The document discusses laboratory safety for clinical personnel. It outlines objectives around safety awareness, hazards, and responsibilities. Potential hazards include electric shock, toxic gases, radiation, and biological materials. Safety is achieved through recognition of hazards, good habits, and applying engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and work practice controls. Regulations aim to provide a safe work environment and are established by organizations like OSHA, NIOSH, DOT and others.

2. OBJECTIVES
At the end of the discussion, the students must be able to:
• Discuss safety awareness for clinical laboratory personnel.
• List the responsibilities of employer and employee in providing a safe
workplace.
• Identify hazards related to handling chemicals, biologic specimens, and
radiologic materials.
• Choose appropriate personal protective equipment when working in the
clinical laboratory.
• Identify the classes of fires and the type of fire extinguishers to use for
each.
• Describe steps used as precautionary measures when working with
electrical equipment, cryogenic materials, and compressed gases and
avoiding mechanical hazards associated with laboratory equipment.
• Select correct means for disposal of waste generated in the clinical
laboratory.
• Outline the steps required in documentation of an accident in the
workplace.

3. POTENTIAL HAZARDS
1. Electric shock
2. Toxic vapors & irritants
3. Compressed gases
4. Flammable liquids
5. Radioactive material
6. Corrosive substances
7. Mechanical trauma
8. Poisons
9. Biologic materials
10.Cryogenic materials

4. LABORATORY SAFETY
Safety begins with recognition of hazards and is
achieved through the application of:
 Common sense.
 A safety-focused attitude.
 Good personal behavior/habits.
 Good housekeeping.
 Continual practice of good laboratory technique.

5. LABORATORY SAFETY
In most cases, accidents can be traced directly
to two primary causes:
1. Unsafe acts (PERSONAL)
2. Unsafe conditions (ENVIRONMENTAL)

6. LABORATORY SAFETY
3 Strategies to contain hazards:
1. Engineering Controls
2. Personal Protective Equipment
3. Work Practice Controls

7. REGULATIONS
Occupational Safety and Health Act
• Public Law 91-596, enacted on 1970.
• Goal: to provide all employees (clinical laboratory
personnel included) with a safe work environment.
• Under this legislation, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized to
conduct on-site inspections to determine whether an
employer is complying with the mandatory standards
and assess fines if it finds noncompliance with the
regulations.

8. REGULATIONS
Occupational Safety and Health Act
• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) serves as OSHA’s research and
advisory arm.
• The regulations most specific to clinical laboratories :
1. Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde Standard
2. Hazard Communication Standard
3. Occupational Exposure to Blood-borne Pathogens
4. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories

9. REGULATIONS
Agencies other than OSHA also have regulations
that affect laboratories:
• Research Conservation and Recovery Act (RSRA)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Medical Waste Tracking Act
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

10. REGULATIONS
Other government and private agencies:
• National Fire Protection Association (NPFA)
• National Committee on Clinical Laboratory
Standards (NCCLS)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH)
• National Institute of Health (NIH)
• American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH)

11. REGULATIONS
Voluntary accrediting agencies:
• Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the
College of American Pathologists
• Joint Commission for Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

12. REGULATIONS
In the Philippines:
• Republic Act 9003 – “Ecological Solid Waste
Management of 2000”
• Republic Act 6969 – “Toxic Substances and Hazardous
and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990”
• Republic Act 8749 – “Phil. Clean Air Act of 1999”
• Republic Act 9275 – “Phil. Clean Water Act of 2004”
• Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

13. SAFETY AWARENESS FOR CLINICAL
LABORATORY PERSONNEL
Safety Responsibility
• The employer and the employee share safety
responsibility.
• The employer has the ultimate responsibility
for safety and delegates authority for safe
operations to supervisors.
• Safety management in the laboratory should
start with a written safety policy.

14. SAFETY AWARENESS FOR CLINICAL
LABORATORY PERSONNEL
EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Establish laboratory work methods and safety
policies.
2. Provide supervision and guidance to employees.
3. Provide safety information, training, personal
protective equipment, and medical surveillance to
employees.
4. Provide and maintain equipment and laboratory
facilities that are adequate for the tasks required.

