Nitub

1. SAFETY IN A CLINICAL
LABORATORY
Dr Begum Rokeya MD, PhD
Professor & Head
Department of Pharmacology
Banglsdesh University of Health Sciences
E-mail: b_rokeya@yahoo.com
19.07.18

2. Laboratory Safety

3. Why it is necessary?
Working in a Clinical laboratory with different types of
biological products/reagents/chemicals personnels use
various kinds of apparatus/instruments/equipment. It is
necessary for the personnels to have safe environment.
Laboratory safety is necessary for -----
•Personal safety
•Safety of the Co-workers
•Safety of the instruments
•To avoid accident
•To control pollution
•To have green environment… so on so forth.

4. Laboratory Biosafety manual
• World Health Organization –1983 & 1993
• As no lab has complete control over the
specimens it receives, lab personnels may
be exposed to organism in higher risk
groups than anticipated. This possibility
must be recognized in the development of
safety plans & policies.

5. • BIOSAFETY

6. * A laboratory must be specious
* Roof height must be higher than normal office or house.
* Working benches should be well spaced.
* Water and electric points should as far as possible.
* Bench should be 0.9m high for standing and 0.75m for
setting. Wooden/plastic surfaces/ Laminates etc. are
required for top of the bench.
* Floor: Cork, tiles and carpets are not suitable for the
floor. Floor must not be slippery.
Design of laboratory

7. * There must be enough space in both sides of the bench
so that in emergency workers can leave from both sides of
the benches. Never keep any obstacle on the sides of the
working benches. Different color code should be given for
different gas lines.
* Laboratory must be well ventilated (cross ventilation
in open-air system and In-Out air line in closed system).
* Emergency Exit for unusual circumstances.
* Laboratory should have functional Fume hood (with
proper suction system). Fire alarm/Fire extinguisher/
bucket of sands. etc. should be available.
•

8. • Waste pipe should be made of PTFE or acid proof
material. Bottle trap with high flow of water is required
for acid disposal. Cold trap between the waste pipe and
exhaust is required to liquefy solvents which can destroy
PVC pipe.
• Earth quake protection is necessary in the building.
• Electrical wiring should be done with due load
calculation. Proper earth-in should be done.
• Showers (air & water), eye wash fountain and first-aid
materials should be available in the laboratory.
• Acid should enter the waste pipe via catch pot or trap
with dilution for any concentration.

9. General Laboratory Safety Procedures
and Practices
Never conduct experiments in the laboratory alone or
perform unauthorized experiments.
Refrain from any stunt experiments or horseplay in the
laboratory.
Inform your co-workers of any potential health hazards
associated with your work.
Label materials adequately and legibly. Read labels
carefully.

10. * Read carefully warning signs and symbols.
* Never smell or taste unknowns, Treat all unidentified or
uncharacterized materials as toxic.
* Do not eat or drink in the laboratory or from laboratory
equipment.
* Keep all personal items off the lab tables. Eating,
drinking, chewing gum, smoking, application of makeup
or storage of food is prohibited in laboratories.

11. Recognition and Evaluation of Hazards
• Eating and drinking in the laboratories and
animal rooms is forbidden.

12. General Safety RulesGeneral Safety Rules
. After handling chemicals, always wash
your hands with soap and water.
.
During lab work, keep your hands away
from your face.
.
Tie back long hair.

13. Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan and
Hazard ControlHAND WASHING; the single most
important factor in preventing the
spread of dangerous germs.

14. * Read the laboratory materials in advance noting all
cautions (written or oral). Properly note odors or fumes
with wafting motions of the hand.
* Decontaminate spills containing viable pathogens or
moderate risk agents.
* Personal cleanliness is important in any laboratory. It is
especially important because you may unknowingly be
exposed to chemical irritants, contaminated or toxic
materials, or pathogenic microorganisms. Wash your
hands and face after potential exposure or contact with
these agents.
*Do not leave lighted laboratory gas burner or heated hot
plate unattended.

