bacillus subtilisMycobacterium gordonae

Agents include those that have no known potential for infecting healthy people.

2HIV, HBVBacillus anthracisYersinia pestis

Agents associated with human disease; routes of transmission include percutaneous injury, ingestion, and mucous membrane exposure.

3Mycobacterium tuberculosisMold stages of systemic fungiFrancisella tularensisBrucella spp.

Indigenous/exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease through the inhalation route of exposure.

4ArbovirusArenavirusFilovirusSmallpox virus

Dangerous/exotic agents which post high individual risk of aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections that are frequently fatal, for which there are no vaccines or treatments available.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

CLASSIFICATION OF BIOLOGIC AGENTS BASED ON HAZARD

CLASS I Biological Safety Cabinet

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

CLASS II Biological Safety Cabinet

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

CLASS III Biological Safety Cabinet

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

CHEMICAL STORAGE EQUIPMENT• Safety equipment is available for the storage and

handling of chemicals and compressed gases.• Safety carriers should always be used to transport

500-mL bottles of acids, alkalis, or other solvents, and approved safety cans should be used for storing, dispensing, or disposing of flammables in volumes greater than 1 qt.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

CHEMICAL STORAGE EQUIPMENT• Safety cabinets are required for the storage of

flammable liquids, and only specially designed, explosion-proof refrigerators should be used to store flammable materials.

• Only the amount of chemical needed for the day should be available at the bench.

• Gas cylinder supports or clamps must be used at all times, and large tanks should be transported using handcarts.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• The parts of the body most frequently subject to

injury in the clinical laboratory are the eyes, skin, and respiratory and digestive tracts. Hence, the use of personal protective equipment is very important.

• All contaminated PPE must be removed and properly disposed of before leaving the laboratory.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

BIOLOGICALSAFETY

BIOLOGICALSAFETY

General Considerations:• All blood samples and other body fluids should be

collected, transported, handled, and processed using strict precautions.

• Gloves, gowns, and face protection must be used if splashing or splattering is likely to occur.

• Consistent and thorough hand washing is an essential component of infection control.

• Centrifugation of biologic specimens produce finely dispersed aerosols that are a high-risk source of infection.

• Ideally, specimens should remain capped during centrifugation.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Hand Washing:• Hand washing is one of the major ways of preventing

the spread of infectious agents.• Even if gloves are worn, hand washing is necessary

because of microscopic holes in gloves that may occur.

• When dealing with patients, hand washing should be done between each patient even if gloves are worn.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION

Sterilization – is a process whereby all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, are killed. Sterilization may be accomplished by physical or chemical means.PHYSICAL METHODS:

1. Incineration – most common method2. Moist heat – simplest and fastest method3. Dry heat 4. Filtration5. Ionizing radiation

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION

Sterilization – is a process whereby all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, are killed. Sterilization may be accomplished by physical or chemical means.CHEMICAL METHODS:

1. Ethylene oxide gas – most common sterilant2. Formaldehyde vapor and vapor-phase H2O2

3. Glutaraldehyde 4. Peracetic acid

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION

Disinfection - it is the process destroying pathogenic microorganisms EXCEPT spores. Disinfection may be accomplished by physical or chemical means.PHYSICAL METHODS:

1. Boiling at 100oC for 15 minutes 2. Pasteurizing at 63oC for 30 minutes or 72oC for 15

seconds3. Non-ionizing radiation such as UV light – long

wavelength and low energy

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION

Disinfection - it is the process destroying pathogenic microorganisms EXCEPT spores. Disinfection may be accomplished by physical or chemical means.CHEMICAL METHODS:

1. Alcohols – 70% ethanol2. Aldehydes – 2% glutaraldehyde3. Halogens – bleach, iodophor4. Heavy metals – 1% silver nitrate5. Quaternary ammonium compounds6. Phenolics – carbolic acid derivatives

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Spills:• Any blood, body fluid, or any other potentially

infectious material spill must be cleaned up and the area or equipment disinfected immediately.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Spills:Recommended clean-up includes the following:

1. Wear appropriate protective equipment.2. Use mechanical devices to pick up broken glass or

other sharp objects.3. Absorb the spill with paper towels, gauze pads, or

tissue.4. Clean the spill using a common aqueous detergent.5. Disinfect the spill site using approved disinfectant or

10% bleach, using appropriate contact time.6. Rinse the spill site with water.7. Dispose of all materials in appropriate biohazard

containers.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Blood-borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan• To minimize employee exposure, each employer must

have a written exposure control plan.• The plan must be available to all employees whose

reasonable anticipated duties may result in occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

• The exposure control plan must be discussed with all employees and be available to them while they are working.

