Lab Safety and Infection Control Manual

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ‫المملكة العربية السعودية‬
Ministry Of Health ‫وزارة الصحة‬

Directorate of Health Affairs, Najran ‫ نجران‬- ‫مديرية الشؤون الصحية‬
Maternity & Children’s Hospital ‫مستشفى الوالدة واألطفال‬
LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT
LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM
LABORATORY SAFETY
PROGRAM
Mr. Ali Abdullah Al-Beshr

Chief of Laboratory
Engr. Shams Zaher

FMS Director
Prepared by:
Dr. B.P. Rudramuneswara Swamy
Laboratory Safety Officer
Approved by:
Hospital Safety Committee Chairman
2017
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
LABORATORY MANUAL 5
INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY 7
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 9
LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE 14
1 CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN 23
2 MERCURY REDUCTION/ ELIMINATION PLAN (NOT APPLICABLE) 66
MECHANISM OF FUMES AND VAPOURS MONITORING
3 67
(PLEASE REFER TO ENGINEERING CONTROL SECTION)
MECHANISM OF COMPRESSED AND FLAMMABLE GASES CONTROL
4 (PLEASE REFER TO CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN, ELECTRICAL SAFETY 68
PLAN AND ENGINEERING CONTROL SECTIONS)
5 RADIATION SAFETY PLAN 69
BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES AND USE OF STANDARD
6 70
PRECAUTIONS (STANDARD PRECAUTIONS)
TUBERCULOSIS AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXPOSURE PLAN
(PLEASE REFER TO SAFE HANDLING OF TB SPUTUM SPECIMEN IN
7 103
PRECAUTIONS)
8 ELECTRICAL SAFETY PLAN 104
9 FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PLAN 106
10 PROVISION AND USE OF PERSONAL AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 115
2
(PPE)
PROVISION AND CONTROL OF NEGATIVE PRESSURE IN SECTIONS
DEALING WITH HIGHLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS (PLEASE REFER TO
11 122
PRECAUTIONS)
PROVISION USE AND CONTROL OF FUME HOODS (PLEASE REFER TO
12 123
ENGINEERING CONTROLS SECTION)
PROVISION, USE AND CONTROL OF BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS
13 (PLEASE REFER TO BSC SECTION OF BIOLOGICAL SAFETY 124
PROCEDURES AND USE OF STANDARD PRECAUTIONS)
PROVISION OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT (EYE WASH, EMERGENCY
SHOWER, FIRE EXTINGUISHER, FIRE BLANKET, BIOLOGICAL AND 125
CHEMICAL SPILL KITS).
 EYE WASH AND EMERGENCY SHOWER:
15 AND
PLEASE REFER GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
119
PROVISION AND USE OF PERSONAL AND PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
14
 FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FIRE BLANKET: 106
PLEASE REFER FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PLAN
 BIOLOGICAL SPILL KITS:
69
PLEASE REFER BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES AND USE OF
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
 CHEMICAL SPILL KITS: 23
PLEASE REFER CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
WASTE DISPOSAL/CONTROL PLAN (CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND
15 126
SHARPS) USING PRICK PROOF CONTAINERS AND LEAK PROOF BAGS
3
PROVISION AND USE OF FIRST AID KITS

(PLEASE REFER LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE AND
16 130
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROVISION AND USE OF
PERSONAL AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE))
REPORTING OF INFECTION AND SAFETY INCIDENTS
17 (PLEASE REFER INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY, GENERAL 131
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE)
LABORATORY SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL TRAINING
PROGRAM
1. INITIAL TRAINING AND COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT
(PLEASE REFER THE RESPECTIVE SECTION FOR TRAINING
18 132
GUIDELINES)
2. ANNUAL TRAINING, RECERTIFICATION AND COMPETENCY
ASSESSMENT. (PLEASE REFER THE RESPECTIVE SECTION FOR
TRAINING GUIDELINES)
19 SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL AUDITS 133
20 ENGINEERING CONTROLS 134
LABORATORY SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL NEW STAFF
21 139
ORIENTATION FORM
22 REFERENCES 141
4
I. LABORATORY MANUAL
1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
1.1 This manual is intended for health-care laboratory workers and those responsible
for laboratory administration and planning. It provides guide lines for health and
safety in the work environment.
2. APPLICABILITY
2.1 All laboratory staff
3. DEFINITION
3.1 The Laboratory Safety and infection control Manual is intended to address universal
safety measures for achieving a safe and healthy working environment. It describes
good laboratory practices that must be understood and observed by all individuals
involved in the laboratory.
4. POLICIES
4.1 It is the policy of the Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank that all staff must
read, understand, observe and participate regularly the Safety Manual to ensure a
safe work environment. Compliance with applicable Hospital Safety Policies is
5
required.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1 All staff must be read the safety policies for detailed explanation of:
5.1.1Chemical hygiene plan
5.1.2Mechanism of compressed and flammable gases control.
5.1.3 Biological safety procedures and use of standard precautions
5.1.4 Tuberculosis and other biological hazards exposure plan.
5.1.5 Electrical safety plan.
5.1.6 Fire prevention and control plan.
5.1.7 Provision and use of personal protective equipments.
5.1.8 Provision and control of negative pressures in sections dealing with highly
infectious materials.
5.1.9 Provision, use and control of biological safety cabinets.
5.1.10 Provision of safety equipment.
5.1.11 Waste disposal plan.
5.1.12 Provision and use of first aid kits.
5.1.13 Reporting of infection and safety incidents.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES
6
6.1 Chief of Laboratory
7. REFERENCES
7.1 Laboratory Safety Program
7.2 CBAHI Standard LB 17
7.3 Local policy
8. FORMS / EQUIPMENTS
8.1 None
9. REVISION
9.1 Will be reviewed after 2 years or revised as needed according to APP LD - 001.
II. INTRODUCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 A variety of hazards are endemic to laboratories and worker exposure has the
potential for serious illness or injury. Most sources of worker exposure and causes of
accidental injury in the laboratory are well known and are preventable with proper care
and caution. It is fair to assume that you will be exposed to specific hazards in your
work and that action is required to minimize risks.
 Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM) primarily addresses work in laboratories & is

available to all laboratory workers and all persons who work with hazardous chemicals
and/or biological agents in our laboratory. It is also a useful training resource for
laboratory staff. Although the information in this document is compiled from sources
7
believed to be reliable, it is not all-encompassing and is intended only to serve as a

starting point for good laboratory practice. The Chief of Laboratory, Laboratory Safety
officer (LSO) and laboratory staff are responsible for developing and maintaining a
safe workplace, and for complying with hospital policy.
 RESPONSIBILITIES
This section describes and assigns those responsibilities that deal directly with laboratories
using chemicals and/or biological hazards.
 Chief of Laboratory
Review and approve work with LSO ,Provide the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) essential for the laboratory safety environment and communicate with
hospital administration for improving the environment safety .
 Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO)
is responsible for ensuring that:

Laboratory workers attend Laboratory Safety Training and work safely; and laboratory staff
attends Laboratory Safety Training and understands the potential health and
physical hazards of the chemicals & biological, and equipment used in the
laboratory.
Explain proper and safe procedures for handling, under all circumstances, the hazardous
substances used in the laboratory; provide laboratory workers with the
location and availability of the Laboratory Safety Manual and reference
materials, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
 Laboratory Staff
8
Each staff member working in a laboratory is expected to:

Attend Laboratory Safety Training, review the Laboratory Safety Manual, follow
procedures and laboratory practices outlined in the Laboratory Safety Manual and
this training guide, Use personal protective equipment and Report all accidents,
near-misses, and potential chemical & biological exposures to LSO or LD.
NOTE:
A copy of the Laboratory Safety Manual is available to all employees. New employees
will sign a form acknowledging that they have read this manual and a copy of this form
is kept in the employee’s personnel file.
III. GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
 Policy of Personnel Hygiene, & Safety

o Hygiene is about keeping you, the work areas and toilet areas clean.
o Wash hands regularly.
o Pens used by you during the collection or investigation process should be disinfected
after use.
o Wear clean laundered clothes in good repair.
o Wear lab coats (knee length) and safety glasses in laboratories employing chemicals
or biohazards. Open shoes, such as sandals, should never be worn in the lab.
o Hands and fingernails shall be kept clean and trimmed.
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o Do not apply cosmetics or wear contact lenses.

o Hair should be clean and tidy and long hair should be tied back.
o Do not wear open shoes.
o Walk, do not run, or do any vigorous or sudden violent actions, in the lab.
o No eating, drinking, food storing, or smoking in laboratories.
o No items of PPE or specimens/samples are allowed in the tearoom.
o Keep exits and passageways clear at all times.
o Check with your infection control for possible hepatitis vaccinations you may take.
 Preparing For Laboratory Work

 Before Starting: Before starting to work in a laboratory, familiarize yourself with the
following:
o Hazards of the materials in the lab, as well as appropriate safe handling, storage and
emergency protocols.
o Read labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) before moving, handling or
opening chemicals.
o Never use a product from an unlabeled container, and report missing labels to your
supervisor.
o Risky agents, processes and equipment in the laboratory. If you are unsure of any
aspect of a procedure, check with your supervisor before proceeding.
o Location and operation of safety and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers,
eye wash and emergency shower, first aid and spill response kits, fire alarm pull
stations, telephone and emergency exits
10
o Emergency spill response procedures for the materials you will handle
o Emergency reporting procedures.
o Designated and alternate escape routes
 During Work
o Restrict laboratory access to authorized persons only.
o Keep work places clean and free of unwanted chemicals, biological specimens, and
unneeded equipment.
o Avoid leaving reagent bottles, empty or full, on the floor.
o Work only with materials once you know their flammability, reactivity, toxicity, safe
handling and storage and emergency procedures.
o Refer to material safety data sheets (MSDS) before working with hazardous chemicals
or infectious material.
o Maintain the chemical inventory for the lab.
o Never pipette by mouth; use mechanical transfer devices.
o Ensure that access to emergency equipment (eyewashes, safety showers and fire
extinguishers) is not blocked.
o Report accidents and dangerous incidents ("near-misses") promptly to your Chief of
Laboratory.
o Conduct procedures involving the release of volatile toxic or flammable materials in a
chemical fume hood.
o Perform procedures that liberate infectious bio aerosols (e.g. TB) in a biological safety
cabinet.
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o Handle all biohazards (blood and body fluids, tissues, organs, etc...) as a high-risk
infectious agent.
o Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.
 Before Leaving
 Perform a safety check at the end of each test and before leaving the lab. Make sure
to:
o Turn off gas, water, electricity, vacuum and compression lines and heating apparatus.
o Return unused materials, equipment and apparatus to their proper storage locations.
o Label, pack and dispose of all waste material properly.
o Remove defective or damaged equipment immediately, and arrange to have it
repaired or replaced.
o Decontaminate any equipment or work areas that may have been in contact with
hazardous materials.
o Leave behind protective clothing (lab coats) when leaving the laboratory to be picked
by the laundry.
 potential laboratory hazards, be alert for the following:

 Chemicals
-Flammable -Toxic -Oxidizing -Reactive -Corrosive

 Microbiological disease-producing agents & their toxins
-Bacteria -Viruses -Parasites -Fungi
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 Physical or mechanical hazards

o Electrical
o Poor equipment design or work organization (ergonomic hazards)
o Tripping hazards
o Excessive noise or heat
 Housekeeping
 Good housekeeping in laboratories is essential to reduce risks and protect the
integrity of biological investigations. Laboratory personnel are responsible for
cleaning laboratory benches, equipment and areas that require specialized
technical knowledge. Additional laboratory housekeeping concerns include:
o Keeping the laboratory neat and free of clutter - surfaces should be clean
and free of infrequently used chemicals, glassware and equipment.
o Access to sinks, eyewash stations, emergency showers and exits, and fire
extinguishers must not be blocked.
o Proper disposal of chemicals and wastes - old and unused chemicals
should be disposed of promptly and properly.
o Providing a workplace that is free of physical hazards - aisles and
corridors should be free of tripping hazards.
o Attention should be paid to electrical safety, especially as it relates to the
use of extension cords, proper grounding of equipment, and avoidance of
the creation of electrical hazards in wet areas.
o Remain in compliance with Laboratory’s Chemical Hygiene Plan.
13
o All laboratory equipment needs to be cleaned and certified of being free of

hazards before being released for repair or maintenance.
IV. LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
 Introduction to First Aid

 Know how to handle emergency situations before they occur:
o Become familiar with the properties of the hazardous products used in your area.
o Familiarize yourself with the contents of the first aid kit and learn how to use them.
o Keep instructions readily available and easy to understand.
o Locate and know how to test and operate emergency equipment, such as
emergency shower and eyewash station, in your area.
 Exposure to Infectious Agents

 Intact Skin (Needle Stick Injury)
o Remove contaminated clothing.
o Vigorously wash contaminated skin for 1 minute with soap and water.
o Consult a physician immediately, as post-exposure prophylaxis or immunization
may be required.
o Report ALL incidents to LD or LSO.
 Broken, Cut or Damaged Skin or Puncture Wound
14
 Remove contaminated clothing.

