Laboratory Safety and Laboratory Waste Management

Flashcards covering laboratory safety protocols, waste management, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; the agency that sets and enforces standards to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all.

Universal Precautions

A mandate by the CDC to treat all biological specimens as potentially infectious for bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B and HIV.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment such as gloves, lab coats, masks, and eye protection used to protect laboratory personnel from hazards.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Formerly known as MSDS; documents providing information about chemical hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheet (PSDS)

A document describing the hazardous properties of human pathogens and recommendations for safe handling in the laboratory.

Sodium Hypochlorite

Commonly known as bleach; used in a $1:10$ dilution ($1$ part bleach to $9$ parts water) for disinfecting laboratory surfaces.

NFPA 704

A hazard identification system by the National Fire Protection Association that uses a diamond symbol to provide recognizable warning signs for chemical hazards.

RACE

An acronym for fire emergency response: Rescue any injured individuals, Activate fire alarm, Contain the fire if feasible, and Extinguish the fire if possible.

PASS

An acronym for operating a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle side to side.

Biosafety Cabinet (BSC)

A ventilated enclosure providing personnel, product, and environmental protection when working with potentially infectious materials.

Face Velocity

The inward linear air speed, measured in feet per minute, across the working face of a fume hood.

Disinfectants

Substances used on non-living surfaces to destroy or inhibit disease-causing microorganisms.

Antiseptics

Substances used on living tissues to reduce or eliminate bacteria; they are gentler than disinfectants and safe for human use.

Aerosols

Airborne particles generated during laboratory procedures, such as centrifugation or vortexing, that can transmit infectious agents.

Fomites

Objects or materials, such as pens or hands, which are likely to carry infection.

Yellow Waste Bin/Liner

Designated for infectious, pathological, and pharmaceutical waste.

Black Waste Bin/Liner

Designated for non-infectious, dry waste.

Green Waste Bin/Liner

Designated for non-infectious, wet waste.

Orange Waste Bin/Liner

Designated for radioactive waste.

Sharps Container

Puncture-resistant, leak-proof container labeled with the biohazard symbol for disposing of needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments.

Hazard Communication Standard

Also known as the 'Right-to-Know' Standard; ensures employees have information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

GHS

Globally Harmonized System; a set of rules for chemical container labeling including product identifiers, signal words, and pictograms.

Ergonomic Hazard

Hazards resulting from repetitive motions, poor posture, or improper lifting that cause strain on the body.

Inhalation

A route of exposure where air or substances like fumes and vapors are breathed into the respiratory system.

Ingestion

A route of exposure where toxic materials are taken into the body through the mouth, often accidentally while eating or smoking.