• The employee must be provided with adequate training of all techniques described in the exposure control plan at initial work assignment and annually thereafter.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Blood-borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan• All necessary equipment and supplies must be

readily available and inspected on a regular basis.• Special precautions must be taken when handling all

specimens because of the continual increase of infectious samples received in the laboratory.

• Adopting a Standard Precautions policy, which considers blood and other body fluids from all patients as potentially infective, is required.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Airborne Pathogens• A tuberculosis (TB) exposure control program must

be established and risks to laboratory workers must be assessed.

• Those workers in high-risk areas may be required to wear a respirator for protection.

• All health workers considered to be at risk must be screened for TB infection.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Shipping of Specimens• There are two types of specimen classifications:

1. Known or suspect infectious specimens – are labelled “infectious substances” if the pathogen can be readily transmitted to humans or animals and there is no effective treatment available.

2. Diagnostic specimens – are those tested as routine screening or for initial diagnosis.

• Each type of specimen has rules and packaging requirements.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Shipping of Specimens

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Housekeeping• Work surfaces should be frequently cleaned with a

disinfectant and at the beginning and end of each shift.

• Trash, infectious waste, and dirty glassware should not be allowed to accumulate in large quantities in the laboratory.

• Containers of discarded specimens and causative agents should be covered when not in use.

• The disinfectant should be a 10% bleach solution, which is made fresh every 24 hours.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Needles and Sharps• Needles, blades, broken glass, and other sharp objects

pose a physical hazard and a potential infectious hazard to the laboratory and support personnel.

• All disposable needles and other sharps should be discarded into puncture-resistant and leak-proof containers marked with the biohazard symbol.

• These containers should be discarded according to institutional policy when they are one-half to three-fourths full.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Needles and Sharps• Most institutions incinerate sharp containers.• Needles should not be recapped unless a

recapping device is used.• Needles should never be cut because cutting

may splatter blood or other fluids into the environment.

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Employee Training• Each new laboratory employee should be

instructed in safe work practices before exposure to hazardous substances or situations.

• Annual training in chemical safety and in exposure control is required by OSHA and must be documented.

• The laboratory should appoint a person to be responsible for laboratory safety training.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Hazard Communication• Employees must be informed of the health

risks associated with those chemicals.• This ensures that health hazards are evaluated

for all chemicals that are produced and that this information is relayed to employees.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

To comply with the new Hazard Communication Standard, clinical laboratories must:

Plan and implement a written hazard communication program.

Obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) for each hazardous compound present in the workplace and have the MSDS readily accessible to employees.

Educate all employees annually on how to interpret chemical labels, MSDS, and health hazards of the chemicals and how to work safely with the chemicals.

Maintain hazard warning labels on containers received or filled on site.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)The written CHP must include the following:

1. Criteria for and methods of monitoring chemical exposure2. Standard operating procedures for handling hazardous

chemicals3. Criteria for implementing engineering controls (fume hoods)4. Use of personal protective equipment and other hygiene

practices5. Special precautions for extremely hazardous chemicals

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)The written CHP must include the following:

6. Specific measures to ensure that fume hoods and other equipment are working properly

7. Provision for employee information and training8. Provision for medical consultation and examination9. Designation of a chemical hygiene officer responsible

for implementation of the CHP.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Material Safety Data Sheet• The MSDS is a major source of safety information

for employees who may use hazardous materials in their occupations.

• Employers are responsible for obtaining from the chemical manufacturer or developing an MSDS for each hazardous agent used in the workplace.