 Vigorously wash contaminated skin for 5 minutes with soap and water.
 Cover with an adhesive dressing or gauze square taped on all sides with adhesive
tape.
 Seek medical attention at ER.
 Exposure to Eyes
 Immediately flush eyes for at least 15 minutes with water, preferably using
eyewash. If no eyewash is available, pour water on the eye(s) for 15 minutes,
rinsing from the nose outward to avoid contamination of the unaffected eye.
 Hold eyelids away from your eyeball and roll out your eyes so that all surfaces may
be washed thoroughly.
 Consult a physician immediately, as post-exposure prophylaxis or immunization
may be required.
 Report ALL incidents to LD or LSO.
 Ingestion
 Do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by a physician.
 Consult a physician immediately, as post-exposure prophylaxis or immunization
may be required.
 Report ALL incidents to LD or LSO
 Chemical Exposure Emergency Procedures
15
 The following procedures should be followed in the event of chemical exposure. In

all cases, the incident should be reported to your LD, or LSO, regardless of severity.
 Chemicals on Skin (Clothing)

o Immediately flush with water for no less than 15 minutes.
o Solids on skin, first brush off as much of the solid as possible, and then proceed as
described). For larger spills, the emergency safety shower should be used.
o While rinsing, quickly remove all contaminated clothing or jewelry. Use caution when
removing pullover shirts or sweaters to prevent contamination of the eyes.
o Check the MSDS to determine if any delayed effects should be expected.
o Discard contaminated clothing or launder them separately from other clothing.
o Leather garments or accessories cannot be decontaminated and should be
discarded.
o Consult a physician immediately, as post-exposure prophylaxis may be required.
Report ALL incidents to LD or LSO.
 Chemicals in Eyes
o Immediately flush eye(s) with water for at least fifteen minutes. The eyes must be
forcibly held open to wash, and the eyeballs must be rolled out so all surface area is
rinsed. The use of an eye wash fountain is desirable so hands are free to hold the
eyes open. If eyewash is not available, pour water on the eye, rinsing from the nose
outward to avoid contamination of the unaffected eye.
o Remove contact lenses while rinsing. Do not lose time removing contact lenses
before rinsing. Do not attempt to rinse and reinsert contact lenses.
o Cover the injured eye with dry sterile gauze pads while waiting for medical attention.
16
o Seek medical attention regardless of the severity or apparent lack of severity at

Emergency Room (ER) and handling with you the MSDS of this chemical or
mention the name of the chemical according to the label on the container.
 Chemicals Inhalation
o Close containers, open windows or otherwise increase ventilation, and move to fresh
air.
o If symptoms, such as headaches, nose or throat irritation, dizziness, or drowsiness
persist, seek medical attention at ER and handling with you the MSDS of this chemical
or mention the name of the chemical according to the label on the container.
o Review the MSDS to determine what health effects are expected, including delayed
effects.
o Report ALL incidents to Chief of laboratory or LSO.
 Chemicals Ingestion
o Immediately go to ER or contact ER to seek medical attention.
o Handling with you the MSDS of this chemical or mention the name of the chemical
according to the label on the container.
o Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a physician.
o Report ALL incidents to Chief of Laboratory or LSO.
o Chemicals Injection (Inoculation)
o Wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention, if necessary.
17
o Consult a physician immediately, as post-exposure prophylaxis or immunization may

be required.
o Report all incidents to Chief of Laboratory or LSO.
 Electrical Shock & Burn

 If the burn is an electrical in origin, ascertain that the victim is not in contact with the
power supply before touching him/her. If the victim remains in contact with a power
source, unplug the device or shut off the main power switch at the electrical
distribution panel.
 Call ER if the burn is serious, seek immediate medical treatment for all electrical
burns, even if they don't appear to be serious.
 Report ALL incidents to LD or LSO.
 Fires Emergency Response

 Suspected Fires
o All members of the Laboratory should familiarize themselves with the locations of the
fire alarms and evacuation routes in the areas that they occupy. Anyone discovering
smoke, strong smell of burning or smell of an unusual nature, should immediately:
o Inform lab safety officer, or call 6000 (RED CODE).
o Immediately, Alert all employees in area
 Known Fires
Upon the detection of known fires, follow R-A-C-E:
o R = Rescue person(s) from the immediate fire scene/room.
18
o A = Alert personnel by activating the nearest fire alarm pull station then call 6000
(RED CODE) to report the exact location of the fire.
o C = Confine fire and smoke by closing all doors in the area. (DO NOT lock doors)
o E = Extinguish/Evacuate :
Extinguish a small fire by using a portable fire extinguisher: The immediate response
depends on the size of the fire, Laboratory personnel should attempt to extinguish
a fire only if it is clearly safe to do.
o (Remember P.A.S.S.):
o P = Pull the Pin.
o A =Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
o S = Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
o S = Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the
extinguishing agent.
o If the fire is unsafe to extinguish use the extinguisher to escape from a large fire.
o Evacuate the building immediately when it is a large fire.
o Evacuate the premises in a swift, orderly fashion using the stairways and/or fire
escapes, but NOT the elevators, and following the instructions of Evacuation Plan.
Once outside the building, move away from the doors to enable others to exit.
 Clothing Fires
 If your clothing couth fire, it is important not to run, as this would provide additional air
to support the flames. Remember the "Stop, Drop and Roll" rule:
o Stop where you are
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o Drop to the floor, and

o Roll to smother the flames
o As soon as the flames are extinguished, go to the nearest emergency shower to cool
burned areas with copious amounts of water.
 If someone else is on fire:
o Assist in smothering the flames, using whatever is immediately available, such as a
fireproof blanket or clothing.
o Never use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames on victim.
o Give appropriate first aid & refer the victim to ER.
 Emergency Evacuation Plan
In the event of evacuation alarm immediately:
o Turn off all used machine, if possible.
o Recap all chemical containers, if possible.
o Prepare and evacuate the building by way of the nearest emergency exit.
o Walk; do not run.
o Do not use elevators.
o Close but do not lock all doors as you leave.
o Before exiting through any closed door, check for heat and the presence of fire behind
the door by feeling the door with the back of your hand. If the door feels very warm or
hot to the touch, advise everyone to proceed to another exit.
 Assist visitors during alarm/emergency situations. Visitors may not be aware of
exits/alternative exits and the procedures that should be taken during alarm situations.
20
 Employees should calmly inform visitors of the proper actions to be taken and assist
them with the evacuation
 In the event you are unable to exit the building:
o Remain calm; do not panic
o Remain low; crawl if necessary.
o Place a cloth, wet if possible, over you mouth to serve as a filter.
o Signal for help from a window. Use a towel, clothing, sign etc.
 Upon exiting the building and proceeding to the assembly area:
o Remain at least 20 feet away from the building walls and overhangs.
o Do not block any driveways, as Fire Department personnel will need access to
these areas.
o Employees are requested to report to their assigned assembly areas as defined
by your Fire Monitor/Evacuation Plan.
o Stay clear of the building until your appointed fire monitor has advised you to re-
enter the building/area.
 Injury/Illness Reporting Procedures and Corrective Action

 Work related injury or illness must be reported to the Laboratory Management using
the form Occurrence Variance Report (OVR). The information on this form may
initiate an accident investigation by Quality Total Management (QTM), where
applicable and will provide the information needed for Hospital of Occupational
Injuries and Illnesses. Forms are available through QTM department, or your
department manager.
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 Maintain corrective action file. Put in the file the detail of incidences, reason of
incident, OVR, education of staff, training and date.
1. CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN

 Hazards of Chemicals
 Physical Hazards of Chemicals
 Flammable Chemicals
o Flammable and combustible liquids, solids or gases will ignite when exposed to
heat, sparks or flame. Flammable materials are those that ignite more easily
than other materials, whereas those that are harder to ignite or burn less
vigorously are combustible.
o Flammable liquids or their vapors are the most common fire hazards in
laboratories.
22
 Oxidizing Chemicals
Oxidizing materials are liquids or solids that readily give off oxygen or other oxidizing
substances (such as bromine, chlorine, or fluorine). They also include materials that
react chemically to oxidize combustible (burnable) materials; this means that oxygen
combines chemically with the other material in a way that increases the chance of a
fire or explosion. This reaction may be spontaneous at either room temperature or
may occur under slight heating. Oxidizing liquids and solids can be severe fire and
explosion hazards.
Oxidizing materials can:
 speed up the development of a fire and make it more intense.

 cause substances that do not normally burn readily in air to burn rapidly.
 cause combustible materials to burn spontaneously without the presence of obvious.

ignition sources such as a spark or flame.
 Reactive Chemicals
May be sensitive to jarring, compression, heat or light, May react

dangerously with water or air , May burn, explode or yield flammable or
toxic gases when mixed with incompatible materials, Can vigorously
23
decompose, polymerize or condense, Can also be toxic, corrosive,

oxidizing or flammable, Some chemicals may not be dangerous when
purchased but may develop hazardous properties over time (e.g. diethyl
ether and solutions of picric acid).
 Corrosive Chemicals
o Corrosives are materials, such as acids and bases (caustics, alkalis) which
can damage body tissues as a result of splashing, inhalation or ingestion.
also They may liberate heat when mixed with water.
 General Precautions to Handle Chemical with Physical Hazards

To handle flammable chemicals:
 To minimize the risk of ignition of the flammable liquid or vapors, follow these
precautions:
o Always check the MSDS for the material you are using to understand the
specific hazards involved.
o Store flammable liquids in cool, well-ventilated areas away from corrosives,
oxidizers, and ignition sources.
o Label all containers and cabinets with appropriate "flammable materials" signs.
o Never smoke in an area where flammable liquids are used or stored.
o Minimize the amount of flammable liquids used.
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o Use only approved safety cans to store flammable liquids.

o Never pour flammable liquids down a drain or sink.
 To Handle OXIDIZER Chemicals:

o Precautions to follow when using and storing oxidizers in the laboratory include the
following:
o Keep away from flammable and combustible materials.
o Keep containers tightly closed unless otherwise indicated by the supplier.
o Mix and dilute according to the supplier's instructions.
o Reduce reactivity of solutions by diluting with water.
 (Acid to Water, Never Water to Acid).
o Wear appropriate skin and eye protection
o Ensure that oxidizers are compatible with other oxidizers in the same storage
area.
 To Handle REACTIVE chemicals:

o Follow these precautions when working with dangerously REACTIVE
chemicals:
o Understand the hazards associated with these chemicals and use them under
conditions which keep them stable
o Store and handle away from incompatible chemicals
o Keep water-reactive chemicals away from potential contact with water, such as
plumbing, fire sprinkler heads and water baths
o Wear the appropriate skin and eye protection
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o Work with small quantities

o Use up or dispose of these chemicals before they attain their expiry date
 To Handle CORROSIVE Chemicals:

o Precautions for handling corrosive materials include:
o Wear appropriate skin and eye protection
o Use in the weakest concentration possible
o Use secondary containers when transporting and storing corrosives
o Always dilute by adding acids to water
o Dilute and mix slowly
o Store acids separately from gases
 Hazards of Toxic Chemicals and the Four Routes of Entry
o
o
o The toxic chemical is defined as any substance which may be harmful to the
environment or hazardous to your health if gained entry into the body by:
o Inhalation of gases, vapors and particulate material (e.g. mists, dusts,
smoke, and fumes).
o Absorption through eye, skin of liquids, solids, gases and vapors.
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o Ingestion of chemicals directly or indirectly via contaminated foods and

beverages and contact between mouth and contaminated hands (nail-biting,
smoking).
Figure 3 - Shows the different routes of entry by which chemicals can enter the body
 How can toxic chemical harm the body?

o When a toxic substance causes damage at the point where it first contacts the body,
that damage is called a local effect. The most common points at which substances first
contact the body are the skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Toxic substances can also
enter the body and travel in the bloodstream to internal organs. Effects that are
produced this way are called systemic. The internal organs most commonly affected
are the liver, kidneys, heart, nervous system (including the brain) and reproductive
system.
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o A toxic chemical may cause local effects, systemic effects, or both. For example, if
ammonia gas is inhaled, it quickly irritates the lining of the respiratory tract (nose,
throat and lungs). Almost no ammonia passes from the lungs into the blood. Since
damage is caused only at the point of initial contact, ammonia is said to exert a local
effect. An epoxy resin is an example of a substance with local effects on the skin. On
the other hand, if liquid phenol contacts the skin, it irritates the skin at the point of
contact (a local effect) and can also be absorbed through the skin, and may damage
the liver and kidneys (systemic effects).
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29
Figure 4 – shows organs and tissues that may be affected by particular toxic chemicals
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5.1.3.3 SUMMARY OF GENERAL TOXIC EFFECTS CAUSED BY CHEMICALS
Toxic Part of body Time scale of Effect Example

property affected appearance
Irritant or Any, but usually A few minutes Inflammation, burns and Ammonia, sulfuric
corrosive the eyes, lungs to several days blisters of exposed area. acid, nitrogen oxides,
and skin Frequently healed after acute caustic soda
exposure. Chronic exposure
may lead to permanent
damage.
Allergic Any, but Days to years In lungs may lead to chronic Toluene, di-isocyanate
frequently lungs asthma-like disease and (TDI), amine
and skin permanent disability. In skin hardeners for epoxy
may produce industrial resins.
dermatitis.
Dermatitis Skin Days to years Inflamed, peeling skin rashes. Strong acids, alkalis,
May result from chronic detergents, carbon
exposure to irritants, tetrachloride,
allergenic agents, solvents or trichloroethylene.
detergents.
Carcinogenic Any organs, but 10 to 40 years Cancer in affected organ or 2-Naphthylamine,
frequently skin, tissue. Ultimately this may certain tars and oils,
lungs, bladder cause premature death. benzidine, asbestos,
formaldehyde
Poisonous Any organs but A few minutes Death of cells in vital Carbon tetrachloride,
frequently liver, to many years organism with eventual failure mercury, cadmium,
brain, kidney of organ to carry out carbon monoxide,
important biological functions. hydrogen cyanide.
Ultimately can cause death.
Asphyxiates Lungs Minutes Gases replace normal Acetylene, carbon
oxygen content of air dioxide
Table 4 – Summary of General Toxic Effects Caused By Chemicals
31
 Chemical Storage in Laboratory

 Chemical Storage Guidelines
o Store hazardous chemicals in an area that is accessible only to authorized laboratory
workers.
o Minimize quantities and container sizes kept in the lab.
o Do not store chemicals in aisles, under sinks or on floors, desks or bench tops.
o Store chemicals away from sources of heat (e.g., ovens or steam pipes) and direct
sunlight.
o Never stack bottles on top of each other.
o Do not store chemicals above eye level/shoulder height.
o Store larger containers on lower shelves.
o Store liquids inside chemically-resistant secondary containers (such as trays or tubs)
that are large enough to hold spills.
o Store chemicals inside closable cabinets or on sturdy shelving that has 12.7 mm-19
mm (½ - ¾ inch) edge guards to prevent containers from falling.
o Ensure that chemicals cannot fall off the rear of shelves.
o Store chemicals based on compatibility and not in alphabetical order (refer to Table 2
and Table 3 below). If a chemical presents more than one hazard, segregate
according to the primary hazard.
o Designate specific storage areas for each class of chemical, and return
reagents to those locations after each use.
32
o Store volatile toxic and odorous chemicals in a way that prevents release of
vapors (e.g., inside closed secondary containers, ventilated cabinets, paraffin
sealing).
o Inspect chemicals routinely for signs of deterioration and for label integrity.
o Dispose of unwanted chemicals promptly through the Waste Management
Program.
o Keep inventory records of chemicals, and update annually.
 Flammable Chemical Storage Cabinets

o Flammable chemicals should be stored inside flammable liquid storage cabinets. Only
those flammables in use for the day should be outside the cabinet. Guidelines for
cabinet use include:
o Use National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved flammable liquid storage
cabinets.
o Keep cabinet doors of the cabinet closed and latched.
o Do not store other materials in these cabinets.
 Chemical Compatibility
o If incompatible chemicals are inadvertently mixed a fire, explosion, or toxic release
can easily occur.
o Take steps now to prevent damage to your facility, or harm to lab personnel.
o The chemicals can often fall into more than one hazard category and therefore the
chemical label and/or Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) should be reviewed for
specific storage requirements.
33
o Separate chemicals by adequate distance, or preferably by using physical barriers

(e.g. storage cabinets).
o Below are some basic guidelines for chemical storage.
o With the wide variety of chemicals used in laboratories, the guidelines below are
prioritized for materials that are COMMONLY used in a laboratory:
 Acids
o Acetic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, *Nitric Acid, Sulfuric Acid
 *Indicates strong oxidizing acids, store as per oxidizers section
o Storage Precautions:
o Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid cabinets.
o Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, AND flammable materials.
o Segregate acids from bases, AND from active metals such as sodium,
potassium, etc.
o Segregate acids from chemicals which could generate toxic gases such as
sodium cyanide, iron sulfide, etc.
 Bases
o Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide.
 Storage Precautions:
o Separate bases from acids.
o Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid cabinets.
34
 Flammables
 Acetone, Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methanol, Xylene
 Store in approved flammable storage cabinet(s) (required if > 10 gallons
in the lab).
 Separate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers.
 Keep away from any source of ignition (flames, localized heat or sparks).
 Use only "flammable storage" (desparked) refrigerators or freezers.
 Oxidizers
Sodium hypochlorite, Iodine, Nitric Acid
 Keep away from flammables, organic solvents, and other combustible
materials (i.e. paper, wood, etc.).
 Keep away from chemical reducing agents.
 Store in a cool, dry place.
 Non-Flammable Solvents
Mineral oil
Store in cabinet.
Can be stored with flammable liquids.
Separate from oxidizing materials.
 Non-Oxidizing Compressed Gases