15. SAFETY AWARENESS FOR CLINICAL
LABORATORY PERSONNEL
EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Know and comply with the established laboratory
work and safety methods.
2. Have a positive attitude toward supervisors, co-
workers, facilities, and safety training.
3. Give prompt notification of unsafe conditions or
practices to the immediate supervisor and ensure
that unsafe conditions and practices are corrected.
4. Engage in the conduct of safe work practices and
use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

17. SAFETY PRACTICES
General Practices:
1. Smoking, eating, and application of cosmetics are
prohibited.
2. Protective garment must be worn over clothing.
3. Shoes should be made of nonporous material with
closed toes and heels.
4. Contact lenses should be discouraged.
5. Goggles or face shields are recommended if
contact lenses are worn.
6. Dangling jewelry, long hair, and beards are not
allowed.
7. Mouth pipetting should be strictly prohibited.

18. SAFETY PRACTICES
Labels and Signage:
• All chemical containers should be clearly labelled.
• Appropriate signs to identify hazards are critical.
• Areas where flammables, hazardous or toxic
chemicals, and carcinogens are stored or being
used must be clearly marked.
• Areas where blood and body fluids are being stored
or analyzed should be clearly marked with a
biohazard mark.

19. SAFETY PRACTICES
Flammable Harmful / Corrosive
Irritant
Poison / Explosion Biohazard
Toxic
Oxidizer Environmental Radioactive
Hazard

20. SAFETY PRACTICES
Labels and Signage:
• All chemical containers should be clearly labelled.
• Appropriate signs to identify hazards are critical.
• Areas where flammables, hazardous or toxic
chemicals, and carcinogens are stored or being
used must be clearly marked.
• Areas where blood and body fluids are being stored
or analyzed should be clearly marked with a
biohazard mark.

21. SAFETY PRACTICES
Labels and Signage:
• The National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) developed a standard hazards-
identification system (diamond-shape, color-
coded symbol), which has been adopted by
many clinical laboratories.

22. SAFETY PRACTICES

23. SAFETY PRACTICES

24. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
1. Hoods
 Fume Hoods
 Biological Hoods
2. Chemical storage equipment
3. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

25. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
HOODS
Fume Hoods
• Fume hoods are used when chemical reagents may
produce a hazardous fume.
• The sash or window should be lowered when
working in the hood.
• Air flow should be checked to assure proper
ventilation.
• Controls such as power, gas, and vacuum should be
located externally to prevent a spark that may cause
a fire when using volatiles.

26. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
HOODS
Biosafety / Biological Hoods
• Biological safety cabinets (BSCs)
• Biological hoods remove particles that may infect the
person working with the biologically infected
specimen.
• These hoods contain a HEPA (high-efficiency
particulate air) filter and are used typically in a
microbiology laboratory.

27. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CLASSIFICATION OF BIOLOGIC AGENTS BASED ON HAZARD
BIOSAFETY LEVEL AGENTS
Bacillus subtilis Agents include those that have no known
1 Mycobacterium gordonae potential for infecting healthy people.
HIV, HBV Agents associated with human disease; routes
2 Bacillus anthracis
Yersinia pestis
of transmission include percutaneous injury,
ingestion, and mucous membrane exposure.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Indigenous/exotic agents that may cause
Mold stages of systemic fungi
3 Francisella tularensis
serious or potentially lethal disease through
the inhalation route of exposure.
Brucella spp.
Dangerous/exotic agents which post high
Arbovirus
individual risk of aerosol-transmitted
Arenavirus
4 Filovirus
laboratory infections that are frequently fatal,
for which there are no vaccines or treatments
Smallpox virus
available.

28. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CLASS I Biological Safety Cabinet

29. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CLASS II Biological Safety Cabinet

30. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CLASS III Biological Safety Cabinet

31. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CHEMICAL STORAGE EQUIPMENT
• Safety equipment is available for the storage and
handling of chemicals and compressed gases.
• Safety carriers should always be used to transport
500-mL bottles of acids, alkalis, or other solvents,
and approved safety cans should be used for storing,
dispensing, or disposing of flammables in volumes
greater than 1 qt.

32. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CHEMICAL STORAGE EQUIPMENT
• Safety cabinets are required for the storage of
flammable liquids, and only specially designed,
explosion-proof refrigerators should be used to store
flammable materials.
• Only the amount of chemical needed for the day
should be available at the bench.
• Gas cylinder supports or clamps must be used at all
times, and large tanks should be transported using
handcarts.

33. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
• The parts of the body most frequently subject to
injury in the clinical laboratory are the eyes, skin,
and respiratory and digestive tracts. Hence, the use
of personal protective equipment is very important.
• All contaminated PPE must be removed and properly
disposed of before leaving the laboratory.

34. BIOLOGICAL
SAFETY

35. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
General Considerations:
• All blood samples and other body fluids should be
collected, transported, handled, and processed using
strict precautions.
• Gloves, gowns, and face protection must be used if
splashing or splattering is likely to occur.
• Consistent and thorough hand washing is an essential
component of infection control.
• Centrifugation of biologic specimens produce finely
dispersed aerosols that are a high-risk source of
infection.
• Ideally, specimens should remain capped during
centrifugation.

36. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Hand Washing:
• Hand washing is one of the major ways of preventing
the spread of infectious agents.
• Even if gloves are worn, hand washing is necessary
because of microscopic holes in gloves that may
occur.
• When dealing with patients, hand washing should be
done between each patient even if gloves are worn.

37. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION
Sterilization – is a process whereby all forms of microbial
life, including bacterial spores, are killed. Sterilization may
be accomplished by physical or chemical means.
PHYSICAL METHODS:
1. Incineration – most common method
2. Moist heat – simplest and fastest method
3. Dry heat
4. Filtration
5. Ionizing radiation

38. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION
Sterilization – is a process whereby all forms of microbial
life, including bacterial spores, are killed. Sterilization may
be accomplished by physical or chemical means.
CHEMICAL METHODS:
1. Ethylene oxide gas – most common sterilant
2. Formaldehyde vapor and vapor-phase H2O2
3. Glutaraldehyde
4. Peracetic acid

39. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION
Disinfection- - it is the process destroying pathogenic
microorganisms EXCEPT spores. Disinfection may be
accomplished by physical or chemical means.
PHYSICAL METHODS:
1. Boiling at 100oC for 15 minutes
2. Pasteurizing at 63oC for 30 minutes or 72oC for 15
seconds
3. Non-ionizing radiation such as UV light – long
wavelength and low energy

40. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION
Disinfection- - it is the process destroying pathogenic
microorganisms EXCEPT spores. Disinfection may be
accomplished by physical or chemical means.
CHEMICAL METHODS:
1. Alcohols – 70% ethanol
2. Aldehydes – 2% glutaraldehyde
3. Halogens – bleach, iodophor
4. Heavy metals – 1% silver nitrate
5. Quaternary ammonium compounds
6. Phenolics – carbolic acid derivatives

41. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Spills:
• Any blood, body fluid, or any other potentially
infectious material spill must be cleaned up and the
area or equipment disinfected immediately.

42. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Spills:
Recommended clean-up includes the following:
1. Wear appropriate protective equipment.
2. Use mechanical devices to pick up broken glass or
other sharp objects.
3. Absorb the spill with paper towels, gauze pads, or
tissue.
4. Clean the spill using a common aqueous detergent.
5. Disinfect the spill site using approved disinfectant or
10% bleach, using appropriate contact time.
6. Rinse the spill site with water.
7. Dispose of all materials in appropriate biohazard
containers.

43. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Blood-borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
• To minimize employee exposure, each employer must
have a written exposure control plan.
• The plan must be available to all employees whose
reasonable anticipated duties may result in occupational
exposure to blood or other potentially infectious
materials.
• The exposure control plan must be discussed with all
employees and be available to them while they are
working.
• The employee must be provided with adequate training
of all techniques described in the exposure control plan
at initial work assignment and annually thereafter.

44. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Blood-borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
• All necessary equipment and supplies must be
readily available and inspected on a regular basis.
• Special precautions must be taken when handling all
specimens because of the continual increase of
infectious samples received in the laboratory.
• Adopting a Standard Precautions- policy, which
considers blood and other body fluids from all
patients as potentially infective, is required.

45. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Airborne Pathogens
• A tuberculosis (TB) exposure control program must
be established and risks to laboratory workers must
be assessed.
• Those workers in high-risk areas may be required to
wear a respirator for protection.
• All health workers considered to be at risk must be
screened for TB infection.

46. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Shipping of Specimens
• There are two types of specimen classifications:
1. Known or suspect infectious specimens – are
labelled “infectious substances” if the pathogen
can be readily transmitted to humans or animals
and there is no effective treatment available.
2. Diagnostic specimens – are those tested as
routine screening or for initial diagnosis.
• Each type of specimen has rules and packaging
requirements.

47. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Shipping of Specimens

48. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Housekeeping
• Work surfaces should be frequently cleaned with a
disinfectant and at the beginning and end of each
shift.
• Trash, infectious waste, and dirty glassware should
not be allowed to accumulate in large quantities in
the laboratory.
• Containers of discarded specimens and causative
agents should be covered when not in use.
• The disinfectant should be a 10% bleach solution,
which is made fresh every 24 hours.

49. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Needles and Sharps
• Needles, blades, broken glass, and other sharp objects
pose a physical hazard and a potential infectious
hazard to the laboratory and support personnel.
• All disposable needles and other sharps should be
discarded into puncture-resistant and leak-proof
containers marked with the biohazard symbol.
• These containers should be discarded according to
institutional policy when they are one-half to three-
fourths full.

50. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Needles and Sharps
• Most institutions incinerate sharp containers.
• Needles should not be recapped unless a
recapping device is used.
• Needles should never be cut because cutting
may splatter blood or other fluids into the
environment.

51. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Employee Training
• Each new laboratory employee should be
instructed in safe work practices before exposure
to hazardous substances or situations.
• Annual training in chemical safety and in
exposure control is required by OSHA and must
be documented.
• The laboratory should appoint a person to be
responsible for laboratory safety training.

53. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Hazard Communication
• Employees must be informed of the health
risks associated with those chemicals.
• This ensures that health hazards are evaluated
for all chemicals that are produced and that
this information is relayed to employees.

54. CHEMICAL SAFETY
To comply with the new Hazard Communication
Standard, clinical laboratories must:
 Plan and implement a written hazard communication
program.
 Obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) for each
hazardous compound present in the workplace and
have the MSDS readily accessible to employees.
 Educate all employees annually on how to interpret
chemical labels, MSDS, and health hazards of the
chemicals and how to work safely with the chemicals.
 Maintain hazard warning labels on containers received
or filled on site.

55. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
The written CHP must include the following:
1. Criteria for and methods of monitoring chemical
exposure
2. Standard operating procedures for handling hazardous
chemicals
3. Criteria for implementing engineering controls (fume
hoods)
4. Use of personal protective equipment and other
hygiene practices
5. Special precautions for extremely hazardous chemicals

56. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
The written CHP must include the following:
6. Specific measures to ensure that fume hoods and other
equipment are working properly
7. Provision for employee information and training
8. Provision for medical consultation and examination
9. Designation of a chemical hygiene officer responsible
for implementation of the CHP.

57. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Material Safety Data Sheet
• The MSDS is a major source of safety information
for employees who may use hazardous materials
in their occupations.
• Employers are responsible for obtaining from the
chemical manufacturer or developing an MSDS
for each hazardous agent used in the workplace.
• A standardized format is not mandatory, but all
requirements listed in the law must be
addressed.

58. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Material Safety Data Sheet
Information contained on a material safety data sheet includes the following:
– Product name and identification
– Hazardous ingredients
– Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
– Physical and chemical data
– Health hazard data and carcinogenic potential
– Primary routes of entry
– Fire and exposure hazards
– Reactivity data
– Spill and disposal procedures
– Personal protective equipment recommendations
– Handling
– Emergency and first aid procedures
– Storage and transportation precautions
– Chemical manufacturer’s name, address, and phone number
– Special information section

59. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Categories of Chemicals:
• Since the laboratory deals with a wide variety of
chemicals, clinical laboratory scientists must
understand the potential hazards involved in their
use.
• Chemicals may have health hazards or physical
hazards.

60. CHEMICAL SAFETY

61. CHEMICAL SAFETY
CORROSIVE CHEMICALS
• Corrosive chemicals are injurious to the skin or eyes
by direct contact or to the tissue of the respiratory
and gastrointestinal tracts if inhaled or ingested.
• Commonly used corrosives in the laboratory:
 Concentrated acids – such as hydrochloric, nitric,
sulfuric, and acetic
 Concentrated alkalis – sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide.