• A standardized format is not mandatory, but all requirements listed in the law must be addressed.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Material Safety Data SheetInformation contained on a material safety data sheet includes the following:

– Product name and identification– Hazardous ingredients– Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)– Physical and chemical data– Health hazard data and carcinogenic potential– Primary routes of entry– Fire and exposure hazards– Reactivity data– Spill and disposal procedures– Personal protective equipment recommendations– Handling– Emergency and first aid procedures– Storage and transportation precautions– Chemical manufacturer’s name, address, and phone number– Special information section

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Categories of Chemicals:• Since the laboratory deals with a wide variety of

chemicals, clinical laboratory scientists must understand the potential hazards involved in their use.

• Chemicals may have health hazards or physical hazards.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Categories of Chemicals:1. Corrosives – chemicals with a pH of 2 or 12.5.2. Toxic substances – poisons, irritants, asphyxiants3. Carcinogens – capable of causing cancer.4. Mutagens and teratogens – capable of causing

chromosomal aberrations or congenital malformations.

5. Ignitable – flammables and combustibles.6. Reactive – explosive and oxidizers.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CORROSIVE CHEMICALS• Corrosive chemicals are injurious to the skin or eyes

by direct contact or to the tissue of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts if inhaled or ingested.

• Commonly used corrosives in the laboratory: Concentrated acids – such as hydrochloric, nitric,

sulfuric, and acetic Concentrated alkalis – sodium hydroxide, potassium

hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES• Toxic substances include poisons, irritants, and

asphyxiants.• They do not act directly with human tissue but

interfere with the metabolic processes of the body.• They may enter the body by:

1. Ingestion2. Inhalation 3. Skin absorption

CHEMICAL SAFETY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES• There are three different TLVs:

1. Time-weighted average (TLV-TWA) – represents the maximum allowable exposure over an 8-hour work day.

2. Short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL) – represents the maximum amount of allowable exposure for a short period such as 15 minutes. (can’t be repeated more than 4 times per day)

3. Ceiling value form (TLV-C) – represents the concentration of an agent that must never be exceeded.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CARCINOGENS• Carcinogens are chemicals that have been shown to

cause cancer in animals or humans.• Chemicals labeled or noted on the MSDS as being

carcinogenic, cancer-causing, potential carcinogen, or cancer suspect should be clearly labeled.

CHEMICAL SAFETYCARCINOGENSOSHA regulated carcinogenic chemicals include:

Chloromethyl methyl ether – vinyl chloride N-Nitrosodimethylamine N-2-Fluorenylacetamide (2-AAF) Benz[a]pyrene 4-Aminobiphenyl Benzidine 1-Naphthylamine 2-Naphthylamine 4-Nitrobiphenyl Benzene Ethylenimine p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene β-Propiolactone bis-Chloromethyl ether

CHEMICAL SAFETY

MUTAGENS & TERATOGENS Teratogen – anything capable of disrupting normal

fetal growth and producing malformation, e.g., drugs, poisons, radiation, physical agents such as electroconvulsive shock, infections.

Mutagen – a physical or chemical agent that is capable of causing a heritable alteration in the DNA, which induces a genetic mutation, e.g., drugs, UV light, ionizing radiation.

REACTIVE CHEMICALS• Reactive compounds have molecular structures of high reactivity.• EXPLOSIVES

– An explosive chemical is one that rapidly decomposes and produces energy that creates an explosion.

– Example: picric acid, in its crystalline form, is known to be explosive upon impact.

– The MSDS for each chemical received by the laboratory should be consulted for potential hazards.

• OXIDIZERS – Oxidizers are compounds which are capable of reacting with and

oxidizing (i.e., giving off oxygen) other materials.– The primary hazard associated with this class of compounds lies

in their ability to act as an oxygen source, and thus to stimulate the combustion of organic materials.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

COMMON OXIDIZING GROUPSCHEMICAL GROUP CHEMICAL FORMULAPeroxide O2

-2

Nitrate NO3-

Nitrite NO2-

Perchlorate ClO4-

Chlorate ClO3-

Chlorite ClO2-

Hypochlorite ClO-

Dichromate Cr2O7-2

Permanganate MnO4-

Persulfate S2O2-2

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR OXIDIZERSCLASS

RATING HAZARD DESCRIPTION

1

An oxidizing material whose primary hazard is that it may increase the burning rate of combustible material with which it comes in contact.

Examples: Potassium dichromate Silver nitrate Hydrogen peroxide (8 – 27.5%) Nitric acid (<70% conc.)

