Spring 2023: Level 2

MLT221: Medical Laboratory

Operation: Safety

Laboratory Hazards
• The United Nations (UN) established nine classes of hazardous materials.
Class 1-Explosives
Class 2-Compressed gases
Class 3-Flammable liquids
Class 4-Flammable solids
Class 5-Oxidizer materials
Class 6-Toxic materials
Class 7-Radioactive materials
Class 8-Corrosive materials
Class 9-Miscellaneous materials not classified elsewhere

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Spring 2023: Level 2

PHYSICAL SAFETY HAZARDS

• Compressed gas – High pressure gas or mixture of gases in a container
• Combustible liquid – Pure liquid with a Flash point above 38º C but below
93º C
• Explosive – A chemical that causes a sudden release of pressure,
gas and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure
or high temperature
• Flammable liquid – Flash point below 38º C
• Flammable solid – Liable to cause fire through friction, absorption of
moisture, or spontaneous change
• Flammable Aerosol- Flame projection exceeding 45 cm at full valve opening or
flashback at any degree of valve opening
• Flammable Gas- At ambient temperature and pressure forms a
flammable mixture with air at a concentration of 13% by
volume or less; or with air greater than 12% by volume
regardless of the lower explosive limit

PHYSICAL SAFETY HAZARDS (CONT.)

• Oxidizer- A chemical that initiates or promotes combustion in
other materials
• Reactive – A chemical that will vigorously polymerize,
decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive
under conditions of shock, pressure or temperature
• Water-reactive – A chemical that reacts with water to release a
gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard
• Organic Peroxide- Extremely flammable and sensitive to heat,
friction, impact and light as well as to strong oxidizing and
reducing agents

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Spring 2023: Level 2

Warning Labels
a. The DOT requires all chemicals shipped in the U.S. have labels based on the UN
hazardous material classification.
b. DOT labels are diamond shaped with the classification number in the bottom
corner. The hazard is also identified in words along the horizontal axis of the label.
c. The DOT label is only on the shipping container. Once received, the laboratory
must label each individual container in the shipping container.
d. Although OSHA mandates the use of labels or appropriate warnings, no single
uniform labeling system exists for hazardous materials.

Warning Labels

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Spring 2023: Level 2

e. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed the 704-M

Identification System, which most laboratories use.
1) The labels are diamond shaped, and each quadrant has a different color: blue-
health; red-flammability; yellow-reactivity; and white-special information. The
chemical is classified 0-4 (least hazardous to most hazardous) in the areas of health,
flammability, and reactivity.
2) The chemical can be identified as a poison, water reactive, etc. in the white
quadrant.

Warning Labels

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Spring 2023: Level 2

Chemical Hazards
a. Approved spill kits must be nearby.
b. Concentrated acids must be diluted by adding them to water in the
sink.
c. Label all containers before adding the chemical.
d. Some chemicals can become more hazardous if stored for a
prolonged time. Picric acid has the potential to form peroxides if stored
for a long period of time and not used. The material can become shock
sensitive, with the potential to explode if bumped.

e. Sodium azide, a carcinogen, is sometimes used as a preservative in

laboratory reagents. When disposed of in the sewer, the accumulation
of copper and iron salts of azide may occur. These metallic salts are
explosive, especially when subjected to mechanical shock.
f. Working with carcinogens requires special precautions such as using
a fume hood, wearing rubber gloves and a respirator, and cleaning
contaminated glassware with a strong acid or organic solvent.
g. Chemical containers made of glass should be transported in rubber
or plastic holders that will protect them from breakage.

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Spring 2023: Level 2

Chemical Spill Kits

a. Laboratories are equipped with clean-up kits for various types of
spills. Wear the appropriate PPE (i.e., gloves, goggles) when cleaning up
spills.

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Acid Spills
1) Apply neutralizer (or sodium bicarbonate) to perimeter of spill.
2) Mix thoroughly until fizzing and evolution of gas ceases.
3) Transfer the mixture to a plastic bag, tie shut, fill out a waste label,
and place in a fume hood.

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Spring 2023: Level 2

Solvent spills
1) Apply activated charcoal to the perimeter of the spill.
2) Mix thoroughly until material is dry and no evidence of solvent
remains.
3) Transfer absorbed solvent to a plastic bag, tie shut, and place in
fume hood.

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1. The main routes in which chemicals enter the body are (check all that
apply):
a. inhalation

b. absorption

c. percutaneous inoculation

d. ingestion

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Spring 2023: Level 2

2. The main sources of contamination within diagnostic laboratories

are:
a. air conditioning vents

b. aerosols

c. animal cages

d. sick employees

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MLT221: Hazards and Labels 8