15. * Report any unsafe condition or equipment to your supervisor or
to the seniors.
* Remove or label and do not use defective laboratory equipment.
* Treat all vacuum or positive pressure carefully.
* Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits, fire
equipment, first-aid stations, and eye wash fountains.
* All work surfaces and equipment in the chemical or biological
laboratory should be cleaned.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted into
laboratory or animal holding area any time. Limit also adult
visitors in the laboratory.

16. Warning signs and symbol
Prohibition/Stop Red/White
Warning/Danger Yellow/Black
Safe/Go Green
Mandatory/Must Blue

18. Protective clothing and equipment
 Completely fasten lab-coat or during work.
 Approved eye/face protection shall be worn when working
or processes that pose potential eye hazards.
 Chemical goggles or face shields/safety glasses will be worn
when there is possibility of exploding / imploding equipment
(equipment under vacuum or pressure).
 Open toes shoes are not permitted in the lab area where
hazardous chemicals are used.

20. Respiratory protection
Always use the appropriate ventilated safety cabinet
or chemical hood when working with materials that
are-
toxic
corrosive
irritating
dusty or
infectious
Dust respirators, canister gas and vapor masks or
air-supplied hoods should be used as a secondary
barrier for unusual hazards.

21. Recognition and Evaluation of
Hazards
Toxicity Rating
or Class
Dose For 70-kg Person (150 lbs)
6 Super Toxic Less than 5
mg/kg
1 grain (a taste - less than 7
drops)
5 Extremely Toxic 5-50 mg/kg 4 ml (between 7 drops and 1 tsp)
4 Very Toxic 50-500 mg/kg 30 ml (between 1 tsp and 1 fl
ounce)
3 Moderately Toxic 500-5000
mg/kg
30-600 ml (between 1 fl oz and 1
pint)
2 Slightly Toxic 5000-15,000
mg/kg
600-1200 ml (between 1 pint to 1
quart)
1 Practically Non-
Toxic
Above 15,000
mg/kg
More than 1200 ml (more than 1
quart)
Probable Oral Lethal Dose (Human)
Toxicity Classes: Gosselin, Smith and Hodge
Acutely toxic materials ( If LD50 is <50mg/kg, or LC50 is <2mg/l)

22. Recognition and Evaluation of Hazards
• Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, etc.)
– Heavy metal toxicity can effect the nervous system and
other body functions.
– Heavy metals become toxic when they are not
metabolized by the body and accumulate in the soft
tissues.
– Consider all routes of exposure when protecting
yourself!
– Consider substitution with less hazardous materials,
consider forms that are in suspension or solid form, use
local exhaust, wear gloves, wash hands frequently,
decontaminate work surfaces after each use.

23. Recognition and Evaluation of Hazards
• Hazardous Drugs (i.e. chemo drugs, research
grade pharmecuticals, anti-neoplastic drugs).
– Must be manipulated under local exhaust
– Decontaminate work surfaces after use
– Use in a designated area
– Use non-powdered gloves (double layer if
possible).
– Must be labeled as carcinogen or suspect
carcinogen.

24. Body Protection
When working with large volume of toxic or corrosive or
infectious materials use rubber or plastic aprons and
safety shields.
Ear & head protection
Workers must use protective measure when they work in
place where sound pressure levels are greater than 85 dB.
Workers must use protective hand handling with heavy
mobile equipment or areas where there is possibility of
falling or flying objects.

25. Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection must be worn when---
Corrosive or Caustic, Cryogenic (gases that have been
transferred into extremely cold refrigerated liquids
below -900
C, e.g. liquid He) and explosive materials are
handled.
Process can produce aerosols of infectious agent.

