1. SAFETY IN MEDICAL LAB

2. IBC Training July 2005
Definition
Biohazard
An agent of biological origin that has the capacity to produce deleterious effects on humans, animals, plants and insects. These include microorganisms, toxins and allergens derived from those organisms; and allergens and toxins derived from insects, animals and plants.

3.         
Corrosive

4. Toxic      
Highly Toxic      

5. Highly flammable
Health hazard
Explosive
Accelerator

6. Biological hazard
Radioactive hazard

7. Classification of biological samples
Infectious substances
Diagnostic specimens

8. Why Biosafety Practices?
Protection:
workers
“products”
co-workers
lab support personnel
environment

11. Precautions during sample collection
Protect collector, colleague, staff...
wear gloves, coat, (mask, glasses)
dispose needles in special containers, without re-capping, disinfection (sodium hypochlorite 2.5%), incineration
clean working surfaces (hypochlorite)
decontaminate material (hypochlorite 10%)

12. Means of Transmission - Must Enter Body
HBV, HIV virus present in blood, body fluids
Accidentally cutting yourself with a sharp object that is contaminated with infected blood, body fluids
Infected blood or body fluid on skin especially with open cuts, sores
Getting contaminated blood or body fluid in eyes, mouth.

13. General Lab Requirements: Safety
Knowledgeable supervisor
Knowledgeable personnel
Aware of potential hazards
Proficient in practices &
techniques
Lab specific biosafety manual

14. Special Practices Strictly follow guidelines: Demonstrate proficiency
Receive appropriate training
Report incidents
Participate in medical surveillance

18. Laboratory safety

19. Special procedures Decontaminate work surfaces
Report spills and accidents
No animals in laboratories

26. Use safety cups whenever possible
Disinfect weekly and after all spills or breakages
Do not use rotors that have been dropped

27. Check tubes for cracks/ chips.
Use matched sets of tubes, buckets etc.
Tightly seal all tubes and safety cups.
Ensure that rotor is locked to spindle and bucket seated.
Close lid during operation.
Allow to come to complete stop before opening.

28. Protect Yourself Universal Precautions
TREAT ALL BLOOD AND BODY FLUIDS AS POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS.
Skin protects from pathogens - cuts, dermatitis, chapping, small cracks allow germs to enter the body
First aid - use gloves, have as little contact as possible with blood or body fluids
Wash hands with antibacterial soap after contact
After contact, flush eyes and face with fresh water for several minutes

29. Clean-Up and Safe Housekeeping
After an accident, the entire area must be cleaned with disinfectant
Cleaning equipment must be disinfected
Wear gloves while cleaning, apron or goggles if appropriate
Restrict access to the area
Use disposable towels - dispose of properly

30. Other Exposure Hazards
Cleaning surfaces contaminated with blood, body fluids
ALWAYS wear gloves and protective apron or clothing
Be alert for sharp objects, broken glassware, used syringes in trash
Do not pick up broken glass - use brush or broom & dustpan
Dispose of glass, sharp objects safely
Laundry - bloody or contaminated linens or sharp objects

31. Common Sense Rules
Wash hands & remove protective clothing before eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, applying lip balm or cosmetics
Keep hands away from eyes, nose, mouth while cleaning
Frequent handwashing is best defense against spreading infection

32. Summary Protect yourself on and off the job- know the facts
Practice good personal hygiene
Follow work rules, use gloves and protective clothing
Wash your hands often, after work or exposure
Keep areas clean - report problems immediately to supervisors