2

An oxidizing material that will moderately increase the burning rate of which may cause spontaneous ignition of combustible material with which it comes in contact.

Examples: Potassium permanganate Calcium hypochlorite (<50% wt.) Hydrogen peroxide (27.5 – 52% conc.) Nitric acid (>70% conc.)

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR OXIDIZERSCLASS

RATING HAZARD DESCRIPTION

3

An oxidizing material that will cause a severe increase in the burning rate of combustible material with which it comes contact or which will undergo vigorous self-sustained decomposition when catalyzed or exposed to heat.

Examples: Potassium chlorate Hydrogen peroxide (52 – 91% conc.) Calcium hypochlorite (>50% wt.) Perchloric acid (60 – 72.5% conc.)

4

An oxidizing material that can undergo an explosive reaction when catalyzed or exposed to heat, shock, or friction.

Examples: Ammonium perchlorate Guanidine nitrate Hydrogen peroxide (>91% conc.) Perchloric acid (>72.5%)

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CHEMICAL SAFETY

REMEMBER these things about oxidizers:• The primary hazard is the ability to act as an oxygen

source, especially hazardous during fire situation.• These materials present a fire and explosion hazard

when in contact with organic or combustible materials. All contact with organic or combustible material must be avoided.

• They are generally corrosive.• The hazards associated with the use of perchloric

acid are particularly severe.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

REMEMBER these things about oxidizers:• Perchloric acid may NOT be used in any hood except

those specially designed for perchloric acid use.• Strong oxidizing agents, such as chromic acid, should

be stored and used in glass or other inert, and preferably unbreakable, containers.

• Corks or rubber stoppers must NEVER be used.• Reaction vessels containing appreciable amounts of

oxidizing materials should never be heated in oil baths, but rather on a heating mantle or sand baths.

Other reactive chemicals Compounds with redox groups (hydrazine,

hydroxylamine) Compounds that react violently with water or air

(anhydrous metal oxides) Pyrophoric compounds that spontaneously react

with air Compounds that form peroxides over time and

become explosive – such as diethyl ether.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Storage of Chemicals• Chemicals should be stored in an uncluttered area

that is properly ventilated and away from a heat source.

• They should not be stored above eye level.• It is not a good idea to store chemicals alphabetically.• Inorganic compounds should be stored separately

from organics.– Inorganic acids should be stored together with the

exception of nitric acid. – Nitric acid should be isolated from other acids.– Acetic acid can be stored with inorganic acids.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Storage of Chemicals• Water-reactive chemicals such as sodium, potassium,

and metal hydrides should be segregated from other chemicals and stored in a dry environment.

• These areas should NOT be equipped with sprinkler systems.

W

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CONCENTRATED ACID / BASE SPILLS:• Dilute first with water before clean-up is

attempted.• The spill should then be covered with a

neutralizer:Boric acid – for basesSodium bicarbonate – for acids

• The spill should then be absorbed with an absorbent material.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

CONCENTRATED ACID / BASE SPILLS:• Dispose according to the institutional policy

on chemical waste disposal.• The surface should then be cleansed with

soap and water after the chemical is cleaned up.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

SOLVENT SPILLS:• If a solvent is spilled, no water or diluent should be

added and the solvent should not be allowed to flow down a drain.

• Since solvents may present a fume problem, respiratory protective equipment needs to be available.

• After absorption with absorbent material, the material should be placed in a closed container to prevent fumes from escaping.

• All containers should be labeled with the chemical name and any hazard and disposed as chemical waste.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

FIRE SAFETY

FIRE SAFETY

FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE CHEMICALS• Flammable and combustible liquids, which are

used in numerous routine procedures, are among the most hazardous materials in the clinical chemistry laboratory because of possible fire or explosion.

• They are classified according to flashpoint 1. Flammable liquids have a flashpoint below 100 or 140oF.2. Combustible liquids have a flashpoint at or above 100 or

140oF.