Carbon Dioxide
35
o Store in well-ventilated area.

o Separate physically from oxidizing compressed gases.
o Fix & chain to the wall in upright position.
 Non-Volatile, Non-Reactive Solids
Agar, Sodium chloride, Sodium bicarbonate
Store in cabinets or open shelves with edge guards
 Explosive Chemicals
o Many chemicals are susceptible to rapid decomposition or explosion when
subjected to forces such as being struck, vibrated, agitated or heated. Some
become increasingly shock sensitive with age. PICRIC ACID becomes shock
sensitive and explosive if it dries out;
o Refer to the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine if a
chemical is explosive.
o Write the dates received and opened on all containers of explosive or shock-
sensitive chemicals.
o Inspect all such containers every month.
o Keep picric acid solutions wet i.e., 30% or more water.
o Discard opened containers after six months, and closed containers after one
year, unless the material contains stabilizers.
o Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and.
o Work with small quantities.
 Hazardous Materials Information
36
o Hazardous Materials Information is for providing information on the safe use of

hazardous materials in the laboratory.
o It is intended to protect the health and safety of workers, lab staff by promoting access
to information on hazardous materials.
o This information is provided by means of product labels, material safety data sheets
(MSDS) and education programs.
o Components of hazardous materials information;
o Labeling
o Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
o Labeling of Chemicals
o Labels alert people to the dangers of the product and basic safety precautions.
o It is imperative that all containers in laboratories are clearly identified.
o Any hazardous material, whether in transit, storage, or use, must be labeled.
o A label may be a mark, sign, stamp, device, sticker, ticket, tag, or wrapper and
must be attached to, imprinted, stenciled, or embossed on the container of the
materials.
TABLE 5 - SUMMARY FOR HANDLING AND STORAGE OF GENERAL

CHEMICAL HAZARDS
37
Class and Symbol Characteristics Precautions

Class A Compressed Gas Gas inside cylinder is under Transport and handle with care
pressure
Make sure cylinders are properly secured
The cylinder may explode if heated
Store away from sources of heat or fire
or damaged
Use proper regulator
Sudden release of high pressure
gas streams may puncture skin and Fix & chain to the wall in upright position
cause fatal embolism
Class B Flammable and May burn or explode when exposed Store away from Class C (oxidizing materials)
Combustible Material to heat, sparks or flames
Store away from sources of heat, sparks and
Flammable: burns readily at room flame
temperature
Do not smoke near these materials
Combustible: burns when heated
Class C Oxidizing Can cause other materials to burn or Store away from Class B (flammable and
Material explode by providing oxygen combustible) materials
May burn skin and eyes on contact Store away from sources of heat and ignition
Wear the recommended protective equipment
and clothing
Class D Poisonous and May cause immediate death or Avoid inhaling gas or vapors
Infectious Material serious injury if inhaled, swallowed, Avoid skin and eye contact
or absorbed through the skin Wear the recommended protective equipment
and clothing
Do not eat, drink or smoke near these
materials
Wash hands after handling
Division 1:Materials
Causing Immediate and
Serious Toxic Effects
Class D Poisonous and May cause death or permanent Avoid inhaling gas or vapors
Infectious Material injury following repeated or long-
Avoid skin and eye contact
term exposure
38
May irritate eyes, skin and breathing and clothing

passages: may lead to chronic lung
Do not eat, drink or smoke near these
problems and skin sensitivity
materials
May cause liver or kidney damage,
Division 2:Materials Wash hands after handling
cancer, birth defects or sterility
Causing Other Toxic
Effects
Class D Poisonous and

Contact with microbiological agents Wear the recommended protective equipment
Infectious Material
(e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi and and clothing
their toxins) may cause illness or
Work with these materials in designated areas
death
Disinfect area after handling
Wash hands after handling
Division 3:Biohazardous
Infectious Materials
Class E Corrosive Will burn eyes and skin on contact Store acids and bases in separate areas
Material
Will burn tissues of respiratory tract Avoid inhaling these materials
if inhaled
Avoid contact with skin and eyes
and clothing
Class F Dangerously May be unstable, reacting Store away from heat

Reactive Material dangerously to jarring, compression,
Avoid shock and friction
heat or exposure to light
May burn, explode or produce
and clothing
dangerous gases when mixed with
incompatible materials
 Supplier’s Labels (Original Containers)

o Product identifier (name of product).
o Supplier identifier (name of company that sold it).
39
o Hazard symbols.
o Risk phrases (words that describe the main hazards of the product).
o Precautionary statements (special handling requirements & personal
protective equipment PPE).
o Storage instructions.
o Reference to the MSDS.
o Supplier labels must be provided in English language.
 Laboratory Labels (Secondary Containers)
o A secondary container label must appear on all containers when:
 It is prepared (e.g., stock solutions) at the laboratory;
 It is transferred from the original container into another container.
 The original supplier label becomes illegible or damaged or when it is
removed.
o secondary container label container label must contain the following
information:
 Product identifier (product name) (not abbreviation)
o The product name must include the full name of the product or solution, as it appears
on the material safety data sheet and include its concentration.
 Owner’s name (name of person who prepared the material)
 Information for the safe handling of the product, as referred to in MSDS.
Figure 5 – shows the sample for the laboratory label (labeling of secondary container).
40
Figure 6: Symbols of hazard warnings commonly found on labels
 Understand of Common Labeling Systems

o National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
 NFPA 704;
 This code provides a simple, easy to recognize and understand system
of markings that provides information regarding the hazards of a material
and its severity.
 It should be used in conjunction with other chemical labeling systems to
maximize safe usage and storage of hazardous materials.
 The system is based on a diamond shaped marking that is divided into 4
regions; each assigned a color, and a numerical rating in each region.
41
 The regions depict health hazard, fire hazard, reactivity hazard and a
region to indicate reactivity with water, or other specific hazards if water
reactivity is not an issue.
 An example of the marking follows.
Figure 7 - Diamond shaped marking of NFPA704
42
 Degree of Hazard
The degrees of hazard shall be ranked according to the potential severity of the exposure as
shown in the following table.
43
Table 6 – NFPA Degree of Hazard
1.3.8.1.3 Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)
Figure 5 – HIMS Label
o The HMIS label, Like the NFPA 704 diamond, provides hazardous information.
o Color for type of hazard and numbers for the degree of the hazard, four being the
most hazardous.
o In addition the HMIS system provides information on the type of personal protective
equipment (PPE) that should be used when handling this material.
44
o In this category a letter is used to indicate what combination of PPE should be

used;
A = Safety glasses
B = Safety glasses, gloves
C = Safety glasses, gloves, chemical apron
D = Face shield, gloves, chemical apron
E = Safety glasses, gloves, dust respirator
F = Safety glasses, gloves, chemical apron, dust respirator
G = Safety glasses, gloves, vapor respirator
H = Splash goggles, gloves, chemical apron, vapor respirator
I = Safety glasses, gloves, dust and vapor respirator
J = Splash goggles, gloves, chemical apron, dust and vapor respirator
K = Air line hood or mask, gloves, full chemical suit, boots
X = Ask Supervisor
Figure 6- HMIS Personal

Protection Index
45
 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

o Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide more details than labels.
o They are technical bulletins that provide chemical, physical, and toxicological
information about each material, as well as information on precautionary and
emergency procedures.
o They must be readily accessible to anyone who works with, or who may otherwise be
exposed to, material.
 Understanding MSDS Information:

The following is an explanation which is provided to help you interpret the information
found on manufacturers’ MSDSs. While the format of these data sheets
varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, certain components appear on
each sheet.
 Product Identification
 This section gives the name and address of the manufacturer and an
emergency phone number where questions about toxicity and chemical
46
hazards can be directed.

 Product Name: Commercial or Marketing name.
 Synonym: Approved chemical name and/or synonyms.
 Chemical Family: Group of chemicals with related physical and chemical
properties.
 Formula: Chemical formula, if applicable; i.e., the conventional scientific
definition for a material. CAS Number: Number assigned to chemicals or
materials by the Chemical Abstracts Service.
 Hazardous Ingredients of Mixtures

 This section describes the percent composition of the substance, listing
chemicals present in the mixture. If it was tested as a mixture, lists
chemicals which contribute to its hazardous nature.
 Physical Data
 This section outlines the physical properties of the material. The
information may be used to determine conditions for exposure. For
example, one can determine whether or not a chemical will form a vapor
(vapor pressure), whether this vapor will rise or fall (vapor density), and
what the vapor should smell like (appearance and odor). This could help
determine whether to use a fume hood or where to place ventilators. The
following information is usually included:
 Boiling Point: temperature at which liquid changes to vapor state.
 Melting Point: temperature at which a solid begins to change to liquid
 Vapor Pressure: a measure of how volatile a substance is and how
47
quickly it evaporates. For comparison, the VP of water (at 20o C) is 17.5

mm Hg, Vaseline (non-volatile) is close to 0 mm Hg, and diethyl ether
(very volatile) is 440 mm Hg.
 Vapor Density (air=1): weight of a gas or vapor compared to weight of an
equal volume of air. Density greater than 1 indicates it is heavier than air,
less than 1 indicates it is lighter than air. Vapors heavier than air can flow
along just above ground, where they may pose a fire or explosion
hazard.
 Specific Gravity (water=1): ratio of volume weight of material to equal
volume weight of water. Solubility in Water: percentage of material that
will dissolve in water, usually at ambient temperature. Since the much of
the human body is made of water, water soluble substances more
readily absorb and distribute.
 Appearance/Odor: color, physical state at room temperature, size of
particles, consistency, odor, as compared to common substances. Odor
threshold refers to the concentration required in the air before vapors are
detected or recognized.
 % Volatile by Volume: Percentage of a liquid or solid, by volume, that
evaporates at a temperature of 70oF.
Evaporation Rate: usually expressed as a time ratio with ethyl ether = 1,
unless otherwise specified.
Viscosity: internal resistance to flow exhibited by a fluid, normally
measured in centiStoke time or Saybolt Universal Secs.
 Other Pertinent Physical Data: information such as freezing point is
48
given, as appropriate.
 Fire and Explosion Hazard Data

 This section includes information regarding the flammability of the
material and information for fighting fires involving the material.
 Flashpoint: the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough
vapor to ignite when a source of ignition is present.
 Autoignition Temperature: the approximate temperature at which a
flammable gas-air mixture will ignite without spark or flame. Vapors and
gases will spontaneously ignite at lower temperatures in oxygen than in
air.
 Flammable Limits: the lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive
limit (UEL) define the range of concentration of a gas or vapor in air at
which combustion can occur. For instance, an automobile carburetor
controls this mixture - too lean (not enough chemical) or too rich (not
enough air, as when you flood your engine), will not ignite.
 Extinguishing Media: appropriate extinguishing agent(s) for the material.
 Fire-fighting Procedures: Appropriate equipment and methods are
indicated for limiting hazards encountered in fire situations.
Fire or Explosion Hazards: Hazards and/or conditions which may cause
fire or explosions are defined.
 Health Hazard Data

 This section defines the medical signs and symptoms that may
49
be encountered with normal exposure or overexposure to this

material or its components. Information on the toxicity of the
substance may also be presented.
 Emergency and First Aid Procedures

 Based on the toxicity of the product, degree of exposure and route of
contact (eye, skin, inhalation, ingestion, and injection), emergency and
first aid procedures are recommended in this section. Additional
cautionary statements, i.e., Note to Physician, for first aid procedures,
when necessary, will also appear here.
 Reactivity Data
 This section includes information regarding the stability of the material
and any special storage or use considerations.
 Stability: "unstable" indicates that a chemical may decompose
spontaneously under normal temperatures, pressures, and mechanical
shocks. Rapid decomposition produces heat and may cause fire or
explosion. Conditions to avoid are listed in this section.
 Incompatibility: certain chemicals, when mixed may create hazardous
conditions. Incompatible chemicals should not be stored together.
 Hazardous Decomposition Products: chemical substances which may be
created when the chemical decomposes or burns.
 Hazardous Polymerization: rapid polymerization may produce enough
heat to cause containers to explode. Conditions to avoid are listed in this
section.
50
 Spill, Leak and Disposal Procedures

 This section outlines general procedures, precautions and methods for
cleanup of spills. Appropriate waste disposal methods are provided for
safety and environmental protection.
 Personal Protection Information

 This section includes general information about appropriate personal
protective equipment for handling this material. Many times, this section
of the MSDS is written for large scale use of the material. Appropriate
personal protection may be determined by considering the amount of the
material being used and the actual manipulations to be performed.
 Eye Protection: recommendations are dependent upon the irritancy,
corrosivity, and special handling procedures.
 Skin Protection: describes the particular types of protective garments
and appropriate glove materials to provide personnel protection.
 Respiratory Protection: appropriate respirators for conditions exceeding
the recommended occupational exposure limits.
 Ventilation: air flow schemes (general, local) are listed to limit hazardous
substances in the atmosphere.
 Chemical Spill Procedures

 Spill Response and Clean-up Procedures
51
o In the event of a chemical spill, the individual(s) who caused the spill is
responsible for prompt and proper clean-up.
 It is also their responsibility to have spill control and personal protective equipment
appropriate for the chemicals used.
 The following are general guidelines to be followed for a chemical spill:
o Immediately alert working personnel, and evacuate the area, if necessary.
o If there is a fire call 6000 or medical attention is needed call ER.
o Attend to any people who may be contaminated. Contaminated clothing must
be removed immediately while the skin flushed with water for no less than
fifteen minutes. Contaminated clothing must be laundered before reuse.
o If a volatile, flammable material is spilled, immediately warn everyone, control
sources of ignition and ventilate the area.
o Use PPE, as appropriate to the hazards. Refer to (MSDS).
o Always use hazardous chemicals for processing under fume hood.
o Using the table below, determine the extent and type of spill:
TABLE 7 – CHEMICAL SPILL TYPES

CATEGOR TREATMENT
SIZE RESPONSE
Y MATERIALS
chemical treatment neutralization
Small up to 300ml
or absorption or absorption spill kit
Medium 300 ml - 5 liters absorption absorption spill kit
more than 5 Notify Hospital

Large outside help
liters Safety Personnel
o Spill socks and absorbents may be placed around drains, as needed.
52
o Contain and clean-up the spill according to the table above.