26. Eye and Face Protection ……
Flying particles may be generated (grinders, mills,
power saws, drill procsses, lathes etc.).
Gas or electrical welding is done.
Molten metal is used or metal is melted (soldering,
leading joints etc.).
Remember that contact lenses do not provide eye
protection and may increase risk if exposed to hazardous
agent. Persons exposed to hazardous chemicals must not
wear contact lenses.

27. Hand Protection
Always wear protective gloves when handling
solvents, toxic or irritating chemicals or infectious
materials.
Different types of gloves should be used for different
types of work such as…
– Heat resistant,
– Acid/Alkali resistant,
– Heavy cotton or
– leather reinforced with metal (for handling animals)
etc.

28. Recognition and Evaluation of Hazards
• Electrical Safety
– Do NOT use extension cords in the laboratory.
– Ensure all plugs have a ground prong and insulation
is not worn, cracked or broken.
– Do NOT plug power strips into each other.
– Pay close attention to the end of the cord where the
cord meets the plug.
– Do not use cheater plugs!! Do not modify electrical
equipment yourself! The electrical shop will modify or
fix electrical equipment for you SAFELY

29. Recognition and Evaluation of Hazards

30. Electrical Safety
* All electrical equipment used in the laboratory must be
grounded.
* Electrical apparatus must be plugged into sockets which can
be reached safely, without exposure to hazards. Electrical cord
must be as short as possible and extension cords must be
avoided. If unavoidable, be sure that the cord is appropriate.
* Electrical apparatus in the hood must be plugged outside the
hood.
* Non-sparking electrical switches and motors are desirable in
the laboratory to prevent combustion of flammable vapors.

31. * Water can turn anything into an electrical conductor, so
don't stand in water or have water on your hands when using
electrical equipment.
* Be sure to replace worn (frayed) electrical cords.
Always use the correct fuse for the job; a fuse with too much
capacity could permit a fire-starting overload.
* Electrical shocks are caused from electrical current flowing
into your body as an easy path to ground is formed, not only
from high voltage. Be cautious when dealing with voltages
high enough to generate this current.

32. * Current as low as fifty milliamperes can kill .
* Confirm that the insulation on electrical cords and
cables is intact and not frayed or cracked. Breaks in the
insulation can cause shocks.
* Use only one hand when probing for voltage
readings, as two hands allows a path through the heart.
The best procedure is to probe with on hand while
grabbing your belt behind your back with the other
hand.

33. Electrical SafetyElectrical Safety
Unplug cords by pulling the plug and not
the cord.
Unplug all electrical equipment at the
end of the lab period.

34. Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan and
Hazard Control
• Engineering Controls
– Fume Hoods
• Keep sashes down when not in use.
• Don’t store Chemicals and equipment in hood.
• Limit traffic behind you
• All Fume hoods should be tested for face velocity at
18 inches annually.
• Do not use free standing units with activated carbon
filters.

35. Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan and
Hazard Control
• Engineering Controls
– Biosafety Cabinets
• Normally Class II BSC’s in your lab protects worker
and material.
• Laminar flow hoods only protect the product.
• Designed for removing particulates not chemical
vapors.
• All Biosafety cabinets should be certified annually.
BSL2 and BSL3 cabinets MUST be certified before
agents are used and annually thereafter.

36. Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan and
Hazard Control
• Administrative Controls
– Pregnancy/Fertility
• Women who are pregnant are encouraged to discuss
work assignments with their supervisor and to seek
alternate work assignments if the potential for
exposure to teratogens / embryotoxins exist.
• Also males starting a family may also be at risk

37. NMR
Warning:
* Strong magnetic fields.
* Do not use any tool or piece of equipment
containing iron or other magnetic material and
person having pace maker should go within 6 feet of
the NMR magnet.
* Radioactive chemicals are not allowed in the NMR
facility.

38. House Keeping
• Work areas must be kept clean and free of
obstructions (minimum28'' aisles).
• No chemicals will be on or in unless desks are
considered part of lab areas.
• Incompatible materials will be physically separated
in storage. For examples:
a) Oxidizers from flammables and organic acids;
b) Acids from bases and flammables;
c) Water-reactive chemicals from potential water
sources and flammable liquids.