62. CHEMICAL SAFETY
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
• Toxic substances include poisons, irritants, and
asphyxiants.
• They do not act directly with human tissue but
interfere with the metabolic processes of the body.
• They may enter the body by:
1. Ingestion
2. Inhalation
3. Skin absorption

63. CHEMICAL SAFETY
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
• There are three different TLVs:
1. Time-weighted average (TLV-TWA) – represents the
maximum allowable exposure over an 8-hour work
day.
2. Short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL) – represents
the maximum amount of allowable exposure for a
short period such as 15 minutes. (can’t be repeated
more than 4 times per day)
3. Ceiling value form (TLV-C) – represents the
concentration of an agent that must never be
exceeded.

64. CHEMICAL SAFETY
CARCINOGENS
• Carcinogens are chemicals that have been shown to
cause cancer in animals or humans.
• Chemicals labeled or noted on the MSDS as being
carcinogenic, cancer-causing, potential carcinogen,
or cancer suspect should be clearly labeled.

65. CHEMICAL SAFETY
CARCINOGENS
OSHA regulated carcinogenic chemicals include:
 Chloromethyl methyl ether – vinyl chloride
 N-Nitrosodimethylamine
 N-2-Fluorenylacetamide (2-AAF)
 Benz[a]pyrene
 4-Aminobiphenyl
 Benzidine
 1-Naphthylamine
 2-Naphthylamine
 4-Nitrobiphenyl
 Benzene
 Ethylenimine
 p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
 β-Propiolactone
 bis-Chloromethyl ether

66. CHEMICAL SAFETY
MUTAGENS & TERATOGENS
 Teratogen – anything capable of disrupting normal
fetal growth and producing malformation, e.g.,
drugs, poisons, radiation, physical agents such as
electroconvulsive shock, infections.
 Mutagen – a physical or chemical agent that is
capable of causing a heritable alteration in the
DNA, which induces a genetic mutation, e.g., drugs,
UV light, ionizing radiation.

67. CHEMICAL SAFETY
REACTIVE CHEMICALS
• Reactive compounds have molecular structures of high reactivity.
• EXPLOSIVES
– An explosive chemical is one that rapidly decomposes and
produces energy that creates an explosion.
– Example: picric acid, in its crystalline form, is known to be
explosive upon impact.
– The MSDS for each chemical received by the laboratory should
be consulted for potential hazards.
• OXIDIZERS
– Oxidizers are compounds which are capable of reacting with and
oxidizing (i.e., giving off oxygen) other materials.
– The primary hazard associated with this class of compounds lies
in their ability to act as an oxygen source, and thus to stimulate
the combustion of organic materials.

68. CHEMICAL SAFETY
COMMON OXIDIZING GROUPS
CHEMICAL GROUP CHEMICAL FORMULA
Peroxide O2-2
Nitrate NO3-
Nitrite NO2-
Perchlorate ClO4-
Chlorate ClO3-
Chlorite ClO2-
Hypochlorite ClO-
Dichromate Cr2O7-2
Permanganate MnO4-
Persulfate S2O2-2

69. CHEMICAL SAFETY
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR OXIDIZERS
CLASS
HAZARD DESCRIPTION
RATING
An oxidizing material whose primary hazard is that it may increase the burning rate of
combustible material with which it comes in contact.
Examples:
1  Potassium dichromate
 Silver nitrate
 Hydrogen peroxide (8 – 27.5%)
 Nitric acid (<70% conc.)
An oxidizing material that will moderately increase the burning rate of which may
cause spontaneous ignition of combustible material with which it comes in contact.
Examples:
2  Potassium permanganate
 Calcium hypochlorite (<50% wt.)
 Hydrogen peroxide (27.5 – 52% conc.)
 Nitric acid (>70% conc.)

