LABORATORY SAFETY Laboratory Analysis #1

Rubrics: Content (50%) a. Completeness (20%) b. Correctness (30%)

Presentation (40%) a. Cleanliness (10%) b. Technical Make-up (10%) c. Organization (20%) Punctuality (10%)

TOTAL (100%): Evaluators Signature:

MTEC 216 HEMATOLOGY Laboratory Analysis #1 LABORATORY SAFETY Nicole Edelweiss Liza 2011 BSMT3A Nov. 17, Nov. 10, 2011

1. Identify the emergency measures appropriate when the following hazards occur in the Hematology Section of the clinical laboratory:

a. Accidental pricking of the skin with a used needle If one has such an accident involving blood, plasma or serum from a SPECIFIC IDENTIFIABLE PATIENT, he should report immediately to his supervisor. If there is need of immediate medical attention, the employee should go directly to the Emergency Room depending on the time of day or night. Hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood or other body fluids. To prevent needle stick injuries, needles should not be recapped, purposely bent or broken by hand, removed from disposal syringes; and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items should be placed in puncture-resistant containers for disposal.

b. Blood spill on the reception table In general, when a spill occurs which could contaminate an area with an infectious agent, it is important that the following be done: Get everyone out of the affected area immediately. Notify the supervisor of the spill Decontaminate the affected area. This may be done by placing paper towels soaked with disinfectant solution over the spill. Wearing gloves, gown and mask (or self-contained breathing apparatus), personnel should pick up the towels and any broken glassware and discard into a bag to be incinerated. The area should

be wiped down again with disinfectant solution and can be then be presumed to be safe.

c. Diluting fluid container has no label Substances that have no label and are unidentified should be carefully disposed of in an approved manner. As a lesson, attach chemical labels with all necessary information to all containers.

2. Create a safety program specific for the Hematology Section in terms of Biological and Physical waste disposal.

Proposed Laboratory Safety Plan for N.E.L. Laboratory I. Introduction Fires, chemical reactions and burns, gas leaks and explosions from shock-sensitive materials are some of the dangers lab workers may encounter at any time. Additionally, natural disasters, such as tornados and earthquakes, may trigger chemical spills or contamination. Employees must be familiar with emergency procedures for any of the above scenarios, and more. As a Laboratory Professional, you have the responsibility to help make your Laboratory a safe working environment. You can help facilitate changes to make the laboratory a safer working place by staying current in laboratory technology and suggesting new methods to reduce or eliminate know hazards. Most important, you can help prevent accidents by following safe techniques and setting an example for others. II. Objectives To create an effective, continuous safety program. To provide the personnel of the Clinical Laboratory the preventive measures that are necessary for their safety. To instill to the personnel the proper assessments in cases of biological, physical and chemical misfortunes. III. Laboratory Safety Plan A. Personal Protection

SAFETY GLASSES, GOGGLES, FACE SHIELDS Safety glasses are considered to be minimum eye protection. They afford reasonable protection from flying objects and some protection from liquid splashes. When handling hazardous liquids, or doing anything where better protection is required, wear goggles and/or face shields. Safety glasses may be removed while looking through a microscope. Goggles and face shields will be worn when handling corrosive liquids, diluting materials with a high heat of reaction, or in any situation which could result in splashing or flying particles. EAR PLUGS Ear plugs are provided in the laboratory for noise reduction. The noise levels in the laboratory are not in excess of 85 decibels, however ear plugs are provided for laboratory employees in case the noise levels are bothersome. LAB COATS Lab coats will be worn in laboratory areas. Their purpose is not just to keep your clothes clean. They can be important as an extra layer of protection between chemical splashed and your skin. Lab coats will not be worn in lunch or break rooms. SAFETY SHOWER Showers are operated by pulling down on the handle while standing beneath the shower head. Pull the handle down as far as possible, and the resulting spray will wash off chemical contamination as well as being effective against burning clothing. Know the locations of the nearest safety shower for chemical burns. If clothing is on fire, STOP! DROP! ROLL! to put out the fire. GLOVES No single type of glove is suitable for all jobs. Their purpose is to protect the hands and fingers from mechanical or thermal injury, chemical irritants, microbial contamination, or viral contamination. The type of glove used in a particular procedure will be dictated by the nature of the hazard. SHOES All shoes shall be in good condition and provide adequate foot protection. Sandals, open-toes shoes, and clogs are not approved apparel.