39. All chemicals that may form peroxides when exposed
to air will be labeled with the date of receipt, date
opened, and expiration date (outdated materials is to
be recycled or disposed off).
All vessels holding hazardous chemicals, including
transfer containers and transfer lines must be properly
labeled.

40. Chemical Storage
 Do not store chemicals in alphabetical order.
 Examples
 Methanol (Flammable)
 Nitric Acid (Oxidizer)
 Sodium Hydroxide (Base)
 Sulfuric Acid (Acid)
 Hydrogen (Flammable)
 Oxygen (Oxidizer)
*Oxygen and Hydrogen must be
separated by a firewall or 25 feet.

41. Chemical Storage
Oxidizers next to Flammables
↑Base next to Acid or in
Alphabetical Order↓

42. Chemical Storage
• You need oxygen, fuel,
and an ignition source to
start a fire.
• Inorganic acids give off
oxygen and flammables act
as a source of fuel.
• Separate inorganic acids
and flammables.
• Organic acids should be
stored with flammables.

43. Chemical Storage
Chemicals presenting an eye hazard should be
stored below eye level on shelves.
Old and outdated chemicals should be disposed of
through Safety and Health.
Fume Hoods ARE NOT chemical storage areas
and should be kept clean.
Chemicals stored in secondary containers MUST
be labeled!!!!!!!! Labels on containers must not
be defaced.

44. Chemical Storage
Flammable Storage
Keep flammable storage to a minimum!!!
Do not accumulate hazardous waste. Call
Safety and Health for a pick up.
Maximum storage limitations are based on the
size of the room, sprinklers, and fire ratings.
Each lab will need to be evaluated for
limitations during lab safety surveys.

45. Chemical Storage
Peroxide Forming Materials
 Date all peroxide formers upon receipt and opening. (i.e.
ethyl ether, THF)
 Dispose of after 18 months of receipt or 3 months after
opening. (check for date)
 Do not open container which has obvious crystal
formation around the lid.
 Do not use metal spatulas with peroxides. Metals can
lead to explosive decomposition.

46. Storage Facilities
Under the fume hoods
Cupboards
Chemicals fabricated
cabinets
Safety Cabinets ( Sensitive
to fire)
On the benches and
Shelves within laboratories

47. Safe Storage & Handling
VS.VS.

48. Recommended Practices
• Examine your currently available storage space.

49. • Avoid floor clutter

50. • Avoid shelf clutter

51. • Avoid desk clutter

52. • Consider inexpensive storage containers for
small or loose items.

53. • Arrange containers based on compatibility

54. • Keep your containers in good condition

55. • Re-package containers which are not in good condition

56. • Use durable waterproof labels and markers to clearly
indicate what is in the container.

57. • Order and use the smallest containers
appropriate for your labs

58. • Food jars are designed to hold food. Store hazardous lab
chemicals only in containers designed to hold them.

59. • Your chemical storage area is not a
kitchen—no food storage please!

60. • Sturdy
shelving
units with
edging to
prevent
containers
from
falling off.

61. • Acids should be stored in an Acid Cabinet

62. • Flammables should be stored in a Flammables Cabinet

63. • An eye wash unit and / or emergency shower
nearby (but not in the storage room)
Additional Safety Measures

64. • Emergency
gas shut-off
valve
Additional Safety Measures

65. • Retractable electrical outlets
Additional Safety Measures

66. Additional Safety Measures
• Insure Adequate Ventilation for:
– Chemical storage areas
– Chemical preparation areas
– For volatile compounds use a fume hood!
– Chemical use areas

67. Flood in the laboratory
* Flood is a common hazard in laboratories if
insufficient drainage waste system is used.
* The drainage pipe should be 50 mm in diameter and
run at a good slope by the shortest possible route to the
main sewer, supported at intervals by clips.
* Polyethene (high density)/PTFE pipes are chemically
inert at room temperature and suitable for hot water up
to 700
C.
* Many laboratories uses PVC pipe which is neither acid
/alkali nor organic solvent resistant.