o Loose spill control materials should be distributed over the entire spill area,
working from the outside, circling to the inside. This reduces the chance of
splash or spread of the spilled chemical.
o When spilled materials have been absorbed, use brush and scoop to place
materials in an appropriate container.
o Fix a hazardous waste sticker onto the container, identifying the material as
o Spill chemical name & hazard label. Spill control materials will probably need
to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
o Decontaminate the surface where the spill occurred using a mild detergent
and water, if necessary.
o Report ALL spills to your chief of laboratory or LSO.
 Developing a Spill Response Plan

 The complexity and detail of the plan will depend upon the physical characteristics and
volume of materials being handled, their potential toxicity, and the potential for
releases to the environment.
 An effective spill response procedure should consider all of the items listed below;
o Review MSDS or other references for recommended spill cleanup methods and
materials, and the need for PPE (e.g., gloves, protective clothing, etc.).
o Acquire sufficient quantities and types of appropriate spill kits to contain any
spills.
o Lab provides chemical spill kits that can be used. After use, please notify LSO
to restock.
53
o Place spill kits and PPE in a readily accessible location.

o Develop a spill response plan that includes:
o Names and telephone numbers of individuals to be contacted in the event of a
spill.
o Evacuation plans for the room or building, if necessary.
o Instructions for containing the spilled material.
o Inventory of spill kits and PPE.
o Means for proper disposal of cleanup materials as hazardous waste including
contaminated tools and clothing.
o Decontamination of the area following the cleanup.
o Discuss the spill response plans with all employees in the lab.
o LSO ensures the training for employees who work directly with chemicals.
 Recommended Spill Control Material (Spill Kits) Inventory

 Your laboratory or work area should have access to sufficient quantity of absorbents
or other types of materials to control any spill that can be reasonably anticipated.
 Personal Protective Equipment
o pairs chemical splash goggles
o pairs of gloves
o pairs of shoe covers
o Aprons
 Absorption Materials
o Spill pillows (or equivalent)
54
o Spill pads
 Neutralizing Materials
o Acid Neutralizer (Sodium Bicarbonate)
o Base Neutralizer (Citric Acid)
 Clean-up Tools
o Scoop or Dust pan
o Broom or Brush
o Waste Hazardous Bags
o Sealing tape
o Waste stickers
***********
2. MERCURY REDUCTION PLAN
55
NOT APPLICABLE
***********
56
3. MECHANISM OF FUMES AND VAPOURS MONITORING
(NOT APPLICABLE
)
***********
57
4. MECHANISM OF COMPRESSED AND FLAMMABLE

GASES CONTROL
All compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in an upright position by means of a 

.strap or chain. This includes cylinders in use or in storage (empty or full)
 Suitable hand carts will be utilized when transporting gas cylinders. Cylinders must be
restrained to the hand cart by means of a strap or chain during transport.
 Protective valve caps must be in place when cylinders are not in use.
All cylinders, lines, and equipment used with flammable compressed gases must be 
.grounded
.Cylinders containing compressed gases shall be used only in well-ventilated areas 
Cylinders containing toxic or flammable gases must be stored in an approved storage 
area. It is recommended that the smallest possible cylinder of toxic or flammable
.gases be used
Cylinders containing oxidizing gases, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide, must be 
.stored separately from flammable gases or liquids
Empty cylinders must be so identified and stored separately from full or partially full 
58
.cylinders
.Compressed gas cylinders shall be used only for their intended purposes 
.Cylinders must not be stored with or near flammable materials 
.Do not use oil, grease or lubricants on valves, regulators or fittings 
5. RADIATION SAFETY PLAN
NOT APPLICABLE
***********
59
6. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES AND USE OF

STANDARD PRECAUTION
BIO-SAFETY PLAN
o Risk Assessment
 Microorganisms are assigned to one of four risk groups based on the:
 Pathogenicity of the organism
 Mode of transmission and host range
 Availability of effective preventive measures and treatment (e.g.,
vaccines, antibiotics) others
 The human etiologic agents are classified into four risk groups with: Risk Group 1 (RG-1)
of low or no hazard and, Risk Group 4(RG-4) representing highly infectious agents.
Risk Risk to the individual and the community
60
Group
Risk Group 1 (RG-1) Agents that are not associated with disease in healthy
adult humans.
Risk Group 2 (RG-2) Agents that are associated with human disease which are
rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic
interventions are often available.
Risk Group 3 (RG-3) Agents that are associated with serious or lethal human
disease for which preventive or therapeutic interventions
may be available (high individual risk but low community
risk).
Risk Group 4 (RG-4) Agents that are likely to cause serious or lethal human
disease for which preventive or therapeutic interventions
are not usually available (high individual risk and high
community risk)
4.2 B
Basis for the Classification of Biohazardous Agents by Risk Group

 Risk Groups = Biosafety Level?
 Determining the RG of a biological agent is part of the biosafety risk assessment and
helps in assigning the correct biosafety level for containment. In general, RG-2 agents
are handled at BL-2, and RG-3 agents at BL-3. However, the use of certain RG-2
61
agents in large quantities might require BL-3 conditions, while some RG-3 agents
(such as the HIV virus) may be safely manipulated at a BL-2 under certain conditions.
It is also true that some RG-2 agents can be handled at a BL-1 level. Examples of RG-
1 agents include microorganisms like Escherichia coli-K12
 Biological Safety and Biosafety Levels

o Biological safety or biosafety is the application of knowledge, techniques and
equipment to prevent personal, laboratory and environmental exposure to
potentially infectious agents or biohazards.
o Everybody working with infectious agents or potentially infected materials must
be:
o Aware of the potential risks.
o Trained and proficient in the practices and techniques required for
handling such material.
o Biosafety defines the containment conditions under which infectious agents can
be safely manipulated.
o The objective of containment is to confine biohazards and to reduce the
potential exposure of the laboratory worker, persons outside of the laboratory,
and the environment to potentially infectious agents.
o It can be accomplished through the following means:
o Primary Containment: is the protection of personnel and the immediate
laboratory environment through good microbiological technique
(laboratory practice) and the use of appropriate safety equipment such
as a biosafety cabinet.
62
o Secondary Containment: is the protection of the environment external to

the laboratory from exposure to infectious materials through a
combination of facility design and operational practices.
o Combinations of laboratory practices, containment equipment, and special
laboratory design can be made to achieve different levels of physical
containment.
o Currently four Biosafety Levels (1-4) define the level of containment necessary
to protect personnel and the environment.
o Biosafety Level 1 (BL-1) is the least restrictive, while Biosafety Level 4 (BL-4)
requires a special containment laboratory or facility, which is not available at
our laboratory.
o Since most of the investigations in our laboratory are conducted at Biosafety
Levels 1 and 2 with the possibility of future investigations at BL-3.
o This manual will mainly focus on these three Biosafety Levels.
o A summary of the different biosafety level requirements (BL-1, 2 and 3) can be
found in Table 2. The most important element in maintaining a safe work
environment is strict adherence to good microbiological and laboratory
practices and techniques.
TABLE 2- SUMMARY OF BIOSAFETY LEVELS FOR INFECTIOUS AGENTS (BL-1

TO BL-3)
Biosafety Level 1 (BL-1)
Agents: Not known to cause disease in healthy adults
Practices: Standard Microbiological Practices
Safety Equipment: (Primary None required
63
Barriers)
Facilities: Open bench top sink required
(Secondary Barriers)
BIOSAFETY LEVEL 2 (BL-2)
Associated with human disease, hazard
Agents: (exposure) = auto-inoculation, ingestion,
mucous membrane exposure
BL-1 practice plus: Limited access; biohazard
warning signs; “Sharps” precautions; biosafety
Practices: manual defining any needed waste
decontamination or medical surveillance
policies
Primary barriers = Class I or II Biological Safety
Cabinets (BSCs) or other physical containment
devices used for all manipulations of agents
Safety Equipment:
that cause splashes or aerosols of infectious
(Primary Barriers)
materials; Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE): laboratory coats, gloves, face and eye
protection as needed
Facilities: BL-1 plus: Autoclave available
(Secondary Barriers)
Biosafety Level 3 (BL-3)
Indigenous or exotic agents with potential for
Agents: aerosol transmission; disease may have serious
or lethal consequences
Practices: BL-2 practice plus: Controlled access;
decontamination of all waste; decontamination
64
of lab clothing before laundering; baseline

serum
Primary barriers = Class I or II BSCs or other
physical containment devices used for all
Safety Equipment:
manipulations of agents; PPE: protective lab
(Primary Barriers)
clothing, gloves, face and eye protection, and
respiratory protection as needed
BL-2 plus: Physical separation from access
Facilities: corridors; self-closing, double door access;
(Secondary Barriers) exhausted air not re-circulated, negative airflow
into laboratory
 Routes of Infection
 6.3.1 An infection occurs when disease-causing microorganisms enter the human
body in sufficient numbers and by a particular route and overcome the body’s defense
system. The following routes of infection have been reported for laboratory-acquired
infections:
o Through the mouth
 Eating, drinking and smoking in the laboratory.
o Mouth pipetting.
 Transfer of microorganisms to mouth by contaminated fingers or articles.
o Through the skin
 Accidental inoculation with a needle, other sharp instrument or glass.
o Cuts, scratches.
 Through the eye
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o Splashes of infectious material into the eye.

 Transfer of microorganisms to eyes by contaminated fingers.
o Through the lungs
 Inhalation of airborne microorganisms.
 Biohazard Warning Sign

 A biohazard label is required for all areas or equipment in which RG-2 or 3 agents are
handled or stored or where BL-2 or 3 procedures are required.
 The appropriate place for posting the label is at the main entrance door(s) to
laboratories, on equipment like refrigerators, centrifuges, incubators, transport
containers, and/or lab benches, etc...
FIGURE 1 – BIOHAZARD WARNING SIGN
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 Biosafety Cabinets (BSC)

 BSC General Precautions
 Make sure the BSC is certified when it is installed or after it is moved, or
repaired and annually thereafter. Check electronic controls regularly for
any indication of a problem.
 Understand how your cabinet works. See figure below.
 Do not disrupt the protective airflow pattern of the BSC. Such things as
rapidly moving your arms in and out of the cabinet, people walking
rapidly behind you, and open lab doors may disrupt the airflow pattern
and reduce the effectiveness of the BSC.
 Plan your work.
 Minimize the storage of materials in and around the BSC.
 Always leave the BSC running.
FIGURE 2A - CLASS II TYPE A2 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINET
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FIGURE 2B - CLASS II TYPE A2

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINET
 BSC Operation Precautions

 Before using, wipe work surface with 70% alcohol or any other
disinfectant suitable for the agent(s) in use. Wipe off each item you need
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for your procedures before placing it inside cabinet.

 DO NOT place any objects over the front air intake grille. DO NOT block
the rear exhaust grille.
 Segregate contaminated and clean items. Work from “clean to dirty.”
 Place a pan with disinfectant and/or sharps container inside the BSC for
pipette discard.
 DO NOT use vertical pipette discard canisters on the floor outside the
cabinet.
 Move arms slowly when removing or introducing new items into the BSC.
 If you use a piece of equipment that creates air turbulence in the BSC
(such as a micro-centrifuge, blender), place equipment in the back 1/3 of
the cabinet; stop other work while equipment is operating.
 Clean up spills in the cabinet immediately. Wait 10 minutes before
resuming work.
 When work is finished, remove all materials and wipe all interior surfaces
with 70% alcohol or any other disinfectant suitable for the agent(s) in
use.
 Remove lab coat, gloves and other PPE and wash hands thoroughly
before leaving the laboratory.
 Turn on the UV light if appropriate (do not turn on when people are
working close by); UV must be tested to ensure that it is emitting a
germicidal wavelength (ask your cabinet certifier to perform this test).
 Safety Equipment:
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 Safety Showers.
 Eyewash Stations
 Ventilation Controls (Biosafety Cabinets & Fume Hood)
Those intended to minimize employee exposure to hazardous infectious, chemicals or
toxic substances from the work site.
 Recommended Work Practices in Biological Lab

 Pipettes and Pipette Aids
 Mouth pipetting is strictly prohibited.
 Mechanical pipetting aids must be used.
 Confine pipetting of biohazardous or toxic fluids to a biosafety cabinet if
possible.
 If pipetting is done on the open bench, use absorbent pads or paper on
the bench.
 Always use cotton-plugged pipettes when pipetting biohazardous or toxic
fluids.
 Never prepare any kind of biohazardous mixtures by suction and
expulsion through a pipette.
 Biohazardous materials should not be forcibly discharged from pipettes.
Use “to deliver” pipettes rather than those requiring “blowout.”
 Do not discharge biohazardous material from a pipette at a height.
Whenever possible allow the discharge to run down the container wall.
 Place contaminated, reusable pipettes horizontally in a pan containing
enough liquid disinfectant to completely cover them.
 Autoclave the pan and pipettes as a unit before processing them for
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reuse.
 Discard contaminated Pasteur pipettes in an appropriate size sharps
container.
 When work is performed inside a biosafety cabinet, all pans or sharps
containers for contaminated glassware should be placed inside the
cabinet as well while in use.
 Syringes and Needles

 Syringes and needles are dangerous objects that need to be handled with extreme
caution to avoid accidental injection and aerosol generation.
 Do not use a syringe and needle as a substitute for a pipette.
 Work in a biosafety cabinet whenever possible.
 Wear gloves.
 Fill the syringe carefully to minimize air bubbles.
 Expel air, liquid and bubbles from the syringe vertically into a cotton pad moistened
with a disinfectant.
 Needles should not be bent, sheared, replaced in the sheath or guard (capped), or
removed from the syringe following use.
 If it is essential that a contaminated needle be recapped or removed from a syringe,
the use of a mechanical device (e.g. forceps) or the one-handed scoop method:
 Lay cap on a horizontal surface
 Align needle and scoop cap onto needle
 Push against solid object to snap close
 Always dispose of needle and syringe unit promptly into an approved
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sharps container.
 Do not fill sharps containers more that 3/4 full.
 Loop Sterilizers and Bunsen Burners

 Sterilization of inoculating loops or needles in an open flame generates small particle
aerosols which may contain viable microorganisms.
 Use flame under special condition (during media preparation)
 The use of a shielded electric incinerator or hot bead sterilizers minimizes aerosol
production during loop sterilization.
 Alternatively, disposable plastic loops and needles may be used for culture work
where electric incinerators or gas flames are not available or recommended.
 Centrifuge
 There are a few important guidelines for operating a centrifuge, even a small one.
Following them can prevent damage to the centrifuge and possible serious injury to
you and others;
 The work surface must be level and firm. Do not use the centrifuge on an
uneven or slanted work surface.
 Balance the tubes in the rotor! If you want to run a tube with 10 mL of
liquid, put another tube with 10 mL of water in the opposing hole on the
rotor. If the liquid has a higher or lower density than water, you must
balance the tubes by mass, not volume.
 Do not open the lid while the rotor is moving. Even though many
centrifuges have a "safety shutoff" if the lid is opened, the only thing this
does is stop powering the rotor.
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 The rotor will still spin due to its own inertia for a while until friction slows
and eventually stops it.
 If you see it wobbling or shaking, turn it off or pull the plug. A little
vibration is normal, but excessive amounts can mean danger. FIRST, do
double check that you correctly balanced the tubes. If the answer is yes
and the wobbling still happens, contact the manufacturer or dealer and
get the unit serviced. Do NOT continue to run a centrifuge that wobbles
visibly when the rotor is spinning.
 Do not bump, jar, or move the centrifuge while the rotor is spinning.
Make sure you don't have the cord dangling from a table edge where
someone could catch their foot in it and pull down the centrifuge.
 The following procedures for centrifugation should be used when
working with
 Biohazard Spill Cleanup

 Since spills of biological materials will happen, it is important to be prepared
prior to dealing with the problem.
 Laboratories working with biohazards should have a basic biological spill kit
ready to use at all times.
 For most instances the basic kit can be assembled with materials already
used in the laboratory.
 Although it is preferable to have the content of the spill kit in one location,
as long as the materials are easily accessible to everyone in the lab, prior
assembly might not be necessary.
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Basic Biological Spill Kit
1 Disinfectant (e.g., bleach 1:10 dilution, prepared fresh)

2 Absorbent Material (e.g., paper towels)
3 Waste Container (e.g., biohazard bags, sharps containers)
4 Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., lab coat, gloves, eye and face
protection)
5 Mechanical Tools (e.g., forceps, dustpan and broom)
Table 3 - Basic Biological Spill Kit
 The following procedures are provided as a guideline to

biohazardous spill cleanup and will need to be modified for specific
situations:
 Spill inside the Laboratory (BL-2, RG-2)
 Clear spill area of all personnel. Wait for any aerosols to settle before
entering spill area. Remove any contaminated clothing and place in
biohazard bag for further processing by laundry. Use a disposable gown
or lab coat, safety goggles and gloves.
 Have a complete biological spill kit ready to go before you start the
cleanup
 Initiate cleanup with disinfectant as follows:
 Cover spill with paper towels or other absorbent material
containing disinfectant.
 Encircle the spill with disinfectant (if feasible and necessary),
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being careful to minimize aerosols.