70. CHEMICAL SAFETY
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR OXIDIZERS
CLASS
HAZARD DESCRIPTION
RATING
An oxidizing material that will cause a severe increase in the burning rate of
combustible material with which it comes contact or which will undergo vigorous self-
sustained decomposition when catalyzed or exposed to heat.
Examples:
3  Potassium chlorate
 Hydrogen peroxide (52 – 91% conc.)
 Calcium hypochlorite (>50% wt.)
 Perchloric acid (60 – 72.5% conc.)
An oxidizing material that can undergo an explosive reaction when catalyzed or exposed
to heat, shock, or friction.
Examples:
4  Ammonium perchlorate
 Guanidine nitrate
 Hydrogen peroxide (>91% conc.)
 Perchloric acid (>72.5%)

71. CHEMICAL SAFETY
REMEMBER these things about oxidizers:
• The primary hazard is the ability to act as an oxygen
source, especially hazardous during fire situation.
• These materials present a fire and explosion hazard
when in contact with organic or combustible
materials. All contact with organic or combustible
material must be avoided.
• They are generally corrosive.
• The hazards associated with the use of perchloric
acid are particularly severe.

72. CHEMICAL SAFETY
REMEMBER these things about oxidizers:
• Perchloric acid may NOT be used in any hood except
those specially designed for perchloric acid use.
• Strong oxidizing agents, such as chromic acid, should
be stored and used in glass or other inert, and
preferably unbreakable, containers.
• Corks or rubber stoppers must NEVER be used.
• Reaction vessels containing appreciable amounts of
oxidizing materials should never be heated in oil
baths, but rather on a heating mantle or sand baths.

73. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Other reactive chemicals
 Compounds with redox groups (hydrazine,
hydroxylamine)
 Compounds that react violently with water or air
(anhydrous metal oxides)
 Pyrophoric compounds that spontaneously react
with air
 Compounds that form peroxides over time and
become explosive – such as diethyl ether.

74. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Storage of Chemicals
• Chemicals should be stored in an uncluttered area
that is properly ventilated and away from a heat
source.
• They should not be stored above eye level.
• It is not a good idea to store chemicals alphabetically.
• Inorganic compounds should be stored separately
from organics.
– Inorganic acids should be stored together with the
exception of nitric acid.
– Nitric acid should be isolated from other acids.
– Acetic acid can be stored with inorganic acids.

75. CHEMICAL SAFETY
Storage of Chemicals
• Water-reactive chemicals such as sodium, potassium,
and metal hydrides should be segregated from other
chemicals and stored in a dry environment.
• These areas should NOT be equipped with sprinkler
systems.
W

76. CHEMICAL SAFETY
CONCENTRATED ACID / BASE SPILLS:
• Dilute first with water before clean-up is
attempted.
• The spill should then be covered with a
neutralizer:
Boric acid – for bases
Sodium bicarbonate – for acids
• The spill should then be absorbed with an
absorbent material.

77. CHEMICAL SAFETY
CONCENTRATED ACID / BASE SPILLS:
• Dispose according to the institutional policy
on chemical waste disposal.
• The surface should then be cleansed with
soap and water after the chemical is cleaned
up.

78. CHEMICAL SAFETY
SOLVENT SPILLS:
• If a solvent is spilled, no water or diluent should be
added and the solvent should not be allowed to flow
down a drain.
• Since solvents may present a fume problem,
respiratory protective equipment needs to be
available.
• After absorption with absorbent material, the material
should be placed in a closed container to prevent
fumes from escaping.
• All containers should be labeled with the chemical
name and any hazard and disposed as chemical waste.

80. FIRE SAFETY
FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE CHEMICALS
• Flammable and combustible liquids, which are
used in numerous routine procedures, are among
the most hazardous materials in the clinical
chemistry laboratory because of possible fire or
explosion.
• They are classified according to flashpoint
1. Flammable liquids have a flashpoint below 100 or 140oF.
2. Combustible liquids have a flashpoint at or above 100 or
140oF.

81. FIRE SAFETY
FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE CHEMICALS
HEAT
FUEL OXYGEN
FIRE TRIANGLE

82. FIRE SAFETY
FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE CHEMICALS
Fuel
Uninhibited
reaction Oxygen
Heat

83. FIRE SAFETY
GEOMETRIC PICTOGRAM / PICTURE
FIRE CLASS INTEDED USE
SYMBOL SYMBOL
Garbage can
Ordinary solid
A and wood pile
burning
combustibles
Fuel container
Flammable liquids and
B and burning
puddle
gases
Electric plug
Energized electrical
C and burning
outlet
equipment
D - Combustible metals
K Pan burning Cooking oils and fats