HEAT

FUEL OXYGEN

FIRE TRIANGLE

FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE CHEMICALS

FIRE SAFETY

Uninhibited reaction

Fuel

Oxygen

Heat

FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE CHEMICALS

FIRE SAFETY

FIRE CLASS GEOMETRIC SYMBOL

PICTOGRAM / PICTURE SYMBOL INTEDED USE

AGarbage can and wood pile burning

Ordinary solid combustibles

BFuel container and burning puddle

Flammable liquids and gases

CElectric plug and burning outlet

Energized electrical equipment

D Combustible metals

K Pan burning Cooking oils and fats

FIRE SAFETY

TYPE SUITABLE FOR USE ON FIRE CLASSES

WATER

FOAM

DRY CHEMICAL (POWDER)

CARBON DIOXIDE

CLASS D POWDER

FIRE SAFETY

FIRE SAFETY

PASS

ULL

IM

QUEEZE

WEEP

To operate a fire extinguisher:

ELECTRICALSAFETY

• Laboratories have a great deal of electrical equipment in proximity to sinks, liquids or other grounded surfaces.

• HAZARDS:1. Burns2. Shock3. Electrocution 4. Ignition 5. Explosion

• Fire and explosion hazards are avoided by preventing the occurrence of high temperatures.

• Circuit breakers, fuses, and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are designed to detect overloaded circuits that could cause ignition and explosion.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Precautionary Measures• Use only explosion-proof equipment in hazardous

atmospheres.• Be particularly careful when operating high-voltage

equipment, such as electrophoresis apparatus.• Use only properly grounded equipment (three-prong

plug).• Check for frayed electrical cords.• Promptly report any malfunctions or equipment

producing a “tingle” for repair.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Precautionary Measures• Do not work on “live” electrical equipment.• Never operate electrical equipment with wet hands.• Know the exact location of electrical control panel for

the electricity to your work area.• The use of extension cords is NOT ALLOWED. In

emergency situations, use only approved extension cords (properly grounded, heavy-duty) and do not overload circuits.

• Have ground checks and periodic preventive maintenance performed on equipment.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

COMPRESSEDGASES

• Compressed gas cylinders of varying sizes can be found in laboratories and especially in research laboratories.

• Since the cylinders are pressurized, they can become “torpedoes” that can even penetrate block walls if the main valve stem is sheared by falling over.

• A good working practice when using a flammable gas is to allow only one cylinder of gas to be in use at a time and to use the smallest size possible.

COMPRESSED GASES

• Gas cylinders, both flammable and non-flammable, should never be stored in fire safety cabinets with flammable and combustible liquids.

• They should be grouped by type and stored in a ventilated room reserved exclusively for cylinder storage. The room should have a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours.

COMPRESSED GASES

• Cylinders should always be secured by a chain or other device to prevent them from falling over and shearing the valve stem.

• When cylinders are transported, valve protective caps should be used.

• When cylinders are not in use, the valves should be tightly closed.

COMPRESSED GASES

Precautionary Measures• Know the gas that you will use.• Store tanks in a vertical position.• Keep cylinders secured at all times.• Never store flammable liquids and compressed gases

in the same area.• Use the proper regulator for the type of gas in use.• Do not attempt to control or shut off gas flow with

the pressure relief regulator.• Keep removable protection caps in place until the

cylinder is in use.

COMPRESSED GASES

Precautionary Measures• Make certain that acetylene tanks are properly piped

(the gas is incompatible with copper tubing).• Do not force a “frozen” or stuck cylinder valve.• Use a hand truck to transport large tanks.• Always check tanks on receipt and then periodically

for any problems such as leaks.

COMPRESSED GASES

Precautionary Measures• Make certain that

the cylinder is properly labeled to identify the contents.

• Empty tanks should be marked “EMPTY”.

COMPRESSED GASES

CRYOGENICMATERIALS

• Liquid nitrogen – probably one of the most widely used cryogenic fluids (liquefied gases) in the laboratory.

• Hazards of cryogenic material:– Fire or explosion– Asphyxiation– Pressure build-up– Embrittlement of materials– Tissue damage (similar to that of thermal burns)

CRYOGENIC MATERIALS

Precautionary Measures• Only containers constructed of materials designed

to withstand ultralow temperatures should be used for cryogenic work.

• The use of eye/face protection, hand protection to guard against the hazards of touching super-cooled surfaces is recommended.

• The gloves, of impermeable material, should fit loosely so that they can be taken off quickly if liquid spills on or into them.

CRYOGENIC MATERIALS

Precautionary Measures• To minimize violent boiling/frothing and

splashing, specimens to be frozen should always be inserted into the coolant very slowly.