 Decontaminate and remove all items within spill area.
 Remove broken glassware with forceps or broom and dustpan
and dispose in sharps container. Do not pick up any contaminated
sharp object with your hands.
 Remove paper towels and any other absorbent material and
dispose in biohazard bags.
 Apply disinfectant to the spill area and allow for at least 10
minutes contact time to ensure germicidal action of disinfectant.
 Remove disinfectant with paper towels or other absorbent
material and dispose of in biohazard bag.
 Wipe off any residual spilled material and reapply disinfectant
before final cleanup
 Wipe equipment with equipment compatible disinfectant (e.g.,
non-corrosive). Rinse with water if necessary.
 Place disposable contaminated spill materials in biohazard bags.
 Place contaminated reusable items in biohazard bags, or heat
resistant pans or containers with lids before autoclaving.
 Reopen area to general use only after spill cleanup and
decontamination is complete.
 Inform all personnel and laboratory supervisor about the spill and
successful cleanup as soon as possible.
 Spill inside the Biological Safety Cabinet (BL-2, RG-2)
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 Have a complete biological spill kit ready to go before you start the
cleanup
 Wear lab coat, safety goggles and gloves during cleanup
 Allow cabinet to run during cleanup
 Soak up spilled material with disposable paper towels (work surface and
drain basin) and apply disinfectant with a minimum of 10 minutes contact
time.
 Wipe up spillage and disinfectant with disposable paper towels.
 Wipe the walls, work surface and any equipment in the cabinet with a
disinfectant soaked paper towel.
 Discard contaminated disposable materials in biohazard bag(s) and
autoclave before discarding as waste.
 Place contaminated reusable items in biohazard bags, or heat resistant
pans or containers with lids before autoclaving and further cleanup
 Expose non-autoclavable materials to disinfectant, 10 minutes contact
time, before removal from the BSC.
 Run cabinet at least 10 minutes after cleanup and before resuming work.
Inform all personnel and laboratory supervisor about the spill and
successful cleanup as soon as possible.
 Spill outside the Laboratory, During Transport on Hospital Corridors
 Always transport biohazardous materials in an unbreakable well-
sealed primary container placed inside a leak-proof, closed and
unbreakable secondary container, labeled with the biohazard
symbol (plastic cooler, bio-specimen pack, etc.).
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 If a spill of RG-2 material occurs in outside the laboratory, during

transport on Hospital Corridors.
 Do not attempt to clean up the spill without the proper personal
protective equipment and spill cleanup kit.
 Notify Safety personnel for help.
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS (UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS)
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
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A message to Medical technologists and Laboratory Support Staff

 You - are a highly trained and valuable resource. We do not want you to be "wasted" by a
needless accident.
 You - are the only one who can practice safety procedures for your own protection and that of
your fellow workers.
 You - have the responsibility to:
 Be Aware Of Safety Hazards.
 Follow Policies And Procedures Designed To Help Protect You.
 Report All Incidents, So That Steps May Be Taken To Prevent Reoccurrence And To
Protect Yourself.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL AND LABORATORY SAFETY

1. Smoking is not allowed in Clinical Laboratory. Eating and drinking are also prohibited in all
technical work areas. It is poor laboratory practice, a source of contamination, and specimens
(blood, urine, feces, sputum) containing a variety of pathogens are handled daily in the technical
areas are stored in the laboratory refrigerators. Eating is permitted only in those areas specified in
the manual.
2. Food is not permitted in any technical refrigerators. Food is permitted in only those
refrigerators specified in the manual.
3. Application of cosmetics in the technical work area is prohibited.
4. Contact lenses are acceptable eye wear. However, the user of contact lenses must wear eye
protectors when necessary. They also must have eye glasses as back-up in the event of
contamination.
5. Face shields or eye protectors must be worn when handling caustic materials.
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6. Photo ID cards must be worn at all times at work.

7. Shoes: Should be comfortable, with rubber soles and cover the entire foot (lace or loafer style).
In most hospital laboratories white shoes are preferred. Shoes with open toes or negative heels
are not allowed.
8. Hair shall be secured back and off the shoulders in such a manner as to prevent it from coming
into contact with contaminated materials or surfaces and also to prevent shedding of organisms
into the work area. This is especially true in bacteriology. It is also important to keep hair out of
moving machinery such as a centrifuge.
9. Men with beards must observe the same precautions. Long beards are a danger, especially in
moving equipment and all beards are a source of bacterial contamination. Men with beards
should not wear negative pressure masks, as the mask will not seal around the face properly.
10. Washing hands: Hands should be washed frequently during the day, before leaving the
laboratory, before and after contact with patients and before eating or smoking.
11. Pipetting by mouth is prohibited: Mouth pipetting of specimens and reagents is dangerous.
There are pipetting aids available for every task.
12. Exits and aisles:
 Must not be obstructed in any way. No equipment, chairs, supplies or trash are
permitted in exit routes or areas.
 Wheel chair or stretched patients should be placed so as not to obstruct aisles or routes
of egress.
 Doors to the laboratory should be kept closed, but exit doors must not be blocked,
bolted or obstructed in any way to block egress.
13. Isolation procedures: (See Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions).
14. Good housekeeping:
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 Rags and/or flammable solvents will be disposed of in self-closing metal containers.

 Do not hang clothing on or near radiators, steam pipes, heating instruments or open
flames.
 Do not allow trash to accumulate in any area. Trash should be disposed of daily.
 Festive decorations will be limited to designs on glass outside of lab work areas.
Hanging decorations and wax candles are prohibited. Decorations on lights and instruments are
prohibited.
15. Glassware:
 Do not use broken or chipped glassware. Discard it in specially marked "Broken Glass"
containers and reorder.
 Do not leave pippets sticking out of bottles, flasks or beakers.
 Do not attempt to forcibly remove glass tubing inside stoppers. If they are stuck, cut
them out.
 Glass blowing and other artistic endeavors are prohibited.
 Decontaminate glass exposed to specimens that may be contaminated with a variety of
pathogens.
 Dispose of broken or discarded pieces of glass in a specially marked separate container.
Do not pick up broken glass with bare hands - use some mechanical aid to pick up broken
glass. (Disposal of broken glass along with paper and trash is a hazard to the custodial staff.)
 Hot glass - heated containers should be handled with an insulated glove.
16. Centrifuge:
 Do not operate centrifuges unless the covers are closed (including serofuges). Keep
hair, neck ties, hair ribbons or other frilly or dangling items out of the way.
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 Do not centrifuge uncovered tubes or specimens (blood, urine, sputum) or flammable

liquids. (Contaminated items can produce aerosols, flammables become bombs, etc.) Use caps
or parafilm.
 All blood or body fluids must be spun in an aerosol canister.
17. Autoclaves:
 Personnel must not operate autoclaves until they have been checked out in the proper
operation by an authorized supervisor.
 Do not open until both temperature and pressure are back to normal.
 Be sure intake steam valve is off before opening.
 Use insulated gloves when putting items into or removing items from the autoclave.
The sides and door will still be hot in addition to the material being autoclaved. NOTE: Steam
may permeate insulated gloves.
 Loosen caps of any containers to allow equalization of pressures inside containers. This
prevents explosions, boil-overs and implosions.
 Cellulose nitrate tubes may explode.
 Refer any questions regarding proper preparation of items for sterilization directly to
glassware supervisor.
18. Sharps: Caution must be used when handling needles, scalpels and other sharp objects. Needles
should not be bent, broken or recapped. Needles must be placed in a sharps container
immediately after use; never stick fingers into a sharps container.
UNIVERSAL BLOOD AND BODY FLUID PRECAUTIONS
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 Blood and Body Fluid Precautions will be applied to all patients as described in OSHA Bloodborne
Pathogens Standard, not just those with diagnosed blood-borne disease such as hepatitis or
AIDS.
 Additional types of isolation may be required for selected patients, such as respiratory isolation
for those with tuberculosis. These precautions would be in addition to the basic requirements for
Blood and Body Fluid Precautions.
 For persons exposed to tuberculosis patients - appropriate masks, when worn by
health care workers or others who must share airspace with a patient who has infectious
tuberculosis, may provide additional protection against transmission. A disposable
particulate respirator is worn for patients on respiratory isolation. This respirator filters
particulates to 1-5 microns and fits snugly around the nose and mouth. All employees who
must wear a particulate respirator is required to undergo a medical evaluation and be fit
tested prior to entering a respiratory isolation room. Isolation signs will be posted and
supplies provided outside isolation rooms as necessary.
1. ACCIDENTS:
 If contamination of intact skin with blood or body fluid occurs, wash with soap and water. This
would not be considered a significant exposure. For needlestick, mucous membrane or wound
exposure, wash the infective material first and then contact Infection Control to report the
incident for follow-up. The departmental supervisor should be notified and an injury report
completed.
2. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES:
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HAND WASHING:
 Frequent hand washing is an important safety precaution which should be practiced after
direct contact with patients and laboratory specimens.
 Immediately after accidental skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, hands or other
skin areas should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. If contact occurs through
breaks in gloves, the gloves should be immediately removed and hands thoroughly washed.
 Hands should be washed before eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, changing contact
lenses and before and after using the lavatory facilities. Hands should be washed at the
completion of work and before leaving the laboratory. Hands should be washed before all
other activities which entail hand contact with mucous membranes, eyes and breaks in the
skin.
GLOVES:
 All phlebotomists must wear gloves while procuring specimens.
 Gloves must be changed between each patient. Hand washing is not necessary if the gloves
remain intact during procedure and through removal. If gloves become grossly contaminated
hand should be washed after removal.
 All laboratory personnel who come in contact with blood and body fluids must wear gloves.
Gloves should be removed when visibly contaminated. Frequent hand washing is an
important safety practice and should be done after contact with blood and body fluids. Hands
should be washed after gloves are removed.
LABORATORY COATS AND GOWNS:
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 All laboratory personnel are to wear either a long-sleeved white laboratory coat which is
buttoned closed or a blue long-sleeved gown which is tied at the back. These garments are to
be worn at all times while at the work station or at times when the possibility of blood or
body fluids may be splashed on the worker.
 Laboratory coats and gowns must be changed immediately if grossly contaminated with blood
or body fluids.
 If the risk of splashing could occur in the work area the blue gown should be worn which is
fluid resistant. If one's personal clothing becomes contaminated the article of clothing should
be removed and sent to Central Sterile to be washed. Temporary replacement of the garment
with surgical scrubs is allowed, however Lab coat or gown is still required.
 Laboratory coat and gowns are not to be worn outside the laboratory. The only time a
laboratory coat is allowed outside the laboratory is for phlebotomy or other technical
procedures. All personnel protective equipment must be removed prior to leaving the work
area.
MASKS AND GOGGLES OR FACE SHIELDS:

 Masks and goggles/face shields are to be worn by those workers while opening tubes of blood
or body fluids. When opening tubes of such specimens there is a risk of splatter or
aerosolization. To reduce this risk a gauze pad should be placed over the top of the tube while
removing the stopper. Eyeglasses do not provide adequate splash protection. Goggles or face
shields should be worn over eyeglasses. Employees required to wear particulate respirators
for blood drawing must be fit tested before these masks can be worn.
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SPECIMEN HANDLING:
 All blood or body fluid specimens requiring centrifugation must be spun in aerosol canisters.
This is to eliminate any aerosol that may be produced if a tube breaks in the centrifuge.
 Pouring of a specimen from a tube to a cup or other container is a process that can create an
aerosol. To eliminate this potential danger, all specimen transfer should be done with a
transfer pipette. Mouth pipetting is forbidden. Mechanical pipetting devices should be used
when manipulating liquids.
WASTE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION:

LIQUID WASTE:
 The effluent from clinical analyzers can be continuously fed into the sink or sewer.
 Where liquid waste is collected the effluent container must contain enough clorox so that
when the container is full the concentration of clorox is 20%, i.e., 1% sodium hypochlorite.
When this waste is poured carefully down the drain, goggles must be worn. (There is a risk of
splashing.)
SOLID WASTE:
 All laboratory waste that comes in contact with blood or body fluids must be collected in red
plastic bags and tied. This waste will be collected by Housekeeping and taken for incineration.
Prior autoclaving is not necessary. In the event of an accident or spill, see Bacteriologic
Hazards section of this manual.
SHARPS:
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 Caution must be used when handling needles, scalpels and other sharp objects. Needles
should not be bent, broken or recapped. Needles must be placed in biohazard needle bucket
immediately after use; never stick fingers into sharps container.
DISINFECTION/DECONTAMINATION:
 SPILL: Absorb the spilled material with gauze pads or paper towels and discard in red
biohazard trash bags. Disinfect the spill site with bleach, freshly made daily, diluted 1:10 (1
part bleach to 9 parts water to give about 5000 mg/L of chlorine). Wear gloves during the
entire process.
 Decontamination of counters should be done at the start of each shift and for each spill. The
surface of analyzers should be decontaminated daily using manufacturers recommendations.
 Service and maintenance activities should be carried out under universal precautions. Outside
service personnel should wear gloves and other appropriate barrier protection if potentially
exposed to blood or body fluids. Instruments to be repaired by service personnel must be
decontaminated with bleach diluted 1:10. Instruments or components returned to vendors
should be decontaminated before leaving the laboratory.
PHLEBOTOMY REMINDERS
1. Employ Universal Precautions: Blood and body fluids from all patients should be considered
potentially infectious and adequate barrier techniques should be used to prevent contact with
skin or mucous membranes of personnel. Be careful at all times.
2. Obtain Positive Patient Identification - prior to blood drawing procedure.
3. Wear Gloves - during phlebotomy; change when contaminated and between each patient.
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4. Wear Buttoned Lab Coats, gowns or aprons during phlebotomy, change when contaminated
and do not wear this garment in other areas (i.e., cafeteria, lectures, home, etc.).
5. Wash Hands - when visibly contaminated and after blood draws are completed.
6. Handle Sharps With Caution. Do not recap, bend or break needles - each patient room has
sharps container. Use caution in placing sharps in containers.
7. Accurately Label All Specimens At The Bedside - with full name, hospital number, date and
technician initials.
8. If An Incident Occurs - (e.g., needlestick), complete an injury report and have the supervisor
sign and follow-up with Infection Control and Student/Employee Health immediately. Because
prophylactic treatment may be indicated, Infection Control should be contacted as soon as
possible.
OTHER SAFETY ISSUES