68. Laboratory Emergency Preparedness
• Chemical Spills
– Assess the hazard
– Are you comfortable cleaning up the Spill?
If you are unsure of the hazard of a spill
or need assistance with PPE selection,
contact Safety & Health through campus police

69. Laboratory Emergency Preparedness
• Chemical Spills
– Consult Safety and Health Policy HM-08-013
for all types of hazardous spills
– Areas where hazardous wastes are stored are
posted with the Institutions Contingency Plan
– All spills of hazardous chemicals generate
hazardous waste that must be labeled and
disposed of properly

70. Laboratory Emergency Preparedness
• All mercury spills should
be cleaned up in a timely
fashion.
• To clean Hg spills you
must use a mercury
vacuum and be thorough.

71. Laboratory Emergency Preparedness
• R (rescue) - A (alarm) - C (confine) - E
(Extinguish/Evacuate)
• P (pull) – A (aim) – S (Squeeze) – S (Sweep)
• Know that the fire extinguishers in your lab are located at
the door
• Inspection of extinguishers is performed on a routine basis

72. Laboratory Emergency Preparedness
In the event of a fire, severe weather
emergency or laboratory evacuation
scientists should:
– Stabilize Reactions in Progress
– Close Fume Hood Sashes
– Close the Lab Door Upon Exit

73. Laboratory Emergency Preparedness
• All fires, especially those that have been
extinguished must be reported to your area
supervisor, Safety and Health and to
Campus Police.
• Report all incidents to Risk Management
and Safety and Health to allow for follow-
up (Fires, spills, exposures etc.)

74. Main Cause of Fire
Three things are necessary to cause fire:
1) Fuel
2) Heat
3) Oxygen
The fuel apart from obvious materials such as paper, fabric,
includes flammable liquid (e.g. MeOH, ether) flammable metals
(e.g. Na, Mg) and flammable gases (e.g. Cylinders of H2
and
CH=CH).
Heat sources includes naked flames of burners, hotplates, ovens,
furnaces soldering irons as well as sparks and heat from faulty or
worn electrical equipment. The principal source of oxygen is
atmosphere but chemical oxidizing agents peroxides may also be
present.

75. Prevention of Fire
• Smoking should be strictly prohibited in the laboratory.
• Never dispose of solid chemicals loose in a bin with
paper
• Collect all waste solvents in a clearly labeled bottle. Do
not empty sown them in a sink.
•Limit the amount of solvent stored in a laboratory and
keep it away from heat sources

76. • Keep cylinders of gasses away from the heat sources.
• Protect naked flames from draughts and do not leave
flame unattended.
• Do not heat flammable solvents with a naked flame.
• Never stretch over burner or hotplate, which is in use.
• Ensure that when using hotplate overnight thermostat
is working well.
• Ensure that when using hotplate or naked flame that
you have loose clothing or hair, which could ignite.
Prevention of Fire….

77. Dealing with Fire
• If a fire occurs, the way it should be dealt depends
on the type and extend of the fire. If a fire breaks out
decide whether or not you can deal with the it. If you
think you cannot then:
• Sound the alarm (if fire alarm not available give
whistle) to warn others.
• Call the fire brigade.
• Leave the building.
• Check that everyone else is out.

78. Waste disposal
Waste should be disposed of in the appropriately
labeled container. Wastes fall into one or more of the
following categories:
• Chemical
• Biological
• Radioactive
• Special medical waste
• Paper and plastic
• Glass and metal
• Animal

79. Solid Waste
• Glassware
– ENSURE that no sharps go in glassware bins
– DO NOT overload glassware bins
– WHEN utilizing cardboard boxes for disposal of glassware be
sure that they are labeled “Broken Glass” Building Services
provides boxes for broken glass on the Main Campus. Broken
Glass containers can be obtained though Central Stores on the
Health Science Campus.

