PMTP UNIT 3: Regulations Governing Laboratory Personnel

 Organization of the laboratory  Professional organizations

 Personnel in the laboratory setting  Professional code of conduct and ethics
 Medical assistants in the laboratory  Philippine Regulations on Clinical Laboratories

Organization OF THE LABORATORY

1. Laboratory MANAGER
2. Quality Project Team and Biosafety Officer b. Chemistry Section
3. Section supervisor of: - 5 lab. technologists
a. Sample Reception Section c. Hematology Section
b. Chemistry Section - 4 lab technologists
c. Hematology Section d. Microbiology Section
d. Microbiology Section - 5 lab technologists
e. Data Management Section e. Data Management Section
f. Facility and Waste Section - 3 lab technologists
g. Reagent Preparation Section f. Facility and Waste Section
- 3 lab attendants
4. Lab. Technologist/Attendant/Technician g. Reagent Preparation Section
a. Sample Reception Section
- 2 lab technicians
- 4 lab. technologists

MEDICAL LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS

- Skilled and educated laboratory professionals
- Play a very important role in health care
- Responsible for conducting tests that provide crucial information for detecting, diagnosing, treating, and
monitoring disease

Clinical laboratory team

A. Laboratory Director/Head Pathologist E. Medical Laboratory Technician/Clinical
B. Laboratory Administrator/Laboratory Manager Laboratory Technician
C. Technical and Laboratory Supervisors F. Phlebotomist
D. Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory
Scientist/ Clinical Laboratory Scientist
 Physician
 A physician without any laboratory
a. Laboratory director specialty training
- responsible for managing overall operations
 With additional credentials
within the laboratory, including maintaining the
specifically qualifying for the
standards of agencies that inspect and accredit
laboratory setting
the lab and ensuring that all technical, clinical,
and administrative functions of the lab are
performed. b. LABORATORY
- May be a:
ADMINISTRATOR/MANAGER
 Pathologist - Responsible in overseeing all operations
 board certified physicians who
involving Laboratory services
have specialized training in
disease and laboratory - Managerial duties generally include scheduling
interpretation. staff, reordering supplies and maintaining
 Perform all levels of laboratory security standards
testing  Registered technologist with an
 Affiliated with hospital and advanced degree and several years of
reference lab experience
 Bachelor -> Medicine Proper ->
Internship -> Licensure Exam ->
Residency -> Specialized Exam

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C. TECHNICAL AND GENERAL SUPERVISORS  three or four years of academic course
- A general supervisor is responsible for oversight work and one year of clinical
of the day-to-day laboratory operations as well experience
as the personnel conducting the tests and  Certified by PRC. AMT, or ASCP
reporting results.
- Laboratory manager E. MEDICAL LABORATORY
 a medical doctor (MD) with TECHNICIAN/CLINICAL LABORATORY
certification in anatomic and/or
clinical pathology
TECHNICIAN
- Performs routine tests in all areas of the clinical
 scientist with a PhD, a Master's degree,
laboratory
or a bachelor's degree in addition to
acquiring the appropriate laboratory
 Have an associate degree and have
completed an accredited Clinical
experience(s)
Laboratory Technician or certificate
D. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST/ MEDICAL program
LABORATORY SCIENTIST/ CLINICAL F. PHLEBOTOMIST (PBT)
LABORATORY SCIENTIST - sometimes called phlebotomy technicians,
- performing routine as well as highly specialized work directly with patient, to draw your blood for
tests laboratory tests using venipuncture or skin
- to diagnose and/or aid in the treatment of puncture.
disease and troubleshooting G. OTHER LABORATORY PERSONNEL
- perform quality control checks - LIS Managers
- may assume managerial roles - Quality Assurance (QA) Manager
 have a bachelor's degree in - Point-of-Care Coordinator
clinical/medical laboratory science - Safety Officer

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
 Philippine Association of Medical Technology (PAMET)
 Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health (PASMETH), Inc.

PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY [pamet]

Insignia:
o The Circle – continuous involvement where practice and education are
always integrated
o The Triangle – trilogy of love, respect and integrity
o Green – health
o Microscope & snake – MT Profession
o 1964 – first PAMET election
- Non-stock and non-profit organization
- Only accredited professional organization for RMT in the Philippines
- Organized by Mr. Crisanto Almario (Father of PAMET) on September 15, 1963
- September 20, 1964: first national convention of PAMET held at FEU
- Registered at SEC on October 14, 1969 with regs no. 39570
 Regs during the term of Mr. Nardito Moraleta as president
- With 47 provincial chapters

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 PRESIDENTS OF PAMET advocacy
1. Mr. Charlemagne T. Tamondong (1963-67) Emergence of the Profession
2. Mr. Nardito M. Moraleta (1967-1970) Professional Recognition
3. Mr. Felix E. Asprer (1970-71, 1973-1976) Legislative Agenda
4. Mr. Bernardo T. Tabaosares (1971-1973) Celebration of the Practice
5. Miss Angelina R. Jose (Jan. - Sept. 1973) Career Advocacy
6. Miss Venerable C. V. Oca (1977- Feb. 1982) Educational Advancement
7. Miss Carmencita P. Acedera (1982-1992) Image Building
8. Mrs. Marilyn R. Atienza (1992-1996) Pro-activism
9. Dean Norma N. Chang (1996-2000) International Leadership
10. Ms. Agnes B. Medenilla (2000-2002, 2005-2006) Organizational Dynamism
11. Dr. Shirley F. Cruzada (2003-2004) Interdisciplinary Networking
12. Dr. Leila M. Florento (2006-2013) Global perspectives
13. Mr. Romeo Joseph Ignacio (2013-2015) Golden Celebration
14. Mr. Rolando E. Puno (2015 - present) Empowerment

PAMET LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS

LOCAL INTERNATIONAL
Council of Professional Health Association (COPHA) ASEAN Association of Clinical Laboratory Scientists
(AACLS)
Philippine Federation of Professional Association ASIA Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists
(PFPA) (AAMLS)
Council of Health Agencies of the Philippines International Federation of Biochemical Laboratory
(CHAP) Scientists (IFBLS)
Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Asia Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry
laboratories (PCQACL) (APFCB)
Alliance of Allied Health Organizations of the International Federation in Clinical Chemistry
Nation (AAHON) (IFCC)
PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF schools of MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY and public
health [pasmeth]
Insignia:
 Circle – represents the continuity of learning and the never-ending quest for
excellence in the academic field
 Diamond – the four corners represent the four objectives of the association.
 Microscope – represents the field of Medical Technology and Public Health
 1970 – the year the Association was founded

- National organization of about 50 recognized schools of medical technology in the Philippines

- Formed in 1970
- PURPOSE:
 To maintain the highest standard of Medical Technology/Public Health education
 To foster closer relations among schools
- Director Narciso Albarracin appointed Dr. Serafin Juliano to lay the foundation of the association on May
13, 1970
- First organizational meeting held at UST on June 22, 1970
- First annual meeting was held at UST on May 7, 1971
- Dr. Gustavo Reyes, President (1970-1973)
- Formally registered with SEC on October 6, 1989 by Mr. Cirilo S. Cajucom and Atty. Dexter Bihis (PASMETH
legal council)

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 PRESIDENTS OF PASMETH SCHOOL
Dr. Gustavo Reyes (1970-73) UST
Dr. Ibarra Panopio (1973-74) Velez College
Dr. Angelita G. Adeva (1974-75) UST
Dr. Elizabeth M. del Rio (1977-81) Martinez Memorial Colleges
Dr. Norma V. Lerma (1983-84) UST
Dr. Vivencio T. Torres (1984-85) University of Luzon
Prof. Nardito Moraleta (1985-88) FEU
Dean Norma N. Chang (1988-96) San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation Inc.
Prof. Rodolfo R. Rabor (1996-99) UST
Dr. Nini Festin-Lim (1999-2002) Philippine Women’s University
Dean Zenaida Cajucom (2002-10) World Citi Colleges
Dean Magdalena F. Natividad (2010-12) FEU
Dean Bernard U. Ebuen (2012 – present) Arellano

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PASMETH
1. Continuing professional education program for medical technology faculty
2. Preparation of a standard curriculum for BS Medical Technology schools
3. Preparation of a standard course syllabi for professional subjects in Medical Technology
4. Scholarship grants for MedTech students
5. Community outreach projects
6. Recognition to graduates of BS Medical Technology Course
 PASMETH Gold Medal for Excellence Award
7. Accreditation as CPE Provider for medical technologists.

PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

ETHICS Objectives of the Professional Code of
principles of conduct governing an
-
individual or a group
Ethics
1. Define professional privileges, behaviors and
- Jeff Cooper, Albany Medical Center, Ethical
responsibilities towards the members of the
Decision Making, 2001:
community in general.
 “Ethics is the disciplined study or
2. Promote professional quality, professional
morality….and morality asks the
conduct and a moral method of procedures.
question…
3. Defend private professions from undue
what should one’s behavior be.”
interference by the government or by other
 Descriptive Ethics
private agencies.
 “what does the culture or
4. Preserve the dignity of the profession and the
society believe is morally
confidence of the public
correct?”
5. Defend clients from unscrupulous individuals.
 Prescriptive Ethics
6. Certain standards of the compensations for
 “How should I behave as a
services or work.
researcher?” Code of Ethics of the Medical Technologist (New Version):
 “What character traits As I enter the practice of medical technology, I shall:
should I cultivate?”
- Joan E. Sieber, Planning Ethically Accept the responsibilities inherent to being a
Responsible Research, p. 3 professional
Uphold the law and shall not participate in illegal work
 “Greek ethos ‘character’ is the Act in spirit of fairness to all and in a spirit of brotherhood
systematic study of value toward other members of the profession
concepts—good, bad, right, wrong Accept employment from more than one employer only
and the general principles that when there is no conflict of interest
Perform my task with full confidence, absolute reliability
justify applying these concepts”
and accuracy.

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 Share my knowledge and expertise with my colleagues.
Contribute to the advancement of professional 4. JUSTICE
organization and other allied health organizations.
Restrict my praises, criticisms, view and opinions within - this embodies concepts of fairness and
constructive limits giving what is rightfully due
Treat any information I acquired in the course of my work
as strictly confidential. General Application of Ethical Principles
Uphold the dignity and respect of my profession and
conduct myself a reputation of reliability, honesty and integrity
1. Medical laboratories have responsibilities to
Be dedicated to the use of clinical laboratory science to others.
promote life and benefit mankind. - Patients
Report any violations of the above principles of the - Colleagues
professional conduct to authorized agency and to the ethics
- Profession
committee of the organization.
- Society
To these principles, I hereby subscribe and pledge to 2. Collection of Information
conduct myself at all times in a manner befitting the dignity of my 3. Collection of specimens
profession.
4. Performance of test
[Source: Rabor, R. R. et al. (2006). Medical Technology Laws and Ethics: A
Collection of Philippine Laws, Statues and Codes of the Medical Technology 5. Reporting of results
Profession. Philippines: EDL Printing Press] 6. Storage and Retention of Medical Records
7. Access to Medical Records
8. Financial Arrangements and organizational
Professional code of conduct matters.
Specific Principles of Professional Conduct
1. Service to Others
2. Integrity and Objectivity Clinical Laboratory Regulations
3. Professional Competence  Clinical Laboratory Law [1965]
4. Solidarity and Teamwork - which required the Licensing of clinical
5. Social and Civic Responsibility laboratories by the Bureau of Research and
6. Global Competitiveness Laboratories, Department of Health (BRL, DOH)
7. Equality of All Professions before they can operate
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4688
Ethical Practice of Laboratory Medicine - An Act regulating the operation and
- By WHO: good technical practice maintenance of clinical laboratories and
accompanied by proper attitude and requiring the registration of the same with the
behavior. department of health, providing penalty for the
violation thereof, and for other purposes
Fundamental Principles of Ethics  In 1968, the Philippine Society of Pathologists
1. AUTONOMY (PSP) decided to accredit clinical laboratories for
- the right of patients to make decisions on Residency Training Program in Anatomic and Clinical
their behalf Pathology
2. BENEFICENCE
- the duty or obligation to act in the best
 PhilHealth Insurance [1997]
- PSP formulated and submitted standards for
interest of the patient
the accreditation of clinical laboratories, both
 Application of Principle: Risk-Benefit hospital and free-standing, for reimbursement
Assessment of fees for laboratory services rendered to
o The four categories of risk patients enrolled in the PhilHealth social
(Levine, 1988 in Weijer, 2000) insurance program
 Physical risks  In 2000, the Philippine Council for Accreditation
 Psychological risks
 Social risks of Healthcare Organizations (PCAHO) approved
the standards for the accreditation of Hospitals for the
 Economic risks provision of quality medical services. Included were the
3. NON-MALEFICENCE standards for the Department of Pathology
- the duty or obligation to avoid harm to the
patient.

