HEMA 311: Lab Safety

Biohazard Exposure

Most common risk associated in hematology laboratory

Bloodborne Pathogens

Pathogenic microorganisms present in blood, causing infection or diseases

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Organization that provides standards to maintain safe work environment

OSHA Standards

1. Handwashing

2. Food, drink, and meds not allowed

3. Applying cosmetics are prohibited

4. Fomites or any surfaces must be kept away from mouth and all mucous membranes

5. Contaminated sharps must be disposed properly

6. PPE must be worn at all times following the proper donning

7. Equipment should be checked and maintained

Coat

First in PPE donning

Mask

2nd in PPE donning

Cap

3rd in PPE donning

Gloves

Last in PPE donning

At Least 20 Seconds

Duration of mechanical friction in handwashing

Every 75 feet

Placement of fire extinguishers

Monthly

Checking of fire extinguishers

Annually

Maintaining of fire extinguishers

Near Exit Doors

• < 200 feet away

Placement of fire detection system and manual fire alarm

Every 3 Months

Testing of fire alarms

Dry Chemical

Used in all fire extinguishers for class A, B, and C fires

Class A Fires

From ordinary combustibles

• wood

• paper

• cloth

Class B Fires

From flammable liquids

• grease

• gasoline

• paints

• oils

Class C Fires

From electrical equipment

• motors

• switches

Class D Fires

From flammable metals

• Magnesium (Mg)

Reactivity / Stability Hazard: 0

Stable

Reactivity / Stability Hazard: 1

Unstable

• if heated

Reactivity / Stability Hazard: 3

Shock and heat may detonate

Reactivity / Stability Hazard: 4

May detonate

Fire Hazard: 0

Will not burn

Fire Hazard: 1

Above 200 F

Fire Hazard: 2

Below 200 F

Fire Hazard: 3

Below 100 F

Fire Hazard: 4

Below 73 F

Health Hazard: 0

Normal material

Health Hazard: 1

Slightly hazardous

Health Hazard: 2

Hazardous

Health Hazard: 3

Extreme danger

Health Hazard: 4

Deadly

Specific Hazard: Ox

Oxidizer

Specific Hazard: W

Use no water

Specific Hazard: ACID

Acid

Specific Hazard: ALK

Alkali

Specific Hazard: COR

Corrosive

Specific Hazard: ☢

Radiation hazard

Electrical Hazards

1. Use of adapters, gang plugs, and extension cords are prohibited

2. Stepping on cords, rolling heavy equipment over cords should be prohibited

3. Unplug equipment with dry hand and no jewelry

4. Grounding

Improper Disposal

Major cause of needle prick incident

3/4

Sharps container should be replaced once it reaches a fullness of?

Autoclave

Equipment used before disposing blood-contaminated materials

Substances used in treating blood-contaminated waste

1. Aldehyde

2. Chlorine compounds

3. Phenolic compounds

Department of Labor

29 Code of Federal Regulation Parts (1900-1910)

• HazCom Standard

• Hazardous Waste Operations

• Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogen Standards

Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency

40 Code of Federal Regulation Parts (200-399)

• Clean Air Act & Clean Water Act

• Toxic Substances Control Act

• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Voluntary Agencies / Accrediting Agencies

Voluntary Agencies

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

Accrediting Agencies

• The Joint Commission (TJC)

• College of American Pathologists (CAP)