Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
- Electric shock
- Toxic vapors
- Compressed gases
- Flammable liquids
- Radioactive material
- Corrosive substances
- Mechanical trauma
- Poisons
- Biologic materials
PUBLIC LAW 91-596
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
(OSHA)
- Enacted by the U.S. Congress in
1970.
- To provide all employees (clinical
laboratory personnel included) with
a safe work environment.
- Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (also known as
OSHA) is authorized to conduct on-
site inspections to determine
whether an employer is complying
with the mandatory standards.
OSHA standards that regulate safety in the
laboratory includes:
- Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
- Formaldehyde Standard
- Laboratory Standard
- Hazard Communication Standard
- Respiratory Protection Standard
- Air Contaminants Standard
- Personal Protective Equipment
Standard
OSH Law (RA11058)
- employers are now required to
comply with occupational safety and
health standards, including updated
training requirements, mandated
on-site clinic facilities, audit and
tracking of compliance, informing
workers on all types of hazards in
the workplace and giving workers
the right to refuse unsafe work, as
well as providing safe facilities and
personal protective equipment,
among others.
- Employer’s Duties: provide a safe
and healthy workplace through the
following, among others:
o Capacity building of all
workers including mandatory
trainings;
o Provision of information on
OSH;
o Use of devices/equipment
with approved industry
standards;
o Compliance with all the
requirements of the OSH
Standards;
o Provide appropriate DOLE
tested and approved PPEs
FREE of charge to the
workers.
- Workers’ Rights:
o To know the different types
of hazards in the workplace;
o Be provided with training,
education and orientation;
o To refuse unsafe work
without threat or reprisal
from the employer in cases
of imminent danger. Affected
workers may be temporarily
assigned to other work areas;
o To report accidents and
dangerous occurrences to
DOLE-ROs and other
government agencies in the
most convenient way;
Workers shall be free from
retaliation for reporting any
accident
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid

TYPES OF HAZARDS
HAZARD SYMBOL HAZARD SYMBOL

BIOLOGICAL EXPLOSIVE
HAZARD

RADIATION
HAZARD FLAMMABLE

MODERATE
ENVIROMENTAL HAZARD
HAZARD

POISON OXIDIZING

HEALTH
CORROSIVE HAZARD

SHARP
HOT HAZARD/CUTTING
SURFACE HAZARD

ELECTRICAL UV
HAZARD HAZARD

COLD HIGH PRESSURE

HAZARD HAZARD
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid

NON-IONIZING LASER RADIATION

HAZARD

ELECTROCUTION IRRITANT
RISK

SUFFOCATION RISK
HAND CRUSH

OPTICAL
RADIATION BROKEN GLASS

BIOLOGICAL HAZARD
- Biological hazards are organisms, or substances produced by organisms, that pose a
threat to human health. They are a major concern in food processing because they
cause most food borne illness outbreaks.
- Biosafety is used to prevent and protect clinical laboratories from harmful

Pathogen
- A microbe that can cause diseases, and microbes could be bacteria, fungi, protozoa or
viruses.

INFECTION CONTROL
- when a microorganism invades the body, multiplies and causes injury or disease
- Communicable and nosocomial & healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid

CHAIN OF INFECTION

COMPONENTS OF THE CHAIN OF INFECTION

Component Description

Infectious Pathogenic microbe such as virus, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, rickettsia

(causative) agent

Reservoir Source of infection agent or place where the microbe could grow, survive
and multiply which could be in humans, animals, food, water, soil or
equipment

Exit pathway A way or manner where an infectious agent can leave the reservoir host
which could be through secretions and exudates, tissue specimens, blood,
feces or urine.
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid

Means of Airborne, direct (touching or kissing) or indirect contact (contaminated

transmission objects), droplets (coughing or sneezing), vector (insect, anthropod or
animal) and vehicle (food, water or drugs)

Entry pathway Refers to the way an infectious agent enters a host that is susceptible to
infection which includes body orifices, mucous membranes, and breaks in
skin

Susceptible host Someone who is prone to infection due to age, health or immune status.
They usually include the elderly, newborn, patients who are immune
suppressed, unvaccinated, and those suffering from acute or chronic illness.

INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES PROPER HAND HYGIENE - Alcohol-based

- Effective hand hygiene procedure
- Good nutrition
- Immunization against common
pathogens
- Insect and pest control
- Isolation and decontamination
procedures
- Use of proper safety devices
- Use of PPE when needed
- Proper disposal of sharps
hand rubs & Handwashing
Hand Hygiene
• include hand washing or use of alcohol-
based antiseptic hand cleaners
• Hand washing could be routine hand
washing which uses plain soap and
water.
• Hand antisepsis uses antimicrobial
soap to remove transient
microorganisms

FOUR FUNCTIONS OF THE INFECTION- Steps in performing the routine hand-

CONTROL PROGRAM
1. protect patients, employees, and
visitors from infection
2. screen employees for infectious
diseases and require immunization
when needed
3. provide evaluation and treatment to
health workers who were exposed to
infections while performing their duty
4. monitor employees and patients who
are at risk of infection and collect data
from patients and health worker who
were exposed to such
washing technique
1. Stand a few inches from the sink to
avoid contamination
2. Turn on the faucet and place hands
under the running water.
3. Use soap and work up lather to ensure
that surfaces are reached.
4. Scrubbing for at least 15 seconds is
necessary. Make sure to scrub all
surfaces especially between the fingers
and the knuckles.
5. Apply a little friction and rub hands
together for at least 15 seconds.
6. Rinse the hands from the wrist to
fingertips using a downward motion.
7. Dry hands using a clean paper towel.
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid

8. Use the paper towel to close the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
faucet except when it is foot or DONNING REMOVAL
motion activated. 1. Lab Gown 1. Gloves
2. Hair Cap 2. Goggles
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 3. Mask 3. Gown
- Gloves 4. Goggles 4. Hair net
- Hair cap 5. Gloves 5. Mask
- Shoe Cover
- Lab Gown Gloves
- Mask • Worn during blood collection and
specimen handling
Donning and removing PPE • Prevent contamination of hands
The PPE are kept clean and are worn to • Reduce chances of transmission of
protect the healthcare worker from microorganism
splashes of blood and specimen during the • Worn over the cuffs of the lab gown
patient-care activities. The PPE is removed to ensure protection
at the ante room or before leaving the
room of the patient in an aseptic, sterile
and pathogen free way to avoid
contamination.

Donning of PPE
1. Gown should be put on first. Make
sure that it is fastened, and the belt
is tied.
2. Mask should cover both the nose
and mouth.
3. Gloves should be pulled over the
gown cuff.