84. FIRE SAFETY
TYPE SUITABLE FOR USE ON FIRE CLASSES
WATER
FOAM
DRY CHEMICAL
(POWDER)
CARBON DIOXIDE
CLASS D POWDER

85. FIRE SAFETY
To operate a fire extinguisher:
P ULL
A IM
S QUEEZE
S WEEP

87. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Laboratories have a great deal of electrical equipment in
proximity to sinks, liquids or other grounded surfaces.
• HAZARDS:
1. Burns
2. Shock
3. Electrocution
4. Ignition
5. Explosion
• Fire and explosion hazards are avoided by preventing the
occurrence of high temperatures.
• Circuit breakers, fuses, and ground fault interrupters (GFI)
are designed to detect overloaded circuits that could cause
ignition and explosion.

88. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Precautionary Measures
• Use only explosion-proof equipment in hazardous
atmospheres.
• Be particularly careful when operating high-voltage
equipment, such as electrophoresis apparatus.
• Use only properly grounded equipment (three-prong
plug).
• Check for frayed electrical cords.
• Promptly report any malfunctions or equipment
producing a “tingle” for repair.

89. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Precautionary Measures
• Do not work on “live” electrical equipment.
• Never operate electrical equipment with wet hands.
• Know the exact location of electrical control panel for
the electricity to your work area.
• The use of extension cords is NOT ALLOWED. In
emergency situations, use only approved extension
cords (properly grounded, heavy-duty) and do not
overload circuits.
• Have ground checks and periodic preventive
maintenance performed on equipment.

91. COMPRESSED GASES
• Compressed gas cylinders of varying sizes can be
found in laboratories and especially in research
laboratories.
• Since the cylinders are pressurized, they can become
“torpedoes” that can even penetrate block walls if
the main valve stem is sheared by falling over.
• A good working practice when using a flammable gas
is to allow only one cylinder of gas to be in use at a
time and to use the smallest size possible.

92. COMPRESSED GASES
• Gas cylinders, both flammable and non-flammable,
should never be stored in fire safety cabinets with
flammable and combustible liquids.
• They should be grouped by type and stored in a
ventilated room reserved exclusively for cylinder
storage. The room should have a fire resistance
rating of at least 2 hours.

93. COMPRESSED GASES
• Cylinders should always be
secured by a chain or other
device to prevent them
from falling over and
shearing the valve stem.
• When cylinders are
transported, valve
protective caps should be
used.
• When cylinders are not in
use, the valves should be
tightly closed.

94. COMPRESSED GASES
Precautionary Measures
• Know the gas that you will use.
• Store tanks in a vertical position.
• Keep cylinders secured at all times.
• Never store flammable liquids and compressed gases
in the same area.
• Use the proper regulator for the type of gas in use.
• Do not attempt to control or shut off gas flow with
the pressure relief regulator.
• Keep removable protection caps in place until the
cylinder is in use.

95. COMPRESSED GASES
Precautionary Measures
• Make certain that acetylene tanks are properly piped
(the gas is incompatible with copper tubing).
• Do not force a “frozen” or stuck cylinder valve.
• Use a hand truck to transport large tanks.
• Always check tanks on receipt and then periodically
for any problems such as leaks.

96. COMPRESSED GASES
Precautionary
Measures
• Make certain that
the cylinder is
properly labeled to
identify the
contents.
• Empty tanks should
be marked
“EMPTY”.

98. CRYOGENIC MATERIALS
• Liquid nitrogen – probably one of the most
widely used cryogenic fluids (liquefied gases)
in the laboratory.
• Hazards of cryogenic material:
– Fire or explosion
– Asphyxiation
– Pressure build-up
– Embrittlement of materials
– Tissue damage (similar to that of thermal burns)

99. CRYOGENIC MATERIALS
Precautionary Measures
• Only containers constructed of materials
designed to withstand ultralow temperatures
should be used for cryogenic work.
• The use of eye/face protection, hand protection
to guard against the hazards of touching super-
cooled surfaces is recommended.
• The gloves, of impermeable material, should fit
loosely so that they can be taken off quickly if
liquid spills on or into them.

