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Health and safety in districtlaboratories

Dr. Hafez AlsumairyDiagnostic & Molecular Microbiology

2014-2015

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Safe laboratory premise andpersonal safety measures

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Safe laboratory working environment1. Laboratory premise that is structurally sound and in good repair with a reliable

water supply and a safe plumbing and waste disposal system.2. Adequate floor and bench space and storage areas.3. Walls painted with washable light colored paint4. Doors should open outwards and exit routes must never be obstructed, self

closing and contain upper viewing panes.5. Adequate ventilation6. Sectioning of the laboratory into separate rooms or working areas7. Bench surfaces8. Suitable storage facilities9. Gas supply10. A staff room

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Safe laboratory working environment

11. A hand basin with running water, preferably sited near the door12. Provision of protective safety cabinets13. Safe electricity supply14. Fire extinguishers sited at accessible points15. As good illumination as possible16. Provision of separate labelled containers

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Use of safety signs and symbols

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Personal health and safety measuresPersonal health and safety measuresinclude:1. Practice of personal hygiene.2. Wearing of protective clothing.3. Protective inoculations and medical

examinations.

Practice of personal hygiene1) Washing hands and arms with soap

and water2) Covering any cuts, insect bites,

open sores, or wounds3) Wearing closed shoes4) Not eating, drinking, chewing gum,

smoking, or applying cosmetics5) Not licking gummed labels or

placing pens near the mouth6) Avoid wearing jewelry in the

working area

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Personal health and safety measures

Protective clothing1. Protective overall

• made of a fabric such aspolycotton

2. Gloves• Rubber gloves• Re-usable gloves• Heat-resistant gloves• Chemical resistant gloves

3. Safety goggles, face shields,dust masks, respirators

Protective inoculations andmedical examinations1. Against tuberculosis, typhoid,

diphtheria, tetanus,poliomyelitis, and cholera

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Microbial hazards

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Microbial hazardsLaboratory acquired infections1. skin,2. eyes,3. mouth,4. respiratory tractInfection of the general public1. Above +2. Escape’ of microorganisms3. infectious waste

Classification of infective microorganisms1. Risk Group 1

• Low risk• Unlikely to cause disease• Common moulds

2. Risk Group 2• Moderate risk and a limited risk• Cause serious human disease• Preventive measures and treatment are

available• Vibrios, polioviruses

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Microbial hazards

Classification of infectivemicroorganisms3. Risk Group 3

• High and low risk• Vaccines, therapeutic materials• Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV

4. Risk Group 4• High risk + Highly infectious• No treatment and preventive

measures• Ebola virus

Classification of laboratories1. Basic, Biosafety Level 12. Basic, Biosafety Level 23. Containment, Biosafety Level 34. Maximum Containment,

Biosafety Level 4

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Working safely• How aerosols are formed?• Pouring infectious material safely• Opening cultures and ampoules safely• Inoculating loops and safe looping out• Shaking and homogenizing safely• Avoiding infection from centrifuge

accidents• Avoiding infection from spillages and

breakages• Safe pipetting and dispensing• Safe use of syringes and needles

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Biological safety cabinets

• Safety cabinets are intended toprotect a laboratory worker fromaerosols and airborne particles

1. Class I safety cabinet• The operator sits at the cabinet,

looks through the glass screen,and works with the hands inside

• For Basic laboratory, Level 2

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Biological safety cabinets class I

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Biological safety cabinets

2. Class II safety cabinet• 70% of the air is recirculated• For Containment laboratory, Level 3

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Biological safety cabinets class II

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Biological safety cabinets

2. Class III safety cabinet• For Maximum Containment laboratory,

Level 4• Totally enclosed and is tested under

pressure

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Biological safety cabinets class III

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Biological safety cabinets

Use of safety cabinets• Should not be loaded with unnecessary equipment• Work should be done in the middle to rear of the cabinet• Avoid bringing the hands and arms out of the cabinet while working• Wait for 2–3 minutes to allow any aerosols to be swept into the filters• Hands and arms should be washed immediately

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Safe transport of specimens

• In leak-proof appropriatecontainers

1. Transporting specimens fromwards or OPD clinics

2. Transporting specimensbetween laboratories

3. Postal transport regulations

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Mailing container

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Thank you

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Other safety practice

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Other safety practice

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