• Cryogenic fluids should be stored in well-insulated but loosely stoppered containers that minimize loss of fluid resulting from evaporation by boil-off and that prevent plugging and pressure build-up.

CRYOGENIC MATERIALS

RADIATIONSAFETY

There are four types of ionizing radiation hazards:1. Alpha particles – plutonium 2. Beta particles – 3H, 14C, 32P3. Electromagnetic radiation – not composed of atomic

particles Gamma rays – 125I and 131I X-rays

4. Neutrons – arise from spontaneous fission of some isotopes and are produced by atomic reactors and accelerators.

RADIATION SAFETY

MECHANICAL AND

ERGONOMIC HAZARDS

• Centrifuges – must be balanced to distribute the load equally

• Autoclaves – steam under pressure• Homogenizers• Laboratory glassware – be careful in handling

breakable and sharp objects• Sharp instruments – dispose in puncture-resistant

containers

MECHANICAL HAZARDS

Repetitive strain disorders:1. Tenosynovitis2. Bursitis3. Ganglion cysts4. Acute musculoskeletal injury

• Primary contributing factors associated with repetitive strain disorders:– Position / posture– Applied force– Frequency of repetition

ERGONOMIC HAZARDS

DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

• In some cases, it is permissible to flush water-soluble substances down the drain with copious quantities of water.

• Strong acids and bases should be neutralized before disposal.

• Foul-smelling chemicals should never be flushed down the drain.

• Other liquid wastes, including flammable solvents, must be collected in approved containers and segregated into compatible classes.

CHEMICAL WASTES

• Flammable material can also be burned in specially designed incinerators with afterburners and scrubbers to remove toxic products of combustion.

• Before disposal, hazardous substances that are explosive, such as carcinogens and peroxides, should be transformed into less hazardous forms whenever feasible.

• Solid chemical wastes that are unsuitable for incineration must be buried in a landfill. This practice, however, has created an environmental problem, and there is now a shortage of safe sites.

CHEMICAL WASTES

• A general license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required for use of radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits in the clinical laboratory even when exempt material is used.

• Under these guidelines, effluents from RIA in-vitro tests may be flushed into the sanitary sewer and diluted with large amounts of water.

• When disposing of radioisotopes into the sanitary sewer, designate one sink for this purpose. This sink should be clearly labeled and routinely monitored with a wipe test for residual radioactivity.

RADIOACTIVE WASTES

• Other material such as disposable tubes and pipets that have been in contact with the radioisotopes may be safely discarded in the routine trash after all the radioactive labels are removed.

• If the waste also contains biohazardous material, it may be autoclaved before disposal into routine trash.

• The radiation safety officer should always be consulted about policies dealing with radioactive waste disposal.

RADIOACTIVE WASTES

• All biomedical waste should be placed into a leak-proof container that is puncture-resistant and equipped with a solid, tight-fitting lid. All containers must be clearly marked with the word “biohazard” or its symbol.

• All sharp instruments, such as needles, blades, and glass objects, should be placed into puncture-resistant containers before placing them inside the bag and container.

• Needles should not be transported, recapped, bent, or broken by hand.

BIOHAZARDOUS WASTES

• Potentially biohazardous material, such as blood or blood products and contaminated laboratory waste, cannot be directly discarded.

• Contaminated combustible waste can be incinerated.• Contaminated non-combustible waste, such as

glassware, should be autoclaved before being discarded.

• Special attention should be given to the discarding of syringes, needles, and broken glass that could also inflict accidental cuts or punctures.

BIOHAZARDOUS WASTES

ACCIDENT DOCUMENTATION

AND INVESTIGATION

• Any accidents involving personal injuries, even minor ones, should be reported immediately to a supervisor.

• It is particularly important that the appropriate authority be notified immediately if any individual sustains a needle puncture during blood collection or a cut during subsequent specimen processing and handling.

ACCIDENT DOCUMENTATION AND INVESTIGATION

The investigation report should include: 1. Information on the injured person2. Description of what happened3. Cause of the accident (environmental or personal); 4. Other contributing factors5. Witnesses6. Nature of the injury7. Actions to be taken to prevent recurrence.

ACCIDENT DOCUMENTATION AND INVESTIGATION

Thank you for listening.