CARCINOGENS
INTRODUCTION:
Specific regulations have been established by OSHA regarding the handling of certain compounds
designated as carcinogenic. There are only a few of these, used in dilute solutions, in routine use in
most clinical laboratories. An inventory of all such materials must be maintained and specific
protective measures must be observed.
CARCINOGENS:
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Substances considered by OSHA to be carcinogenic and requiring special precautions are: Benzidine
and its salts.
REQUIREMENTS:
For the possession and use of items listed include:
 Designation of specific work areas with restricted access.
 Listing of personnel authorized to work in the area.
 Personnel must be specifically trained in safe handling procedures.
 Records of exposure of personnel must be maintained.
 Procedures for storage, disposal and emergency procedures must be established.
 Medical surveillance of personnel includes:
 preassignment examination;
 Periodic examination and records.
 Protective clothing must be provided and cleaned daily. Gloves must be provided if indicated.
 Eating, drinking, smoking and mouth pipetting are prohibited. After handling carcinogenic
materials you are required to wash your hands thoroughly.
 Work areas must be restricted to authorized personnel only and properly identified. Work
surfaces must be impervious (for decontamination) and procedures must be performed in a
hood or closed area to control aerosols.
LIMITATIONS:
 Any substances listed should be set aside in a special area for proper labeling and for
88
controlled access.
 The use of these reagents should be reviewed and limited to special procedures as outlined by
the Director of the laboratory.
 Policies for use should be established. The technologists designated to use carcinogenic
agents may require special physical exams and medical monitoring.
NOTE: A simple method of compliance is to use an isolation or glove box or safety cabinet to provide
safe storage and controlled access.
BACTERIOLOGIC HAZARDS
INTRODUCTION:
The Laboratory Director and Supervisor are responsible for bacteriologic hazards from the time a
specimen is collected until it is permanently disposed of. Policies for handling specimens before they
reach the laboratory are defined in nursing manuals on the floors.
1. SPECIMEN HANDLING:
 Specimens with gross external contamination are not accepted. Such specimens will be
disposed of in a plastic biohazard bag.
 Wear gloves when processing all Microbiological specimens including bacteriology, virology,
mycobacteriology and parasitology.
 Specific safety policies for handling specimens for processing (e.g. mycobacterium, viruses)
are in the respective laboratory manuals.
89
 Specific policies for handling specimens outside of the laboratory (prior to receipt) should be
defined in the Nursing Manual.
2. SPECIMEN PROCESSING:
 ALL SPECIMENS MAY CONTAIN POTENTIAL PATHOGENS - USE
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS AT ALL TIMES.
 Benches should be disinfected in the morning before work is begun and in the afternoon after
work is finished. Disinfect all spills when they occur.
3. DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED MATERIAL:

 Specimens, culture plates and tubes for Microbiology should be placed in double red bags and
incinerated on site. Pointed objects are placed in metal cans or trays and autoclaved.
 Materials and containers which are to be reused should be autoclaved prior to cleaning. Place
them in a sealed and clearly labeled container to minimize hazard to others prior to
sterilization.
 Any breakages of bags or leakage of contaminated materials should be cleaned according to
procedures.
4. ACCIDENTS AND SPILLS:
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
 Assess the type of spill and degree of hazard involved.
 Determine most effective and least hazardous approach to clean up and decontaminate.
 In the case of an accident or a significant exposure due to spills, notify the supervisor. NOTE:
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Laboratories handling highly virulent infectious agents must have specific plans for handling
accidents.
 "Dry" spills (overturned or broken culture plate) with no significant aerosol formation:
 Flood area with disinfectant solution.
 Soak up disinfectant and contaminated material with an absorbent material
(paper towels) and dispose in a red plastic bag or sealed container. Gloves should be worn
for clean-up.
 Dispose of the contaminated material as described in the manual.
LIQUID SPILLS ON BENCH OR FLOOR:

 Cover spill with an absorbent (paper towels) and saturate with disinfectant. Gloves should be
worn during clean-up.
 Dispose of the absorbent and contaminated material in red plastic bag and incinerate.
 The spill area should then be thoroughly washed after clean-up.
CENTRIFUGE SPILL:
 The person cleaning up should wear protective clothing, gloves and mask.
 If liquids are present, soak up in absorbent material and handle as above. If not, clean the
instruments and work area thoroughly before resuming work.
SPILLS IN INCUBATORS, AUTOCLAVES OR OTHER CLOSED AREAS:
 Soak up liquids with an absorbent and dispose of as outlined above.
 The unit should be thoroughly washed after decontamination.
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5. REPORTS:
Major accidents must be documented and reported in detail. Forms are obtained from the various
laboratory supervisors and should be completely filled out and returned to the supervisor within 24
hours.
6. WASTE DISPOSAL:
 Use disposables whenever possible. Double bag and incinerate.
 Washable glassware should be soaked in 10% Clorox solution.
 Liquid waste: Add Clorox to give a final concentration of 10%. Autoclave if possible.
 Dialysis materials: Dilute waste medium with Clorox to a final concentration of 10%. Used
membranes must be autoclaved. Magnetic bars and beakers should be soaked in 10% Clorox.
Cover containers with parafilm during procedure.
 Radioactive wastes: Solid (microtitre plates, etc.). Autoclave first, then dispose of according to
accepted procedure for radioactive waste. Liquid medium from cell harvesting, etc.), dilute
with Clorox, then dispose of as usual.
 Waste receptacles from equipment should have approximately 10% by volume of Clorox
added, preferably prior to use.
 Equipment that enters directly into a drain should have Clorox poured directly into the drain
following waste from a blood precaution patient.
7. PROCEDURE FOR HEPATITIS B OR AIDS EXPOSURE OR NEEDLESTICK

INJURY:
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ROLE OF THE EMPLOYEE:

 Cleanse the area that has had blood contact with soap and water (if eyes are involved, flush
with saline). If there is a wound that needs attention such as suturing, report to the
Emergency Department for immediate first aid and then consult the Infection Control Nurse.
 Report all needlestick injuries or blood exposures to the Infection Control Nurse ASAP.
 Make out an injury report when needlestick or blood exposure occurs. Notify the supervisor
of the incident.
NOTE: Be sure to identify the source and include the patient name and hospital number (if
known).
ROLE OF INFECTION CONTROL NURSE:

 Interview the employee to determine the nature of exposure.
 Review the patient chart if the source is known. Evaluate the risk to the employee involved.
 Fill out the requisition form for appropriate blood work on the patient per protocol - mark the
Immunology lab requisition with the following: "Drawn due to employee blood exposure.
Please call results to Employee Health Service.
 Write a note in the patient's chart stating the reason the blood work was ordered.
 Review any unusual circumstances surrounding an exposure with an infectious disease
physician.
 Notify Employee Health of the incident and discuss what, if any, follow-up is indicated.
ROLE OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH:
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 Notify the employee if patient is found to be HBsAg positive.

 Provide necessary prophylaxis and follow-up to the employee.
 Maintain documentation of all reported Hepatitis B exposures. Share statistics concerning
these exposures with the Infection Control Committee on an ongoing basis.
ROLE OF THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:

 Provide first aid such as suturing if needed.
ROLE OF IMMUNOLOGY LAB:
 Call results of blood work ordered to Employee Health.
 Call Infection Control with all HBsAg positive results.
7. TUBERCULOSIS AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL

HAZARDOUS EXPOSURE PLAN
Laboratory health workers are responsible for their own safety and that of their co-workers.
Strict adherence to safety regulations in the laboratory is very important. Tuberculosis is
transmitted through air. Therefore every effort must be made to avoid or reduce the
production of aerosols in the laboratory to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Hand washing, application of correct techniques and safe laboratory practices are
mandatory for preventing TB transmission in laboratory setting
 General safety precautions :
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o Entry to the laboratory should be restricted only to the laboratory staff.
o Establish airflow in working areas that will direct potentially infectious particles away
from personnel.
o Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and applying makeup inside the laboratory.
o Wear the relevant personal protective equipment when working inside the laboratory.
o Do not use the same desk for smear making and microscopy work.
o Wash hands always after performing any procedure.
o Handle accidental spillages according to the protocols.
o Adhere to proper waste management practices
 Use N95 mask, surgical masks do NOT protect you fully against TB infection as TB bacilli can
pass through these masks.
 Safety in sputum collection
o Never collect sputum specimens inside the laboratory, toilets, waiting rooms,
reception rooms, or any other enclosed spaces.
o Instruct the patients to cover their mouths while coughing to collect sputum.
o Once collected, allow a sputum specimen to stand undisturbed for at least 20 minutes
before opening ( to settle any aerosols.)
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o Reject broken or leaking containers, request another specimen.
o Assume ALL specimens are potentially infectious and handle them carefully when you
open the sputum containers and during smear preparation.
o Cover sputum containers with their lids at all times except when removing for smear
preparation.
 Biological Safety in sputum smear preparation:
o Disinfect the working area before and after smear preparation.
o Gently open the sputum container, especially if the lid clicks or snaps on, open the
containers with care keeping them away from the face, specimen should be opened in
a BSC, direct smear preparation and dried also in BSC.
o Do not forcefully shake or stir the sputum in the container, avoid any rapid motion
when making the smear as infectious aerosols may be produced, use disposable
wooden sticks for smear preparation, discard it into a receptacle immediately after
use.
o Never heat a wire loop in a flame when sputum is still attached to it as sputum
containing live AFB will produce infectious aerosols.
o Fix smears by flaming only after they have dried completely, wet slides can produce
aerosols if disturbed, do not flame slides to expedite drying. This too can produce
aerosols.
 Chemical safety : Take the following precautions when working with chemicals in the TB
microscopy
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o Laboratory: - Always wear laboratory coats, gloves, and safety glasses when handling
acids.
o Do not handle alcohol near an open flame as they are flammable.
 Plan of action for a Laboratory accident – Spillage
o All the workers should leave the laboratory and close the door, one person enters the
lab after wearing PPE and N95 mask and cover the spill immediately, use any available
absorbent material. e.g. Paper towels, news paper, cotton wool, cloth etc.
o Soak the cover with the appropriate disinfectant and completely wet the area, leave
the laboratory closing the door.
o Let it stand for at least 30 minutes, keeping the area wet during this period.
o Enter the laboratory attired in protective wear, Place all broken tubes / containers and
clean up material in an appropriate container and discard by one of the waste disposal
options described later
o Mop the spillage area ,floor and the laboratory benches with disinfectant. e.g. : 5%
Lysol OR hypochlorite 10%.
 Waste disposal:
o Making the material non infectious, adding a disinfectant {e.g. 5% Lysol) 10 % hypochlorite
to the specimen containers can be practiced, then discarded in bags/sharp containers.
o Disinfect the work area with 0. 5% Lysol or 10 %hypochlorite disinfectant.
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8. ELECTRICAL SAFETY PLAN

 The typical laboratory contains a wide variety of electrically-powered equipment
including stirrers, shakers, pumps, hot plates, heaters, power supplies, ovens, and
electrophoresis equipment. These and all electrical devices used in the lab setting
present a potential danger of injury due to electric shock, fires due to poorly installed
or maintained systems and fires due to sparks serving as an ignition source for
flammable or combustible materials. Laboratory workers can protect themselves from
the hazards of electricity by following some basic guidelines. The guidelines include
maintaining awareness of the condition of lab equipment, the proper use of lab
equipment and safe work practices.
 Be Prepared
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 Learn the location of your electrical panels and shut-off switches so you can quickly
disconnect power in the event of an emergency.
 Be sure to always leave at least a 3-foot clearance around electrical panels for ready
access.
 Plan ahead for what steps will be taken in the event of a power loss.
 Think about potential vapor/gas release from vapor-generating processes or chemical
fume hoods if power is lost.
 Conduct a periodic inspection of laboratory electrical equipment to be sure it is in good
condition.
 Remove equipment from service if in poor condition and replace or have it repaired by
a qualified repair person.
 Outlet Receptacles
 Electrical outlets should have a grounding connection and accept three-prong plugs.
 ALL plugs should be labeled to their voltage (110V-220V).
 Multiple plug outlet adapters are not allowed.
 Power Cords, Power Supplies

 Inspect power cords to be sure they are not frayed or have exposed wiring.
 Carefully place power cords so they don’t come in contact with water or chemicals.
 Contact with water is a shock hazard. Corrosives and solvents can degrade the cord
insulation.
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 Do not allow cords to dangle from counters or hoods in such a manner that equipment
could be unplugged; fall or cords could be tripped over.
 Do not allow cords to contact hot surfaces to prevent melting insulation.
 Do not lift a piece of electrical equipment by the cord or pull the cord to disconnect
from the outlet in order to prevent damage.
 Portable power supplies are commonly used in the lab. These devices are extremely
high electrical energy sources and must be used carefully.
 Power cords must have grounding plugs (3 prong) and be properly insulated.
 Extension cords are not allowed in the laboratory for permanent use.
 The only exception is that electrical power surge protectors are allowed only for
personal computers and their components.
 Circuit Protection
 No more than two high current draw devices should be plugged into the same outlet to
prevent overheated wires and arcing. This can cause electrical shock injury and fire.
 Fuses and circuit breakers prevent over-heating of wires and other electrical
components.
 This overload protection is useful for equipment that may be left on for a long time
such as stirrers, drying ovens, vacuum pumps, Variacs, etc.
 Keep electrical equipment (and yourself while you are using electrical equipment)
away from water/chemical or their spills unless you are sure the equipment is rated for
this type of use.
 Electricity and Flammable Materials
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 Keep flammable materials away from electrical equipment.