Removing (DOFFING) of PPE

1. Gloves are removed first. Do not
touch contaminated areas with
ungloved hands.
2. Gown should be pulled from the
shoulders towards the hand so it is
turned inside out.
3. Mask should be removed by only
touching the string
Note: Wash hands immediately after
removal of the PPE.
SAFETY ENCLOSURES IN LABORATORIES
FUME HOOD
- Removes the toxic substances in the
air and leaves work clean during the
work from bacteria.
- A chemical fume hood also protects
laboratory equipment and the
materials themselves from toxic
substances that may harm research
or experimentation.
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid
Laminar Flow Cabinets
- The Cabinets inhales the air from the
room space into the fume hood
space and out of it without
contaminants.
- A high-quality laminar hood will
prevent contamination of the
material and the operator.
BIOSAFETY CABINET
- The BSC is designed to provide both
personnel and environmental
protection from potentially
infectious materials and human
pathogens.
- The common feature in all BSCs is
the high efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filter. HEPA filters can
remove particles down to 0.3
microns with 99.97% efficiency and
will trap most bacteria and viruses.
Vapors (from ethanol, formalin, etc)
and gases will not be captured and
removed by the HEPA filter.
Class I Biosafety Cabinet
- Provide personnel and environmental
protection, but do not provide a sterile
work surface.
- Airflow in a Class I BSC is similar to a
chemical fume hood, with air being
drawn away from the worker and
across the work surface.
- The exhaust from the cabinet is HEPA
filtered and this protects the
environment.
- Class I BSC are useful for work that
requires containment but not product
sterility.
Class II Biosafety Cabinet
- Provide personnel, product and
environmental protection.
- Air is drawn around the worker into
the front grill of the BSC, providing
operator protection.
- HEPA filtered sterile air flows down
onto the work surface, minimizing
the potential for cross-
contamination.
- Exhaust air passes through another
HEPA filter before being released
into the surrounding environment.
- Class II units are further divided into
four types; A1, A2, B1, and B2, based
on the percentage of air that is
recirculated and exhausted.
Class III Biosafety Cabinet
- Class III BSCs are designed to provide
maximum protection to the worker
and the environment.
- Sometimes called Class III glove
boxes, these units are gas-tight
enclosures with a non-opening view
window.
- Intake air is filtered through a HEPA
filter and exhaust air passes through
two HEPA filters before being
released.
Common BSC Work Practice Errors
• Do not cover the front and rear grills
with supplies, absorbent paper or
materials as this will compromise
the cabinet's airflow and lead to
potential contamination issues or
personnel exposure concerns.
• Do not store supplies on top of the
BSC. The HEPA filter is located there
and disturbance or damage can lead
to problems with the BSC.
• Do not use an open flame in the
BSC. Open flames create significant
turbulence that disrupts the laminar
air flow in a BSC. The combination of
an open flame and 70% ethanol
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid
(disinfectant) is responsible for
many significant lab fires and
destruction of BSCs. Use sterile
disposable supplies or an electric
bacticinerator instead.
• Avoid moving arms in and out of the
cabinet during your experiment and
try to minimize activities that can
cause eddy currents (opening doors,
personnel walking near cabinet,
etc.). Small pockets of turbulence
can compromise air circulation in
the BSC.
NURSERY AND NEONATAL ICU INFECTION
CONTROL TECHNIQUE
1. Do the proper hand washing
procedure before putting on the
PPE.
2. The phlebotomist should only bring
items necessary for the specimen
collection.
3. Blood collection tray should be left
outside the nursery, preferably the
anteroom.
4. Remove gloves, wash hands, and use
a new pair of gloves between
patients.
STANDARD AND TRANSMISSION-BASED
PRECAUTION FOR BLOOD-BORNE
PATHOGEN
BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS (BBP)
- Microorganisms in the human blood
- most common pathogens include,
hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV)
and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV)
Exposure control plan
Exposure occurs when the following
happens:
a) When a contaminated needle or
sharp object pierces the skin of the
health worker.
b) Body fluid or blood splashes in the
eyes, nose or mouth
c) Cut, scratch or abrasion has made
contact with blood or body fluid
d) Bite cuts the skin
When there is BBP exposure either by
needle stick or sharp object injury or
mucous membrane exposure, the following
procedure should be followed:
Needle stick or other sharp injury:
1. Carefully remove the shards or
foreign object.
2. Wash the site thoroughly with soap
and water for at least 30 seconds.
Mucous membrane exposure:
1. Flush with water or saline for at
least 10 minutes.
2. For the eyes, use eyewash station
for flushing if available. Remember
to remove the contact lenses (if
there are any) and make sure to
disinfect them.
3. Report the incident to the
immediate supervisor and the
provider so that evaluation,
treatment and counseling can be
provided.
**For surface decontamination, use of 1:10
bleach solution or other disinfectants for
the specimen collection and processing
areas.
**Remember to wear gloves and use an
absorbent material when cleaning the area
to avoid spreading the spills over a wider
area.
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid

**As a precaution, all non-reusable items should be placed in biohazard waste

contaminated by blood or other body fluids containers for proper disposal.