100. CRYOGENIC MATERIALS
Precautionary Measures
• To minimize violent boiling/frothing and
splashing, specimens to be frozen should always
be inserted into the coolant very slowly.
• Cryogenic fluids should be stored in well-
insulated but loosely stoppered containers that
minimize loss of fluid resulting from evaporation
by boil-off and that prevent plugging and
pressure build-up.

102. RADIATION SAFETY
There are four types of ionizing radiation hazards:
1. Alpha particles – plutonium
2. Beta particles – 3H, 14C, 32P
3. Electromagnetic radiation – not composed of atomic
particles
 Gamma rays – 125I and 131I
 X-rays
4. Neutrons – arise from spontaneous fission of some isotopes
and are produced by atomic reactors and accelerators.

104. MECHANICAL HAZARDS
• Centrifuges – must be balanced to distribute the load
equally
• Autoclaves – steam under pressure
• Homogenizers
• Laboratory glassware – be careful in handling
breakable and sharp objects
• Sharp instruments – dispose in puncture-resistant
containers

105. ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
Repetitive strain disorders:
1. Tenosynovitis
2. Bursitis
3. Ganglion cysts
4. Acute musculoskeletal injury
• Primary contributing factors associated with
repetitive strain disorders:
– Position / posture
– Applied force
– Frequency of repetition

107. CHEMICAL WASTES
• In some cases, it is permissible to flush water-soluble
substances down the drain with copious quantities of
water.
• Strong acids and bases should be neutralized before
disposal.
• Foul-smelling chemicals should never be flushed
down the drain.
• Other liquid wastes, including flammable solvents,
must be collected in approved containers and
segregated into compatible classes.

108. CHEMICAL WASTES
• Flammable material can also be burned in specially
designed incinerators with afterburners and
scrubbers to remove toxic products of combustion.
• Before disposal, hazardous substances that are
explosive, such as carcinogens and peroxides, should
be transformed into less hazardous forms whenever
feasible.
• Solid chemical wastes that are unsuitable for
incineration must be buried in a landfill. This
practice, however, has created an environmental
problem, and there is now a shortage of safe sites.

109. RADIOACTIVE WASTES
• A general license by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission is required for use of radioimmunoassay
(RIA) kits in the clinical laboratory even when exempt
material is used.
• Under these guidelines, effluents from RIA in-vitro
tests may be flushed into the sanitary sewer and
diluted with large amounts of water.
• When disposing of radioisotopes into the sanitary
sewer, designate one sink for this purpose. This sink
should be clearly labeled and routinely monitored
with a wipe test for residual radioactivity.

110. RADIOACTIVE WASTES
• Other material such as disposable tubes and pipets
that have been in contact with the radioisotopes may
be safely discarded in the routine trash after all the
radioactive labels are removed.
• If the waste also contains biohazardous material, it
may be autoclaved before disposal into routine trash.
• The radiation safety officer should always be
consulted about policies dealing with radioactive
waste disposal.

111. BIOHAZARDOUS WASTES
• All biomedical waste should be placed into a leak-
proof container that is puncture-resistant and
equipped with a solid, tight-fitting lid. All containers
must be clearly marked with the word “biohazard” or
its symbol.
• All sharp instruments, such as needles, blades, and
glass objects, should be placed into puncture-
resistant containers before placing them inside the
bag and container.
• Needles should not be transported, recapped, bent,
or broken by hand.

112. BIOHAZARDOUS WASTES
• Potentially biohazardous material, such as blood or
blood products and contaminated laboratory waste,
cannot be directly discarded.
• Contaminated combustible waste can be incinerated.
• Contaminated non-combustible waste, such as
glassware, should be autoclaved before being
discarded.
• Special attention should be given to the discarding of
syringes, needles, and broken glass that could also
inflict accidental cuts or punctures.

114. ACCIDENT DOCUMENTATION AND INVESTIGATION
• Any accidents involving personal injuries, even minor
ones, should be reported immediately to a
supervisor.
• It is particularly important that the appropriate
authority be notified immediately if any individual
sustains a needle puncture during blood collection or
a cut during subsequent specimen processing and
handling.

115. ACCIDENT DOCUMENTATION AND INVESTIGATION
The investigation report should include:
1. Information on the injured person
2. Description of what happened
3. Cause of the accident (environmental or personal);
4. Other contributing factors
5. Witnesses
6. Nature of the injury
7. Actions to be taken to prevent recurrence.