Questions for Write-up: 1. Identify and describe the different hazard in the Hematology Laboratory.

y Biological hazard -Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, refer to biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can impact human health. It can also include substances harmful to animals. The term and its associated symbol is generally used as a warning, so that those potentially exposed to the substances will know to take precautions. Chemical Hazard -arises from contamination of an area with harmful or potentially harmful chemicals. Some of the chemicals used in the hematology are consider hazardous and are governed by the standard on Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. Fire Hazard -Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of a fire in the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building. Electrical Hazard -Electrical equipment and outlets are the sources of hazards. Faulty wiring may cause fire or serious injury. Needle Puncture -is a serious occupational hazard for laboratory workers. Handling procedures should be written and followed, with special attention to phlebotomy procedures and disposal of contaminated needles. Other items that can cause a puncture is similar to a needle puncture include sedimentation rate tubes, applicator sticks, capillary tubes, glass slides, and transfer pipettes. Disposal procedures should be followed and enforced. The most frequent cause of a needle puncture or a puncture from other sharp objects is improper disposal. Failure to check sharps container on a regular basis and to replace them when they are more than threequarters full encourages over stuffing them, which sometimes leads to inquiry. Portable bedside containers are available for workers when performing venipuncture or capillary puncture. Wellmounted needle disposal containers also are available and make disposal convenient. As

mentioned previously, all needle punctures should be reported to the health services or proper authorities within the institution. y Physical Hazard -it is common in the laboratory but always neglected as hazard. Common hazards in the laboratory are slippery floor, unorganized chairs, etc.