Risk Management and Safety in the Laboratory Questions and Answers

Risk Management and Safety in the Laboratory Questions and Answers Risk management the process of ensuring and maintaining personal as well as environmental health and safety in the lab What is the first step to to risk management? Identify all risks that can potentially harm the lab including electrical mechanical biological hazards Who's responsibility is it to minimize risk in the lab? Everyone's What is the most common accident in the lab? cutting one's finger or hand on microtome knives. Who should develop a system whereby all incidents and accidents are reported, no matter how small? the Risk Manager What is an SOP ? and what does it include Standard operating procedures -detailed procedures for handling hazardous substance -personal hygiene practices What are documents that should be kept indefinitely? Records of : -regulatory compliance -risk assessment -causes and prevention of occupational injury or illness -health and safety training -personal protective Equipment and hazardous waste disposal practices What should you do if there is an unidentifiable, questionable, old or obsolete reagent or chemicals in poorly labeled containers? set aside for diposal Material Safety Data sheets are available where? databases on the Internet and should be readily accessible in the laboratory Material Safety Data sheets contain what? A file of hazardous chemicals where a ll hazardous agents must be listed and evaluated, including normal use, disposal, and risks associated with spillage. Laboratory workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards including chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards, and musculoskeletal stresses. What do all laboratories need that serve to protect employees from the health hazards associated with that particular workplace? a written program stating the policies, procedures, and responsibilities What are measures to protect against laboratory accidents ? safety training and enforcement of laboratory safety policies Protect the hands and forearms by... wearing either gloves and a laboratory coat or suitable long gloves to avoid contact of the toxic material with the skin. Wash hands frequently throughout the ______ and _________________ ___________________ ______ ___________. day and before leaving the lab Where should procedures involving volatile toxic substances and those involving solid or liquid toxic substances that may result in the generation of aerosols should be conducted in a fume hood or other suitable containment device. The laboratory workplace should be what? (3) well-ventilated, clean and organized. Are you allowed to store food in the lab fridge? No!! What are activities prohibited in the Lab? Smoking sleeping eating and drinking Use of cell phones USE OF music headphones Why should the use of cell phones and music headphones be avoided? potential contamination and they are distracting which can increase the potential of an accident to occur What things should you avoid wearing in the lab? shorts, sandals, or open-toed shoes in laboratory, dangling jewelry, loose clothing, and long hair Why do you need to tie back long hair? might get caught in equipment Are children/minors allowed in the laboratory? No! Are pets allowed in laboratories NO! What facilities in the lab are required to be checked monthly? Fire extinguisherS emergency shower systems emergency eye washers first aid emergency blankets hoods What should be standard facilities in a laboratory? Eye wash station safety shower first aid kits Every instrument used in the laboratory should meet ______________ _________________ specification and have written instructions regarding its use electrical safety How do you avoid unnecessary purchase of chemical materials a detailed list of chemical materials must be prepared and only a minimum amount of volatile chemicals must be kept in the laboratory. Where do you store combustible material? in a heat resistant cabinet How should chemicals be kept in the lab? stored and safely secured where there is sufficient ventilation T/F Acids and bases must be separately stored. TRUE Every chemical compound used in the lab should have a materials safety data sheet on file that specifies (3) the nature, toxicity, and safety precautions to be taken when handling the compound. All chemical material must be labeled with ? (4) the name, characteristics, danger level, and precautionary measures. What are PPE's that should be available in the lab for all personnel? safety devices, goggles, gloves, lab coats, and face-shields