 The equipment may serve as a source of ignition for flammable or explosive vapors.
 Receptacles providing power for equipment used inside a fume hood should be
located outside the hood.
 Make sure that equipment used where flammable vapors may be present is specially
rated to not produce sparks.
 Many household appliances such as hot plates, vacuum cleaners, and drills don’t
meet this requirement so they should be used only under very controlled conditions.
 If refrigeration or freezing is needed, flammable materials should only be stored in
explosion safe or explosion proof equipment.
 These do not contain any spark sources such as lights and switches.
 Be aware that if drying ovens are used to dry organic materials, vapors may
accumulate inside the oven and/or escape into the lab atmosphere.
 Take care to prevent developing explosive mixtures in air by not drying organic
materials that can create these conditions.
 General Electrical Safety
 Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits.
 Only qualified electrical workers may install service or repair electrical equipment.
 FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PLAN
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 Fire is the most common serious hazard that one faces in a laboratory. While proper
procedure and training can minimize the chances of an accidental fire, you must still
be prepared to deal with a fire emergency. This document teaches you the basics.
 Each laboratory personnel should be familiarizing themselves with:

 Location of the nearest Fire Extinguisher.
 Location of Emergency Shower & Eyewash.
 Location of the nearest First Aid Kit.
 Location of the nearest Fire Blanket.
 Location of the nearest Telephone.
 Do you know...?
 How fires start?
 How fires are classified?
 How to prevent fires?
 When not to fight a fire?
 How to identify the proper fire extinguisher?
 How to use a portable fire extinguisher?
 How to inspect your fire extinguishers?
 What to do in the detection of fire?
 How to use an emergency evacuation plan?
 How to evacuate a burning building?
 What to do if trapped in a burning building?
 What to do if someone catches on fire?
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 How fires start?

 Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or burning of a fuel. It needs three
elements to occur:
 FUEL - Fuel can be any
combustible material - solid,
liquid or gas. Most solids and liquids become a vapor or gas before they will burn.
o OXYGEN - The air we breathe is about 21 percent oxygen. fire only needs an
atmosphere with at least 16 percent oxygen.
o HEAT - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point
where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.
o CHEMICAL REACTION - A chain reaction can occur when the three elements of fire
are present in the proper conditions and proportions. Fire occurs when this rapid
oxidation, or burning takes place. Take any one of these factors away, and the fire
cannot occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.
 How fires are classified?
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 CLASS A: Ordinary combustibles or fibrous material, such as wood,

paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics.

 CLASS B: Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline,
kerosene, paint, paint thinners and propane.

 CLASS C
 Energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel
boxes and power tools.

  CLASS D
 Certain combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium
and sodium. These metals burn at high temperatures and give off
sufficient oxygen to support combustion. They may react violently with
water or other chemicals, and must be handled with care.
 How to prevent fires?

 Class A — Ordinary combustibles:
 Keep storage and working areas free of trash Place oily rags in
covered containers.

 
 Class B - Flammable liquids or gases:
 Don't refuel gasoline-powered equipment while it's hot.
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 Keep flammable liquids stored in tightly closed, self-closing, spill-proof

containers.
 Pour from storage drums only what you'll need under the fume hood.
 Store flammable liquids away from spark-producing sources.
 Use flammable liquids only in well-ventilated areas.
 Class C - Electrical equipment:

 Ensure that all electrical outlets have a grounding connection requiring

a three-pronged plug.
 Don’t use of extension cords.
 Look for old wiring, worn insulation and broken electrical fittings.
Report any hazardous condition to your supervisor.
 A spark from a rough-running motor can ignite the oil and dust in it.
Utility lights should always have some type of wire guard over them.
Heat from an uncovered light bulb can easily ignite ordinary
combustibles.
 Don't misuse fuses. Never install a fuse rated higher than specified for
the circuit.
 Investigate any appliance or electrical equipment that smells strange.
 Unusual odors can be the first sign of fire.
 Don't overload wall outlets. Two outlets should have no more than two
plugs.
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 Class D - Flammable metals:

Not applicable in our laboratory.
 When not to fight a fire?

 Never fight a fire:
 If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started
 If you can't fight the fire with your back to an escape exit
 If the fire can block your only escape
 If you don't have adequate fire-fighting equipment
 In any of these situations.
 Don't fight the fire yourself Call for help (6000)
 How to identify the proper fire extinguisher?

 All ratings are shows on the extinguisher faceplate. Some extinguishers are marked
with multiple ratings such as AB, BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of
putting out more than one class of fire.
 Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates how large a fire an
experienced person can safely put out with that extinguisher.
 Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the extinguishing agent
will not conduct electrical current.
 Class C extinguishers must also carry a Class A or B rating.
 Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their effectiveness on certain
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amounts of specific metals.
 How to use a portable fire extinguisher?
 Remember the acronym, "P.A.S.S."

 P  Pull the Pin.
 A  Aim the extinguisher nozzle at
the base of the flames.
 S  Squeeze trigger while holding
the extinguisher upright.
 S  Sweep the extinguisher from
side to side, covering the area
of the fire with the extinguishing
agent.
 How to inspect your fire extinguishers?

 Know the locations of the fire extinguishers in your work area.
 Make sure the class of the extinguisher is safe to use on fires likely to occur in the
immediate area.
 Check the plastic seal holding the pin in the extinguisher handle.
 The LSO inspects and services all fire extinguishers on a six month-round basis, but
we would still encourage you to be aware of the condition of your area's extinguishers
by visual inspection on a frequent basis to ensure you have a working extinguisher
there when you need one.
 After ANY use an extinguisher MUST be serviced and recharged by notifying Hospital
Maintenance Personnel.
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 Report any missing, empty or damaged fire extinguishers to LSO.

 What to do in the detection of fire?
 Upon the detection of known fires, follow R-A-C-E:
 REMEMBER THE ACRONYM "R.A.C.E."

 Rescue person(s) from the immediate
 R
fire scene/room.
 Alert personnel by activating the
nearest fire alarm pull station then call
 A
6000 (RED CODE) to report the exact
location of the fire.
 Confine fire and smoke by closing all
 C doors in the area. (DO NOT lock
doors)
 E  Extinguish / or Evacuate
 How to use an Emergency Evacuation Plan?

 A written, up-to-date Emergency Evacuation Plan for your workplace is essential in
case of emergency.
 Make sure you read and understand your department's Emergency Evacuation Plan.
 How to evacuate a burning area?

 The last one out of the room should not lock the door, just close it. Locking the door
hinders the fire department's search and rescue efforts.
 Proceed to the exit as outlined in the Emergency Evacuation Plan. Refer to page No. 8
(Emergency Evacuation Plan).
 NEVER, NEVER use elevators under any circumstances.
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 Stay low to avoid smoke and toxic gases. The best air is close to the floor, so crawl if
necessary.
 If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth to help you breathe.
 What to do if trapped in a burning area?

 If you're trying to escape a fire, never open a closed door without feeling it first. Use
the back of your hand to prevent burning your palm.
 If the door is hot, try another exit. If none exists, seal the cracks around the doors and
vents with anything available.
 If trapped, look for a nearby phone and call the fire department, giving them your exact
location.
 If breathing is difficult, try to ventilate the room, but don't wait for an emergency to
discover that window can't be opened.
 What to do if someone catches on fire?

 If you caught on fire:
 STOP - where you are
DROP - to the floor
ROLL - around on the floor
 This will smother the flames, possibly saving your life. Just remember to STOP, DROP
and ROLL.
 If a co-worker catches on fire, smother flames by grabbing a blanket or rug and
wrapping them up in it. That could save them from serious burns or even death.
 Summary
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KNOWLEDGE - AWARENESS – PREPARATION

These are your keys to preventing and surviving fires wherever they occur.
9. PROVISION AND USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Right to Know…..
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 What is PPE?
 PPE is any type of specialized clothing, eye shield or facial barrier that is used to
protect the wearer from serious injuries or illnesses.
 How does PPE help prevent the spread of infection?
 PPE acts as a barrier between infectious materials and your skin, mouth, nose, or
eyes (mucous membranes).The barrier has the potential to block the spread of
infection from blood, body fluids, respiratory secretions or chemicals.
 Can I reuse PPE?
 Most personal protective equipment is designed to be used one time. It is not
intended to be used over and over. There are a few exceptions (for example
some types of protective eyewear). It is important to understand that if you are
exposed to hazardous material while wearing PPE; your PPE should be
considered contaminated. Remove it promptly and dispose of it properly.
Improper removal, reuse or improper disposal of contaminated PPE may
increase your risk of hazardous.
 Can I wash disposable PPE?
 No. You cannot wash disposable personal protective equipment. Washing
personal protective equipment changes its protective or barrier properties, and
it may no longer be effective. It is important to understand that if you are
exposed to hazardous material while wearing personal protective equipment;
your PPE should be considered contaminated. Remove it promptly and dispose
of it properly. Improper removal, reuse or improper disposal of contaminated
PPE may increase your risk of hazardous.
 Can I share PPE with other users?
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No. You should not share personal protective equipment. Most PPE is not intended to
be used over and over. The protective capabilities of a PPE cannot be assured
when it is reused by either yourself or another person. Perhaps more
importantly, by sharing, you may inadvertently be exposing another person to
hazardous material. PPE should be removed promptly after use and disposed
of properly. Improper removal, reuse or improper disposal of contaminated
PPE may increase your risk of hazardous.
 Consult the MSDS for all substances you will work with to learn what special PPE may
be necessary. In general, you should always make use of the following:
 Protective clothing (Lab Coats & Aprons)
 Appropriate protective clothing (e.g., lab coats and aprons) is required
where hazardous materials are handled.
 Select knee-length lab coats with button or snap closures.
 Wear a solid-front lab coat or gown with back closures and knitted cuffs
when working with highly toxic or infectious agents.
 Wear protective aprons for special procedures such as transferring large
volumes of corrosive material.
 Remove protective clothing when leaving the laboratory to pick up by
laundry staff.
 Remove protective clothing in the event of visible or suspected
contamination to pick up by laundry staff.
 Hand protection (Gloves)
 The hands are the most common routes to cause autoinfection that is why it
should always be protected from contamination.
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 For highly infectious agents a double or triple layer of gloves should be

worn, or better the thickest and most durable brand should be utilized.
 Consult the MSDS
 Wear the correct gloves when needed.
 Wear gloves no longer than 2 hours.
 Wash hands once gloves have been removed.
 Disposable gloves must be discarded once removed. Do not save for
future use.
 Dispose of gloves into the proper container (biologically contaminated
gloves will need to go into a biohazardous bag).
 Protective Eyewear (goggles)
 These are used to protect the eyes from reagents/specimens, which may
have the tendency to splatter and to produce destructive and corrosive
fumes.
 Since the eyes are composed of thin mucus membranes they are delicate
and are sensitive to foreign agents.
 Extra care should be done to protect these vital organs from damage.
 Respiratory protection (Facemask, & N95 Respirator)
 Facemask
 It is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier
between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants
in the immediate environment.
 Facemasks may be labeled as surgical, laser, isolation, dental or
medical procedure masks.
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 Facemasks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability

to protect you from contact with liquids.
 These properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through
the facemask and how well the facemask protects you.
 If worn properly, a facemask is meant to help block large-particle
droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses
and bacteria) from reaching your mouth and nose, but does not filter or
block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs,
sneezes or certain medical procedures.
 Facemasks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and
respiratory secretions to others.
 Facemasks are not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is
damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult,
you should remove the facemask, discard it safely, and replace it with a
new one.
 Facemasks should not be shared, because they may become
contaminated with germs (viruses and bacteria) that can be spread
between people.
 To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the
trash.
 Wash your hands after handling the used mask.
 10.1.6.4.2 N95 (Certified Mask Respirator)
 It is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close
facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles (e.g. TB).
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 The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the
respirator blocks at least 95% of very small test particles. If properly
fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face
masks.
 To work as expected, an N95 respirator requires a proper fit to your
face.
 Generally, to check for proper fit, you should put on your respirator and
adjust the straps so that the respirator fits tight but comfortably to your
face; (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).
 N95 respirators should not be shared, because they may become
contaminated with germs (viruses and bacteria) that can be spread
between people
 However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely
eliminate the risk of illness or death.
 Emergency Shower & Eyewash Station

 it’s important to note that Emergency Shower & Eyewash Station units are designed to
deliver water to rinse contaminants from a user's eyes, face or body. As such, they are
a form of first aid equipment to be used in the event of an accident. However, they
are NOT a substitute for primary PPE such as eye and face protection and protective
clothing. Again, they are not an alternative to safe procedures for handling hazardous
materials.
 It is imperative that Emergency Shower & Eyewash Station be within 10 seconds
travel time from a hazard, also should the valves be of a simple operation; that they
turn off to on in one second or less, and provide hands free operation once activated,
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also should the flushing fluids be tepid.

 Emergency shower and eyewash stations
 Provide on-the-spot decontamination and allow personnel to flush away hazardous
substances that can cause injury.
 Splashing accidents demand prompt and effective action.
 The affected body part should be flushed for a minimum of 15
minutes using a clean supply of flushing fluid under low
pressure.
 Emergency showers
 Designed to flush the user’s head and body.
 Can also be used effectively in flushing contaminants from clothing.
 Should not be used to flush the user’s eyes because the high rate of water flow could
cause damage.
 Eye and face wash stations

 10.2.5.1 Designed to flush both eyes and face simultaneously at
a velocity low enough to be non - injurious to the user. Medical
help should be sought immediately after the first aid has been
given.
 Eyewash Stations/Showers Maintenance:

 Fed from the domestic water supply
 Ensure eye wash/shower is clear of obstructions and easily visible from all directions
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(adequate signage).
 Flush weekly, and record the flushing on the tag attached to the station.
 What to check when flushing:
o Eyewash protection caps must be in place and in good
condition.
o The ON/OFF valves must be operational, activated by a
single motion.
o Water flow remains ON when the operator removes his/her
hand.
o Water flows freely and is directed at the proper angles to
flush the eyes or body as appropriate.
 Run the eyewash/shower for five seconds. The running (or collected) water must be
clear:
 If the water is clear, turn off water and sign the inspection tag.
 If the water is cloudy, discolored, or contains sediment, start another
five-second flush; stop; and then continue flushing at five-second
intervals until the water flushes clear. Then initial the inspection tag.
 Ensure the water used for flushing was captured in a suitable container (such as a
plumbed drain, bucket, or large rolling waste can). If any water was spilled on the floor,
dry the area before leaving to prevent a slipping hazard.
 Note if a plumbed eyewash station does not run clear after repeated flushing, contact
your hospital maintenance manager immediately.
117
118
10. PROVISION AND CONTROL OF NEGATIVE PRESSURE IN

SECTIONS DEALING WITH HIGHLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS
PLEASE REFER TO BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES AND USE OF STANDARD

PRECAUTIONS
119
11. PROVISION, USE AND CONTROL OF FUME HOODS
(PLEASE REFER TO ENGINEERING CONTROLS SECTION)
120
12. PROVISION, USE AND CONTROL OF BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

CABINETS
PLEASE REFER TO BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES AND USE OF STANDARD

PRECAUTIONS
121
13. PROVISION OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT (EYE WASH,

EMERGENCY SHOWER, FIRE EXTINGUISHER, FIRE
BLANKET, BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL KITS)
 EYE WASH AND EMERGENCY SHOWER:

