Clinical Laboratory Safety

Safety Hazards anything that is capable of producing serious injury or life threatening impact on your safety. These include hazards that are unique in the health care environment or routinely encountered in the clinical setting. OF SAFETY HAZARDS Biological Hazards Sharps Hazards Chemical Hazards Radioactive Hazards Electrical Hazards Fire/ Explosive Hazards Physical Hazards

TYPES

Biological Hazards Primary source are infectious agents. It may be bacterial, viral or parasitic in nature. the best way to prevent this hazard is to break the CHAIN OF INFECTION

Sharps Hazards Serious biologic hazard that is the major mode of transmission of blood borne pathogens. Includes lancets, broken glasswares and needles. Should be disposed in a puncture resistant container that can be located immediately. Chemical Hazards Always presume that every chemical is hazardous no matter how concentrated it is. PPE must always be worn at all times when dealing with chemicals. Never mix chemicals together unless with specific instructions by the manufacturer. ALWAYS add acid to water to avoid splashes. Proper labelling of chemicals must be done. MSDS must always be presents in the workplace/laboratory section to serve as a guide to the personnel. Radioactive Hazard exposure to radioactive materials in a long period of time can cause danger to the laboratory personnel. (e.g. Pregnant women) It can cause genetic mutation and deformities to the fetus. Fire/ Explosive Hazards Rescue- rescue anyone in immediate danger Alarm- activate the institution fire alarm systems Contain- close all doors to potentially affected areas Extinguish- attempt to extinguish fire, if possible.

In 1987, CDC instituted the UNIVERSAL PRECAUTION all patients are considered to be possible carriers of blood borne pathogens. Urine and other body fluids that do not contain visible blood contamination are excluded in the universal precaution. BSI- modification of UP. It is not restricted with blood borne pathogens. But has a major disadvantage of not recommending handwashing after removal of soiled gloves. In 1996, major features of UP and BSI were combined and was called as Standard Precaution. Its principle is pertaining to patient contact as well as patients sample.

Standard Precaution Handwashing Gloves Mask, eye protection and face shield Gown Patient care equipment Environmental Control Linen Occupational Health and blood borne pathogen Patients placement