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This information presented here is educational use only. MoonDragon Birthing Services and all employees of MoonDragon Birthing Services will not be held responsible for any use or misuse of the information provided here on these pages. Universal (Standard) Precautions should always be used when handling specimens. All specimens should be treated as if they are biohazardous and capable of spreading disease.
LABORATORY SAFETY RULES
To avoid injury to anyone in the laboratory setting and to prevent equipment damage, certain basic safety rules must be observed. Before any laboratory procedures are performed, the laboratory supervisor should explain the safety rules. The supervisor should require the worker to sign a safety agreement form that has a minimum of these following requirements:
- Refrain from horseplay.
- Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing.
- Wear a laboratory jacket or coat.
- Pin long hair away from face and neck to avoid contact with chemicals, equipment, or flames.
- Wear close-toed shoes.
- Avoid wearing chains, bracelets, rings, or other loose hanging jewelry.
- Use gloves if cuts or open sores are present on hands.
- Clean work area before beginning laboratory procedures and at the end of each procedure.
- Wash hands before and after laboratory procedures and at the end of each procedure.
- Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals and the autoclave.
- Wipe up spills promptly and appropriately.
- Avoid tasting any chemicals.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for operating equipment.
- Handle equipment with care.
- Report and replace any broken, frayed, or exposed electrical cord.
- Report and replace any broken glassware or damaged equipment.
- Store equipment, reagents and supplies properly.
- Report any accident to the supervisor immediately.
- Allow visitors only in the non-working area of the laboratory.
- Handle carefully any biological specimens, including human blood and diagnostic products made from human blood. Follow Universal (Standard) Precautions when working with blood, urine or any other potentially biohazardous bodily fluid or tissue.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAB EMPLOYEE AND LAB SUPERVISOR
- I agree to follow all set rules and regulations as required by the supervisor, including those listed above.
- I have been informed that biological specimens and blood products may possess the potiential of transmitting diseases such as hepatitis and aquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- I understand that even though diagnostic products are tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), no known test can offer assurance that products derived from human blood will not transmit hepatitis.
- Signature of Supervisor & Date
- Signature of Employee & Date
There are constant hazards in most laboratories, regardless of the type of work being performed. Any accidents which may occur must be reported immediately to the laboratory supervisor. The hazards in a medical or clinical laboratory be classified as either physical, chemical, or biological.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Physical hazards may be present in what is thought of as ordinary equipment or surroundings. Electrical equipment is one major source of physical hazards. All electrical equipment must be properly grounded following the manufacturer's instructions. When even minor repair is undertaken, such as replacing a bulb in a microscope, the electrical supply must be disconnected before work is begun. All electrical cords and plugs must be kept in good repair. There must be no frayed cords or exposed wires.
Fire is another danger in a laboratory. Everyone working in the laboratory should know the location of the fire extinguisher. They must also know the fire escape route and how to use the fire extinguishers properly. A fire blanket should also be readily available. If Bunsen burners or other open flames are used, care must be taken to insure that loose clothing and long hair do not catch fire.
All equipment must be used only as the instructions dictate. Any equipment with moving parts must be used with care. A centrifuge lid should not be opened until the centrifuge has completely stopped. Autoclaves, which are pressurized steam to sterilze materials, present special laboratory hazards. Instructions for their use should be followed carefully.
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Chemicals may cause burns, or may be poisonous or carcinogenic. Some of the chemicals used in laboratory work are strong acids or bases which are capable of causing severe skin burns. They must be used with great caution to avoid splashes which could damage the eyes or burn the skin. Any chemicals which contact the skin should be washed off immediately with water for approximately five minutes unless the label says otherwise. Many suppliers now label their chemical containers with information listing the hazards the chemical presents, the procedure to follow if an accident occurs, and the proper storage and disposal of the chemical. Toxic fumes are produced by some laboratory chemicals and these should only be used in a fume hood.
Chemicals should be disposed of properly. Some laboratory chemicals can be safely poured into the sink, followed by lots of water. However, it is very important that explicit directions are provided and followed for the disposal of each chemical. Some chemicals may require special disposal by toxic waste personnel.
Mouth pipetting can be very dangerous. In most laboratories, mouth pipetting is not allowed. Generally, safety bulbs must be used. These are available in various sizes and tupes. If mouth pipetting is necessary, speical filters are available which can be placed on the mouthpiece of the pipet.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Teratogens List
A partial list of chemicals, substances & drugs that are known or suspected of causing embryonic & fetal injuries, malformations, deformities, & death in unborn babies.
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
Biological specimens and reagents present a special problem because they may contain agents which are potentially harmful but are not readily evident. Commercial plasmas, sera, and other reagents derived from blood products may be capable of transmitting hepatitis and other blood-borne pathogens. The blood-derived reagents are screened for evidence of the agent(s) by the manufacturer. However, a negative result does not guarantee that the reagent cannot transmit hepatitis or other pathogens.
The laboratory work area should be disinfected before and after each use. An appropriate solution might include a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach (9 parts water with 1 part bleach) or a good commercial disinfectant such as Amphyll. Eating, drinking, or smoking should not be allowed in the laboratory. Mouth pipetting of biological specimens is not allowed. Plastic (latex preferred) gloves should be worn if there are cuts or open wounds on the hands. A laboratory coat or apron is recommended to prevent contamination of the clothing by microorganisms or stains.
Biological specimens and any contaminated articles, such as used lancets and tubes, must be placed in special biohazardous "sharps" containers or bags. These must be disposed of by incineration or sterilized by autoclave before disposal.
Hands must be washed before and after each procedure using biological materials. Easily obtainable disinfectants for tha hands are Hibiclens by Stuard Pharmaceuticals or a dilute solution of tincture of green soap. Both can be purchased at medical supply and drug stores.
LABORATORY CLOTHING
It is important that proper clothing be worn when working in the laboratory. This includes a laboratory coat, jacket, or apron to protect clothing and skin from chemicals, stains, and biological specimens. If strong chemicals are being handled, laboratory safety glasses should be worn. Long hair should be pinned back to prevent contact with open flames or equipment with moving parts. Loose jewelry, such as long chains and bracelets, may get caught in equipment and should not be worn. Shoes should be comfortable. They should have a closed toe to protect feet from spills or broken glass.
LABORATORY RULES
Although there are many hazards present in the laboratory, it is possible for the laboratory to be a safe environment for all workers. Each worker must make it his or her responsibility to observe all safety rules, whether or not they are posted. The laboratory can provide a safe, pleasant environment for all concerned.
No set of rules can cover all the hazards that may be present in a laboratory setting. Also, nothing can replace the use of good common sense. However, there are several good, general principles which should always be observed"
Laboratory Safety Rules
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