80. Infectious Wastes
• Generated Throughout the Institution Both in Patient Care
and Laboratory Settings.
• Placed in leak proof containers lined with Red Plastic Bags
or Red Labeled “Sharps” Containers.
• Treated by Autoclaving, Chemicals, or Incineration to
Render It Non-infectious Prior to Disposal in the Landfill.
Service provided by vendor. The yellow bins are
incinerated and the red bins are autoclaved.
• Call Environmental Services on the Health Science
Campus and Safety and Health on the Main Campus for a
pick up.

81. Infectious Wastes
Sharps containers must be affixed to a wall,
designed for table top disposal, or secured on a
table top with a dog dish!!!!!!!!!! DO not store
Sharps containers on the floor.

82. Chemotherapeutic/ Carcinogenic
Wastes

83. Hazardous Chemical Wastes
• HCS
– For removal of hazardous waste on the HSC please call
X5069 or complete the on-line pick up form on the
Safety and Health web site.
• MC
– Hazardous waste is scheduled for pick up quarterly
(March, June, Sept., and Dec.).
– All PI’s are notified by email approximately 1 month in
advance.
– An internal hazardous waste manifest form must be
submitted to Safety and Health to ensure collection.

84. • Determining what is Hazardous Waste…
1. If you are unsure, for the moment consider it hazardous and call
Safety and Health for further information
2. All organic solvent type waste is without exception hazardous
waste.
3. Most chemicals generated during research are hazardous wastes
4. Some exceptions are weak acids and bases that can be disposed
of in the sink.
5. Strong acids should be collected and labeled.
6. Sharps (needles) contaminated with chemicals must be placed in
a puncture proof container and labeled as “Hazardous Waste-
Chemical Name/Sharps”.
Hazardous Chemical Wastes

85. • In the labs you are required to….
– Label all waste containers as “Hazardous Waste”
Example: “Hazardous Waste Phenol”
– Place that waste in a leak proof container
– Designate a space as a hazardous waste accumulation
area
• Keep hazardous waste containers closed at all
times except when adding waste.
Hazardous Chemical Wastes

86. Hazardous Chemical Wastes

87. Used Oil and Universal Waste
• Used oil from vacuum pumps and other sources
should be labeled as “Used Oil” labels can be
hand written or obtained from Safety and Health
• Waste Oil is not acceptable except when the oil is
contaminated with other chemicals (Contact
Safety and Health for Guidance)
• Universal Wastes such as fluorescent bulbs and
rechargeable batteries must be disposed of through
Safety and Health and labeled as universal waste

88. Pharmaceutical Waste
• All Pharmaceutical waste are classified as
hazardous waste or non-hazardous waste.
• All pharmaceutical waste classified as hazardous
waste will be disposed of through Safety and
Health as hazardous waste.
• All other pharmaceutical waste must be returned
to the pharmacy on each respective campus. An
inventory must accompany the waste.

89. laboratory safe
• It is good working practice to follow routine
procedure before leaving the laboratory at the end
of a work.
• After cleaning the area wipe it down.
• If you have used and finished with them, put
away safely, making sure that they are correctly
labeled.
• Close the windows.
• Check if anybody remains alone in the
laboratory.
• Put off your lab-coat and hang it up.

90. Abbreviation
• LAB SAFETY

91. • L -- Label everything clearly
• A -- Appropriate containers in good condition
• B -- Be neat and orderly
S -- Store only what you will use
• A -- Always wear protective clothing
• F -- Food allowed in eating areas only
• E -- Everything in its place on a shelf
• T -- Time to inventory & organize
• Y -- Your safety is important