PLEASE REFER GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROVISION AND USE
OF PERSONAL AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
 FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FIRE BLANKET:
PLEASE REFER FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PLAN
 BIOLOGICAL SPILL KITS:
PLEASE REFER BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES AND USE OF STANDARD
PRECAUTIONS
 CHEMICAL SPILL KITS:
PLEASE REFER CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
122
14. WASTE DISPOSAL/CONTROL PLAN (CHEMICAL,

BIOLOGICAL AND SHARPS) USING PRICK PROOF
CONTAINERS AND LEAK PROOF BAGS
Hazardous Waste Disposal
 Waste minimization
 In order to minimize the amount of hazardous waste presented for disposal, it is
important to follow these guidelines:
 Avoid overstocking: one of the main sources of laboratory waste is surplus stock - the
result of requesting more than the need to using.
 Do not accept donations of materials that you don't plan to use. Many companies have
123
traditionally unloaded unwanted reagents by donating them to laboratories.
 Hazardous waste disposal guidelines

 Label all waste materials completely and legibly, using labels available from Waste
Disposal Management. Inadequately labeled containers will not be accepted.
 Package waste materials in approved containers, available from Waste Disposal
Management.
 Overfilled and/or leaking containers cannot be accepted for disposal.
 Never discharge wastes into the sewer unless you have verified that hazardous
wastes regulations permit you to do so.
 Waste preparation procedures

 Chemical waste
 Organic solvents and oils
o Collect in the containers provided by Waste Disposal Management.
o Indicate the composition of the contents as accurately as possible on the
attached label.
 Miscellaneous chemicals and cylinders
Complete the lab chemical inventory form and send to Waste Disposal Management.
 Chemicals of unknown composition
o Unknown chemicals cannot be accepted.
o Notify Waste Disposal Management to arrange for disposal.
 Explosive (e.g. dry picric acid) chemicals
o Do not mix with solvents or other waste.
124
o If the material is older than one year, do not attempt to open or move the container.
o Refer to Waste Disposal Management for advice.
 15.3.1.5 Corrosives (acids and bases)
o Collect acids and bases separately in the plastic containers provided by
o Waste Disposal Management.
o Do not mix acids with bases.
o Indicate the composition of the contents, as accurately as possible, on the attached
label.
 Empty chemical reagent bottles
o 1Remove the cap from the empty bottle and allow volatile materials to
evaporate into the fume hood.
o Rinse the bottle three times with tap water and let dry.
o Remove or obliterate the label.
o Place the uncapped bottle next to the garbage receptacle.
.
 Biomedical Waste
o Infectious laboratory waste
o Specimens of Blood, body fluids, tissues, organs, etc... and any contaminated
materials, gloves, towels papers, etc...
 Place in the Biohazard containers provided by Waste Disposal
Management.
 Accumulate in the designated container, without overfilling.
 When 3/4 full, close and seal the container and place it beside the
125
regular garbage receptacle for pickup by Waste Disposal Management.
 Proper Disposal of Liquid Biological Waste:

o Place in the Biohazard containers provided by Waste
 Disposal Management.
o Accumulate in the designated container, without overfilling.
o Add a bleach (Clorox) solution to a final dilution of 1:10 in a flask or
container of liquid biological waste. (1 part bleach to 9 parts
contaminated liquid, e.g 900 ml of liquid waste need at least 100 ml of
chlorox for dilution).
o Let the solution sit for 20 – 30 minutes, minimum, close and seal the
container and then flush down in the disposal sink with copious amounts
of water. ( Located in Parasitology section)
 Bio-hazardous (Contaminated) Sharps:

o Sharps are defined as any material that can penetrate plastic bags: examples
include syringe needles, scalpel blades, glass and plastic pipettes, disposable
pipette tips, etc.
o Place in the Biohazard containers provided by Waste Disposal Management.
o When 3/4 full, close and seal the container and place it beside the regular
garbage receptacle for pickup by Waste Disposal Management.
 Non-contaminated sharps:
o Label a puncture-proof container (wide-mouth plastic bottle or a heavy-duty
cardboard box lined with plastic) with the word "Non-Contaminated SHARPS".
126

o When 3/4 full, close and seal the container and place it beside the regular
garbage receptacle for pickup by the cleaning staff.
FIGURE 8 – LAB WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
127
15. PROVISION AND USE OF FIRST AID KITS
1. PLEASE REFER LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE AND GENERAL

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, SECTION III – PAGE NO 9.
2. PLEASE REFER PROVISION AND USE OF PERSONAL AND PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE), SECTION 10 – PAGE N0 115.
3. FIRST AID KIT IS KEPT IN THE SAFETY CABINET.
128
16. REPORTING OF INFECTION AND SAFETY INCIDENTS
1. PLEASE REFER INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY, SECTION – II, PAGE NO 7.

2. GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, SECTION – III, PAGE NO 9.
3. LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE, SECTION – IV, PAGE NO 14.
129
17. LABORATORY SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL

TRAINING PROGRAM
1. PLEASE REFER INTRODUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY, SECTION – II, PAGE NO 7.

2. PLEASE REFER LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE, SECTION – IV, PAGE
NO 14.
3. LABORATORY SAFETY PLANS OF ALL THE RESPECTIVE SECTIONS OF THIS
MANUAL.
130
18. SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL AUDITS
1. REGULAR TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ALL THE STAFF IS BEING DONE TWICE A
YEAR.
2. INITIAL TRAINING AND COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT WILL BE DONE.
3. ANNUAL TRAINING, RECERTIFICATION AND COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT HAS
BEEN DONE ANNUALLY FOR ALL THE STAFF.
131
4. LABORATORY SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL AUDITS HAVE BEEN

CONDUCTED PERIODICALLY AND REPORTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED WITH
LABORATORY OFFICER BIANNUALLY. ANY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE APPLIED
TIME TO TIME.
19. ENGINEERING CONTROLS

20.1 Negative Pressure Room
20.1.1 To separate Microbiology room from other laboratory rooms.
132
20.1.2 To provide an environment that allows reduction of the concentration of biological

aerosols through various engineering methods.
20.1.3 To prevent the escape of biological aerosols from such rooms into the corridor and
other areas of the correctional facility using directional airflow under negative
pressure; to induce air flow into the room from all surrounding areas (e.g., corridors,
ceiling plenums, plumbing chases, etc.).
20.1.4 Conduct monitoring of negative pressure isolation rooms when in use by using the
following procedures:
20.1.4.1 Hold thin piece of tissue paper near the bottom and approximately two inches
in front of the door.
20.1.4.2 The thin piece of tissue must be held parallel to the door.
20.1.4.3 The direction of the airflow must be tested at the inner door between the
isolation room and the other side.
20.1.4.4 Ensure the room is under negative pressure, by observing the thin piece of
tissue traveling into the room.
20.1.4.5 If the room is not under negative pressure, the thin piece of tissue will be blown
outward or remain stationary.
20.2 Biosafety Cabinet Control

20.2.1 Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) are engineering devices that reduce the risk of
working with biohazardous and infectious microorganisms.
20.2.2 Cabinets are also used for maintaining aseptic conditions when working with cell
cultures.
133
20.2.3 BSCs utilize High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in the supply air and
exhaust systems to create a nearly sterile work environment.
20.2.4 BSCs provide personnel, environmental, and product protection when
appropriate practices and procedures are followed.
20.2.5 Maintenance of Biosafety Cabinet.
20.2.5.1 Operative BSC’s must be cleaned and decontaminated when a spill within
has occurred.
20.2.5.2 Operative BSC’s must be cleaned and decontaminated after every shift.
20.2.5.3 A minimum of annual certification of an operative BSC is required.
20.2.5.4 Magnehelic gauge readings must be logged after 5 minutes of initial startup.
20.2.5.4.1 If a deviation in readings is observed either a blockage or a tear in the
filter has occurred.
20.2.5.4.2 Work must not progress in the BSC until a certifier has corrected the
problem.
20.2.5.5 The heat sterilizing system of choice in a BSC is an electrical biological
incinerator.
20.2.5.6 No chemical manipulation is permitted in a Biosafety cabinet.
20.3 Fume Hood Control

20.3.1 Fume hoods are devices designed for work with toxic or hazardous chemicals with
the effect of safely capturing the harmful gases, vapors, and fumes generated and
exhausting them to the outside air.
20.3.2 The primary parts of the fume hood
20.3.2.1 The primary parts of the fume hood are:
134
20.3.2.1.1 Face – The face of the hood is the opening where air capture takes
place.
20.3.2.1.2 Sash – The sash is the glass “window” that travels in the plane of the
hood face that opens or closes the hood and protects the user during
use.
20.3.2.1.3 Baffles – The baffles are located in the back of the hood and direct air in
the appropriate direction. The baffles can also be adjusted to account for
different vapor densities of chemicals (heavier than air and lighter than
air).
20.3.2.1.4 Duct – The duct connects the hood to the ventilation system and
exhausts to the outside air.
20.3.2.1.5 Air foil – The air foil is fixed to the bottom front edge of the hood and is a
vent that keeps a minimum gap open at all times but more importantly
gives aerodynamic properties that allow better, less turbulent air flow and
better capture.
FIGURE 7 – PARTS OF FUME HOOD
135
20.3.3 Safety Guidelines for fume hoods

20.3.3.1 Keep the sash as low as possible to minimize the risk of exposure and
protects your face
20.3.3.2 Always use an airflow indicator. This is a small piece of crepe paper (or
similar) attached to the bottom of the sash that blows with the air current. This
is the only way to know for certain that air is flowing through the hood in the
proper direction. The indicator should be blowing into the hood (sometime the
flow is reversed by accident during maintenance).
20.3.3.3 Keep lab doors and windows closed. These extra sources of inlet air can:
affect the performance of the hood, cause turbulent air currents in the room or
cause the room to lose its negative pressure.
20.3.3.4 Reduce clutter and do not store large amounts of chemicals in the hood.
Excess clutter and chemicals can impede airflow especially to the lower
openings.
20.3.3.5 Necessary bottles and equipment should be elevated an inch or two to allow
airflow underneath to the rear baffles (a small shelf or blocks of some kind will
work for this).
20.3.3.6 Excess chemicals can be a hazard in themselves due to their properties.
Store chemicals in cabinets or on shelves, except for the chemicals you need immediately for
the work at hand.
136
20.3.3.7 Work at least 6 inches into the hood from the plane of the sash. This will
reduce the risk of eddy currents blowing vapors back at you and will maximize
capture ability of the hood.
20.4 Performance Verification of Engineering Controls and Safety Equipment (Table 8)
Testing Frequency
Equipment Responsible Party
(minimum)
*Eyewash Weekly Maintenance Laboratory
*Safety shower Monthly Maintenance Laboratory
*Fume hoods
Annually Maintenance Laboratory
*Biosafety Cabinet
Visual Inspection monthly Maintenance

Fire extinguishers
Service annually Laboratory
137
LABORATORY INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

NEW STAFF ORIENTATION FORM
DATE:
Name: Age: Position:
Nationality: Sex: Work Place:
ORIENTATION TOPICS
Hand Hygiene
1.  Types of Hand Washing
 Indication of Each Type
Personal Protective Equipment
2.  Definition
 Indication and Uses
3. Aseptic Technique
138
3.1. Categories of Aseptic Technique

a. Sterile Technique (Surgical Asepsis)
b. Clean Technique (Medical Asepsis)
3.2. Prevention of Intravascular Catheter Related Infection
3.3. Policy and Procedure for Safe Injection
3.4. Prevention of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Isolation Precautions
4.1. Standard Precautions
4.2. Transmission Based Precautions
4.
- Airborne Precaution
- Droplet Precaution
- Contact Precaution
Medical Waste Disposal
5. 1. Types of Waste
2. MCH Plan for Medical Waste Handling and Disposal
6 Sharp Injuries Prevention
7 Management of Needle Stick Injuries
8 Management of Hazard Material Spills
Reporting of certain condition such as jaundice, rash-like illness, skin infection that
are vesicular or pustule or illnesses that do not resolve within a designated period.
9
(Fever more than 2 days, cough more than 2 weeks, diarrhea diseases) to the
Infection Control Office.
The staff shall be oriented according to the policy and procedure of the unit/service
10
where he/she works
Staff signature Infection Control Officer
139
REFERENCES
1. American Chemical Society (ACS). 1995. Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories,

6th ed. Committee on Chemical Safety. Washington D.C. ACS.
2. Brethrick, L. 1990. Brethrick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, 4th ed.
London: Butterworth.
3. Compressed Gas Association. 1990. Handbook of Compressed Gases, 3rd ed. New
York: Compressed Gas Association.
4. Freeman, E., Ed. 1990. Hazardous Waste Minimization. New York: McGraw-Hill.
5. Infection Prevention and Control Manual, Second edition, National Guard Health
140
Affairs, Gulf Cooperation Council, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2013.

6. National Research Council (NRC). 1995. Assembly of Mathematical and Physical
Sciences, Committee on Hazardous Substances in the Laboratory: Prudent Practices
for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. Washington, D.C.: National
Academy Press.
7. Laboratory biosafety manual. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1993; 1-133.
8. Richmond, J.Y. and McKinney, R.W. Biosafety in microbiological and biomedical
laboratories. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1999; 1-250.
9. The management, design and operation of microbiological containment laboratories.
Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens, UK: Health and Safety Executive,
2001; 7-16.
10. Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism: Confronting the Dual Use Dilemma.
Washington, DC: The National Academic Press, 2004.
11. Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Biological Weapons. Germany: The Sunshine
Project, October 2003; 1-22.
141

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ‫المملكة العربية السعودية‬

Ministry Of Health ‫وزارة الصحة‬

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

Mr. Ali Abdullah Al-Beshr

Engr. Shams Zaher

Hospital Safety Committee Chairman

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

PROVISION AND USE OF FIRST AID KITS

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

5.1.2Mechanism of compressed and flammable gases control.

5.1.3 Biological safety procedures and use of standard precautions

5.1.4 Tuberculosis and other biological hazards exposure plan.

5.1.5 Electrical safety plan.

5.1.6 Fire prevention and control plan.

5.1.7 Provision and use of personal protective equipments.

5.1.9 Provision, use and control of biological safety cabinets.

5.1.10 Provision of safety equipment.

5.1.11 Waste disposal plan.

5.1.12 Provision and use of first aid kits.

5.1.13 Reporting of infection and safety incidents.

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

6.1 Chief of Laboratory

II. INTRODUCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

 Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM) primarily addresses work in laboratories & is

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

believed to be reliable, it is not all-encompassing and is intended only to serve as a

is responsible for ensuring that:

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

Each staff member working in a laboratory is expected to:

III. GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

 Policy of Personnel Hygiene, & Safety

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

o Do not apply cosmetics or wear contact lenses.

 Preparing For Laboratory Work

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

 potential laboratory hazards, be alert for the following:

-Flammable -Toxic -Oxidizing -Reactive -Corrosive

-Bacteria -Viruses -Parasites -Fungi

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

 Physical or mechanical hazards

LABORATORY AND BLOOD BANK DEPARTMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

o All laboratory equipment needs to be cleaned and certified of being free of

IV. LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

 Introduction to First Aid

 Exposure to Infectious Agents