Unit 1 Safety in Diagnostic Medicine

Things to Remember The number one concern of the health care team in the lab is _____________. A microorganism that is transmitted from one person to another person via the blood or blood contaminated objects is known as a _________. Three bloodborne pathogens that are a concern of health care workers are: ________________. MSDS stands for: ________________________. What should you do with broken glass, needles, or other sharp objects? ___________________.

Introduction The number one concern of health care professionals is safety from bloodborne pathogens.

What is a bloodborne pathogen? A microorganism that is transmitted from one person to another person via the blood or blood contaminated objects. Health Care workers main concern: Hepatitis B Hepatitis C HIV

Laboratory Safety Staying safe means that you: Read labels on containers of chemicals Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Handle chemicals with care Use correct protective clothing and equipment Remember emergency procedures

Chemical Labels Every container of chemicals is labeled by the manufacturer. The label will tell you: Name of chemical Name, address and emergency phone number of manufacturer Physical and health hazards Precautionary measures First-aid instructions Proper handling/storage instructions

Health Hazards on a Chemical Label Carcinogen An agent that causes cancer Highly toxic agent Takes a small amount to harm you. Toxic agent Takes a little more to harm you but still can do damage to you. Reproductive hazard Chemicals which affect the reproductive capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis) Irritant A chemical, which is not corrosive, but which causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact.

Health Hazards on a Chemical Label Corrosive A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Sensitizer A chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical. Hepatotoxin Chemicals which produce liver damage Nephrotoxin Chemicals which produce kidney damage Neurotoxin Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on the nervous system

Typical Precautionary Measures on a Label Do not breathe vapors Use in well-ventilated areas Keep container closed when not in use Avoid contact with skin Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling Keep away from sparks, heat, and flame Do not store near combustible materials Store in tightly closed container Remove and wash contaminated clothing promptly Keep from contact with clothing and other combustible materials

Common Signal Words on Labels Danger Can cause immediate serious injury or death Warning Can cause potentially serious injury or death Caution Can cause potentially moderate injury

Color and Number Coded Label Systems Colors represent kind of hazard Red = fire Yellow = instability Blue = health White = specific hazard & personal protection NFPA-type label 3 4 2 Numbers show degree of hazard 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe

Color and Number Coded Label Systems (cont’d) White = specific hazard OX = Oxidizer ACID = Acid ALK = Alkali COR = Corrosive W = Use no water Other symbols: NFPA-type labels 3 2 4 COR What is an oxidizer? What is an acid? What does Alkali mean?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (example MSDS handout) Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (example MSDS handout) Provides more detailed information about a chemical, including Composition, information on ingredients (Section 2) Hazards identification (Section 3) First aid measures (Section 4) Accidental Release measures (Section 6) Handling and Storage (Section 7) Exposure controls, personal protection (Section 8) Stability and reactivity (Section 10) Toxicological information (Section 11) MSDS are located in the laboratory

MSDS ~ Hazards Identification Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) MSDS ~ Hazards Identification Inhalation: Respiratory tract (lungs) through inhalation Ingestion: Digestive tract through eating or smoking with contaminated hands or in contaminated work areas Absorption through the skin or eyes: Dermatitis or damage to the liver, kidney, or other organ systems Injection: Percutaneous injection of a toxic substance through the skin

MSDS ~ Potential Health Effects Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) MSDS ~ Potential Health Effects Eye irritation Nausea Dizziness Skin rashes Headache Existing medical conditions possibly aggravated by exposure

MSDS (cont’d) Emergency/first-aid procedures to follow Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) MSDS (cont’d) Emergency/first-aid procedures to follow Accidental Release Measures What to do if substance spills and leaks How to correctly dispose of substance Equipment/procedures for cleaning up spills and leaks Handling and Storage How to handle and store substance safely Any other precautions (i.e., grounding containers during transfer of flammables)

Handle Chemicals with Care Dispose of chemicals, broken glass, and other waste in approved containers Clean up broken glass and spills immediately Keep the lab clean and neat Store incompatible chemicals in separate storage areas

Put custodians and fellow workers in danger Handle Chemicals with Care Do not Use damaged glassware Store chemicals near heat, sunlight, or other substances with which they might react Store materials on floors or other places where people could trip over them Leave equipment unattended when its operating (unless it is designed to do so or you have an SOP) Put custodians and fellow workers in danger

Use correct protective clothing and equipment Eye Protection Safety glasses – flying particles, chemical splashes, dust Splash goggles – corrosive liquids, solvents, powders Face Shields – high pressure systems Respiratory Protection Mask Skin and Body Protection Gloves – see the MSDS (and the handout) Aprons and lab coats – strong acids and bases Shoes – always worn in lab, closed toe and heel Hearing Protection Ear plugs Ear Muffs

If Overexposed to a Hazardous Substance Remember emergency procedures If Overexposed to a Hazardous Substance Get medical help immediately! Inform your lab supervisor Check MSDS for first-aid instructions. Some general guidelines are Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes Ingestion: Follow label and MSDS instructions Skin Contact: Stand under emergency shower and remove contaminated clothing immediately Inhalation: Get to fresh air and get prompt medical attention

Other Emergency Procedures Remember emergency procedures Other Emergency Procedures Fire: call 911 activate building fire alarm safely use fire extinguisher on small fires (PASS) Hazardous Chemical spill (over 1 pint): evacuate the room close door consider evacuation of building

Emergencies can happen, so Avoid working alone in the lab Remember emergency procedures Emergencies can happen, so Avoid working alone in the lab Know where emergency phone numbers are posted Review MSDS Know where to go and what to do in an emergency Know the location of the closest safety showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and exits.

STOP

Bell Ringer ~ Lab Safety Quiz The number one concern of the health care team in the lab is _____________. A microorganism that is transmitted from one person to another person via the blood or blood contaminated objects is known as a _________. Three bloodborne pathogens that are a concern of health care workers are: ________________. MSDS stands for: ________________________. What should you do with broken glass, needles, or other sharp objects? ___________________.

Answers The number one concern of the forensic team in the lab or on the scene is _____________. A microorganism that is transmitted from one person to another person via the blood or blood contaminated objects is known as a _________. Three bloodborne pathogens that are a concern of health care workers are: ________________. MSDS stands for: ________________________. What should you do with broken glass, needles, or other sharp objects? ___________________. safety bloodborne pathogens Hep B Hep C HIV Material Safety Data Sheet Place in a Sharps Container