Study Set Content:
Dispose of all contaminated materials used in cleaning process in
biohazard container
Flood spill site can be wipe down with
disposable towels soaked in disinfectants
are substances that cause toxicity (the degree to which a chemical substance or a particular mixture of substances can damage an organism or an organisms substructure such as a cell or an organ.)
toxic chemicals
are generally called so because of their ability to corrode (property of a substance to cause visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact).
corrosive chemicals
Chemical Hazards
- These chemicals may adversely affect one or more body systems and should only be used under a fume hood.
- Extremely dangerous when inhaled.
- Proper PPE is required when handling this type of chemicals.
- Improper handling that would lead to skin contact or inhalation may cause irritation, reversible damage and in worse cases irreversible damage to both external or internal tissue/organs.
- keep corrosive chemicals away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and should store them in cool, well-ventilated rooms.
- Store corrosives in suitable labelled containers away from incompatible materials, in a cool, dry area.
are those gases, liquids and solids that will ignite and continue to burn in air if exposed to a source of ignition. are volatile in nature; that is, they evaporate quickly and are continually giving off vapors.
Flammable or Explosive chemicals
Explosive chemicals:
-Should be stored in a safety cabinet designed for such chemicals, potentially explosive chemicals must be labeled as “explosion risk” and stored in a cool, dry, area away from heat and ignition sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, spark sources and direct sunlight.
- Their storage area should be away from narrow spaces or exits/elevators/doors. Adequate spill management kit and firefighting equipment should be close by.
Are chemicals capable of causing mutations in body cells that may lead to development of cancer.
Carcinogenic chemicals
Carcinogenic chemicals:
- Proper PPE must be observed at all times when handling this kind of test/procedure/process (eye googles/face shield, gloves & gown).
- Like most chemicals in the laboratory, avoid skin contact.
- If possible, substitute reagents that don’t emit fumes or other effects that is detrimental to the practitioner’s health is recommended.
chemicals that are generally corrosive. They are used in many laboratory tests or reactions.
acids and alkaline solution
Acid and alkaline solution:
- Must be handled with care as these can cause the same amount of damage or effects to our health as the chemicals mentioned before.
- Safety glasses must be worn when dealing with acids and/or alkaline solution.
- Working under a fume hood or well ventilated area/space is highly recommended as inhaling the fumes is extremely dangerous.
- Acid/Alkaline or Corrosion resistant equipment must be used when handling these types of chemicals. (e.g. Butyl gloves is generally used when handling very strong bases or acids)
- Bottles or flasks of chemicals should be carried by securely grasping the body of the container rather than the neck.
you can add water to acid
Select the Correct Answer:
is a document that includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program
MSDS or SDS (Material Safety Data Sheet / Safety Data Sheet)
Disposal of dangerous materials must be carried out by a licensed waste disposal company or chemical collection program.
Select the Correct Answer:
Waste can be classified into 5 types
liquid (blood, body fluids, chemicals), solid, organic , recyclable and hazardous.
may happen from improper use, storage or disposal of glassware, sharp instruments, compressed gases or equipment.
mechanical hazards
Safe Handling of Mechanical Devices:
-Glassware must be treated carefully to avoid breakage that could cause injury or cuts that may lead to infection.
-Disposal of glassware, micro-capillary pipets, Pasteur pipets or needles should be carried out properly and they should be disposed to their associated waste bins. (e.g. needles should be disposed into puncture resistant containers or sharps container.) This is to avoid injury to both the practitioner or the waste disposal personnel.
-Sharp instruments should be stored properly and should be used carefully for their purpose only.
-Always pay attention when handling sharp objects, some of the most common laboratory related injuries are connected to mishandling of sharp or breakable objects and needle skin punctures commonly occur when recapping the needle.
-Safe handling of equipment dictates that the laboratorian be instructed either by a knowledgeable colleague/technician or by carefully reading the manufacturer instruction manual before operating any equipment to avoid damage to laboratory equipment or injury from mishandling the equipment. (e.g. centrifuge for blood samples)
-Microhematocrit tubes may be a source of injury if sample tubes are not balanced or if the lid is raised before the centrifuge rotor has stopped.
-Long hair should be tied back to avoid it catching on an instrument, which could cause serious injury.
may result from the improper use or storage of highly reactive chemicals/materials or misuse of laboratory equipment.
Fire or thermal hazards
Fire Safety:
-Prevention is the safest way to deal with fire hazards, or any accidents in general.
-A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible with in a laboratory.
-A dry chemical extinguisher is a popular choice for its versatility as it can be used on many types of fire.
-A safety shower also is necessary in any laboratory in case the clothing catches fire or a laboratorian is exposed to a large chemical spill.
-A fire blanket for small fires are also recommended and should be easily accessible.
Good personal habits:
- Wear proper attire and protective clothing, do not wear protective clothing outside the laboratory.
- Tie back long hair.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area.
- Always wear appropriate gloves when handling specimens, biological specimen and especially hazardous materials.
- Never pipet via mouth.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Keep hands away from mouth, nose or eyes.