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PMTP UNIT 4: LABORATORY ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY
 Laboratory Hazards and Accidents  Safe use and storage of Chemicals and Reagents
 Factors contributing to laboratory accidents  Preventive Measures
 Standard Precautions

Laboratory hazards and accidents

TYPES OF SAFETY HAZARDS
TYPE SOURCE POSSIBLE INJURY
1. BIOLOGIC Infectious agents Bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic
infections
2. SHARPS Needles, lancets, broken glass Cuts, punctures, or blood-borne pathogen
exposure
3. CHEMICAL Preservatives & reagents Exposure to toxic, carcinogenic/
caustic agents
4. RADIOACTIVE Equipment & radioisotopes Radiation exposure
5. ELECTRICAL Ungrounded/wet equipment; frayed cords Burns/shock
6. FIRE/EXPLOSIVE Open flames, organic chemicals Burns/
dismemberment
7. PHYSICAL Wet floors, heavy boxes, patients Falls, sprains/strains

Biological hazards
- potentially harmful microorganisms
 frequently present in the specimens
- chain of infection (hospital acquired infection)
 Understanding how microorganisms are
transmitted is essential to preventing
infection.
- infection control
 procedures to control and monitor infections
occurring within their facilities. (quarantine)
 blood-borne pathogen

biological safety cabinets

- All biological safety cabinets use HEPA filters to treat
air: inflow & exhaust
CLASS I Provide worker & environmental protection, but no
product protection. Exhaust air is filtered.
CLASS II Filter both exhaust and intake air to protect the
worker and the environment from contamination as
well as to protect production in the cabinet. Suitable
for microorganisms assigned to bio-safety levels 1,
2, and 3.
CLASS III Gas-tight provides the highest attainable level of
protection to personnel & the environment.
hepa filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter)
- Removes particles including microorganisms from the air
Class Description Use
I Open front. Unsterilized room enters. Air passes through Provides minimal personnel protection. Doesn’t
HEPA filter before being exhausted protect work surface.
II Laminar flow cabinets with variable sash opening. Air passes Type most commonly used in hospital micro labs.
through 1 HEPA filter before reaching work surface & 2 nd one Provides protection for worker & work.
before being exhausted
III Completely enclosed. Negative pressure. Air is filter sterilized Provides maximum protection. Used in labs that
coming in & going out/ gloves are attached to front work with extremely hazardous organisms.

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Biosafety levels:

Classification of biological agents:

Sharp hazards
- needles, lancets, and broken glassware
- All sharp objects must be disposed in puncture-resistant, leak-proof container with the biohazard symbol
 Puncture-resistant containers should be conveniently located within the work area.
 The biohazard sharp containers should not be overfilled and must always be replaced when the safe
capacity mark is reached.

Chemical hazards
- Chemical Spills and Exposure
 When skin contact occurs, the best first aid is to flush the area with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, then seek medical attention
 Emergency shower & eye wash station
 No attempt should be made to neutralize chemicals that come in contact with the skin.
- Chemical Handling
 Acid should always be added to water to avoid the possibility of sudden splashing caused by the rapid
generation of heat in some chemical reactions.
 Chemicals should never be mixed together unless specific instructions are followed, and they must be
added in the order specified.
- Wearing goggles and preparing reagents under a fume hood are recommended safety precautions.
- Pipetting by mouth is unacceptable in the laboratory.
- Chemical Hygiene Plan
 The purpose of the plan is to detail the following:
1. Appropriate work practices
2. Standard operating procedures
3. PPE