OTHER HAZARDS
FIRE
• another potential work hazard.
• regular fire drills should be conducted
• The location of fire extinguishers and heavy blankets should be known, and the staff
should know how to use it.
FIVE CLASSES OF FIRE

Class Description
A – ordinary combustible materials such as wood or paper which requires water
or water-based solutions to extinguish.
B – flammable liquids and vapors such as paint, oil, grease and gasoline which
requires blocking oxygen to snuff out.
C – electrical equipment that require the use of non-conducting agents to
extinguish.
D – sodium, potassium, magnesium and lithium which are combustible and
reactive metals that needs powder agents or sand to put out.
K – cooking oil, grease or fats with high temperature which requires agents that
prevent splashing, cooling and smothering the fire.
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid
RADIATION
• exposure depends on distance,
shielding and time.
• protection worn at the time would
also have a bearing on the intensity
of exposure.
• radiation symbol should be posted
in areas where radioactive materials
are present and storage areas where
these are kept.
• can be encountered when collecting
specimen from patients injected
with radioactive dyes or collecting
specimen from the nuclear medicine
department
SHOCK
• condition when there is not enough
blood that circulates back to the
heart which results to inadequate
supply of oxygen in the body. never
store chemicals in unlabeled
containers;
• result of hemorrhage, heart attack,
trauma and drug reactions;
• common symptoms are: pale, cold &
clammy skin; rapid and weak pulse;
increased and shallow breathing and
expressionless face with staring
eyes.
CHEMICAL HAZARD
• always IMMEDIATELY wash with water for
atleast 15 minutes. And seek medical
attention ASAP.
NEVER NEURALIZE THE SUBSTANCE IF IN
CONTACT WITH SKIN.
Chemical Handling:
“AW” Acid to Water
These should never be done:
• never store chemicals above eye
level;
• never add water to acid, do not mix
chemicals indiscriminately;
• never store chemicals in unlabeled
containers;
• never pour chemicals into used or
dirty containers;
• never use chemicals in ways other
than their intended use.
Chemical Storage Equipment
• storage and handling of hazardous
chemicals and compressed gases
• Safety carriers should always be
used to transport glass bottles of
acids, alkalis, or organic solvents in
volumes larger than 500 mL
• approved safety cans should be
used for storing, dispensing, or
disposing of flammables in volumes
greater than 1 quart
• Steel safety cabinets with self-
closing doors are required for the
storage of flammable liquids
• specially designed, explosion- proof
refrigerators may be used to store
flammable materials.
• Only the amount of chemical
needed for that day should be
available at the bench.
Basic Concepts on Laboratory Safety, Infection Control & First Aid
Cryogenic Materials Hazards
• Liquid nitrogen
• fire or explosion, asphyxiation,
pressure buildup, embrittlement of
materials, and tissue damage similar
to that of thermal burns.
Mechanical Hazards
• mechanical hazards of equipment
such as centrifuges, autoclaves, and
homogenizers.
• Glass pipets should be handled with
extra care, as should sharp
instruments such as cork borers,
needles, scalpel blades, and other
tools.
• laboratory glassware
Ergonomic Hazards
• These physical actions can, over
time, contribute to repetitive strain
disorders such as tenosynovitis,
bursitis, and ganglion cysts.
• The primary contributing factors
associated with repetitive strain
disorders are position/posture,
applied force, and frequency of
repetition.
• Chronic symptoms of pain,
numbness, or tingling in extremities
may indicate the onset of repetitive
strain disorders.
PERSONAL HYGIENE, PROPER NUTRITION,
REST, EXERCISE, BACK PROTECTION, AND
STRESS MANAGEMENT IN PERSONAL
WELLNESS
- Personal wellness begins with
personal hygiene which includes
bathing regularly and using
deodorant, brushing your teeth
regularly, keeping your hair neat and
clean, trimming and cleaning
fingernails, and avoiding the use of
heavy lotions and colognes.
- Proper nutrition and balanced diet
consist of vegetables, fruits &
legumes.
- Have enough sleep and to stay fit by
having a regular exercise routine.
- Maintain proper posture and keep
your back safe from any injury by
using proper techniques when lifting
objects.
- Work-life balance and find time to
relax to relieve yourself of stress
from work.
First Aid procedures
When the patient is in shock, perform the
following steps as first aid:
(1) keep the airway open
(2) call for medical assistance
(3) keep the patient lying down
(4) control any bleeding or other cause
of shock
(5) keep the patient warm.