EMERGENCY EYE WASH STATIONS Eyewashes are attached to faucets at convenient location for washing chemicals from the eyes. These facilities are operated by removing the protective covers, pulling out the button on the front of the eyewash and turning on the faucet. Hold head over the gentle stream of water, the eyelids should be held apart for complete flushing for at least 15 minutes.

SPILL CLEAN-UP KITS Materials appropriate to treat acid, caustic or flammable liquid spills are found with other safety equipment throughout the laboratory. Buckets of sand/soda absorbent may also be uses to absorb spilled materials and prevent the spread of hazardous liquid. B. Infection Control in the Laboratory

GENERAL SAFETY STANDARDS Smoking is prohibited at UAMS and all campus buildings. No food or drink will be stored in refrigerators in the laboratory work area. Application of cosmetics is prohibited in the laboratory work area. Hair should be worn or secured so that it cannot become either a safety hazard or a source of contamination. Beards require the same precautions. Open cuts and broken skin must be covered with a suitable means of protection, such as gloves, to avoid the risk of contamination and possible infections. Personnel must have annual TB screening. Personnel are encouraged to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine offered through the Student/Employee Health Service. ALL personnel must wear lab coats while at work. These coats must be left in the lab when going to lunch, on breaks, or when leaving at the end of the shift. HANDWASHING

Hand-washing is considered the most important single procedure for preventing and controlling the spread of infection. Proper hand-washing has been shown to eliminate or greatly reduce hand carriage of pathogens. There are two types of hand-washing to be used in the Laboratory: routine and antiseptic. ROUTINE is used:

When coming on duty Before and after eating Before and after using the restroom Before going off duty

ANTISEPTIC is used:

After contact with contaminated objects After contact with patient specimens, particularly Blood and Body Fluid Precaution specimens After removal of protective gloves

HANDWASHING PROCEDURE: o o o o o o ROUTINE:

Wet hands under running water Keep hands lower than elbows, apply SOAP Work into a lather scrubbing fingers, palms, backs of hands, wrist and forearms creating friction for at least 15 seconds. Cleaning under nails should be attempted. Thoroughly rinse hands under running water Use paper towels to blot and dry hands Use dry paper towel to turn off faucet, then discard ANTISEPTIC:

Follow the procedure for routine hand-washing, but use an ANTISEPTIC product instead of soap.

C. Waste Disposal Clinical Specimens: 1. All blood specimens and containers, etc., and any materials coming into contact with specimens are discarded into double Red Biohazard bags and sealed. 2. They are removed daily by Housekeeping for incineration Clinical Specimens: 1. All tissue specimens received are retained in 10% BSF until final report is signed, they are then placed in biohazard bags and sealed. 2. The bags are boxed and held at room temperature for transport to licensed disposal company. Disposal Tubes (Non Glass), Swabs, Pipette Tips, etc. 1. Place in double red sealed biohazard bags. These are collected daily by Housekeeping for incineration. Used Syringes or Needles 1. Place in the Red Sharps Disposal Containers 2. When filled and sealed housekeeping will collect them for disposal. e) Used Pipettes, Glass, or Other Objects with Sharp Edges: 1. Place in the Red Sharp Containers at each bench. d) c) b) a)

2. When filled seal, be sure they are closed correctly; housekeeping will collect them for disposal. Conclusion: From this activity, I have learned the importance of SAFETY inside the laboratory. In our line of work, we are frequently exposed to accidents and it is necessary for us to identify the measures that may help us prevent these possible instances to occur. References:

Laboratory Safety Course (2011). Retrieved from: www.abctlc.com /courses /LabSafety.PDF on November 14, 2011
www.uams.edu/clinlab/Safety%20Introduction.htm retrieved on November 14, 2011