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 4. Engineering controls, such as fume hoods and flammables safety cabinets
5. Employee training requirements
6. Medical consultation guidelines
- Chemical Labeling
 Hazardous chemicals should be labeled with a description of their particular hazard, such as poisonous,
corrosive, flammable, explosive, teratogenic, or carcinogenic
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
 Information contained in an MSDS includes the following:
1. Physical and chemical characteristics
2. Fire and explosion potential
3. Reactivity potential
4. Health hazards and emergency first aid procedures
5. Methods for safe handling and disposal
6. Primary routes of entry
7. Exposure limits and carcinogenic potential

Radiation hazards
- Radioactivity may be encountered in the clinical laboratory when procedures using radioisotopes are performed.
- The amount of radioactivity present in the clinical laboratory is very small and represents little danger; however, the
effects of radiation are cumulative related to the amount of exposure.
 Persons working in a radioactive environment are required to wear measuring devices to determine the
amount of radiation they are accumulating.
 Laboratory personnel should be familiar with the radioactive hazard symbol shown here.
- The amount of radiation exposure is related to a combination of time, distance, and shielding.
- This symbol must be displayed on the doors of all areas where radioactive material is present.
- Exposure to radiation during pregnancy presents a danger to the fetus; personnel who are pregnant or think they
may be should avoid areas with this symbol.

electrical hazards
- Equipment should not be operated with wet hands.
- Designated hospital personnel monitor electrical equipment closely; however, laboratory personnel should
continually observe for any dangerous conditions, such as frayed cords and overloaded circuits, and report them to
the supervisor.
- Equipment that has become wet should be unplugged and allowed to dry completely before reusing.
- Equipment also should be unplugged before cleaning.
- All electrical equipment must be grounded with three-pronged plugs.
- When an accident involving electrical shock occurs, the electrical source must be removed immediately.
 This must be done without touching the person or the equipment involved to avoid transferring the
current.
 Turning off the circuit breaker, unplugging the equipment, or moving the equipment using a
nonconductive glass or wood object are safe procedures to follow.
 The victim should receive immediate medical assistance following discontinuation of the electricity.

Fire/explosive hazards
- Flammable chemicals should be stored in safety cabinets and explosion-proof refrigerators, and cylinders of
compressed gas should be located away from heat and securely fastened to a stationary device to prevent
accidental capsizing.
- Fire blankets may be present in the laboratory.
 Persons with burning clothes should be wrapped in the blanket to smother the flames.
- 3 components of fire (pag wala yung isa, walang sunog)
 Oxygen: enhances fire production
 Fuel
 Heat
- RACE
 Rescue—rescue anyone in immediate danger
 Alarm—activate the institutional fire alarm system

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  Contain—close all doors to potentially affected
areas
 Extinguish/Evacuate—attempt to extinguish
the fire, if possible or evacuate, closing the
door
- The NFPA classifies fires with regard to the type of
burning material. It also classifies the type of fire
extinguisher that is used to control them.

Physical hazards
- General precautions to consider are to avoid running in rooms and hallways, watch for wet floors, bend the knees
when lifting heavy objects, keep long hair pulled back, avoid dangling jewelry, and maintain a clean, organized work
area.
- Closed-toed shoes that provide maximum support are essential for safety and comfort.

Factors contributing to laboratory accidents

- A poorly designed laboratory and overcrowding can increase the risk of accident occurrence. Most lab, accidents are
the result of bad lab. Practices like:
 Poor training  Allow the working bench to become
 Lack of concentration cluttered
 Noisy environment  Carelessness and negligence
 Untidy working and not using racks to  Over work and fatigue
hold sample containers  Hot and humid climatic conditions
 Hurrying to finish work
Standard precautions for infection control
*Body fluids include: blood, secretions, and - Wash after:
excretions*  touching body fluids
1. Handwashing  Removing gloves
- Wash before wearing gloves to ensure - Wash in between patient contacts
cleanliness and avoid contamination of
bacteria

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2. Gloves
- Wear gloves before touching body fluids,
mucous membranes, and nonintact skin
3. Mask & Eye Protection or Face Shield
- Protect eyes, nose, mouth during procedures
that cause splashes/sprays of body fluids
4. Gown
- Wear gown during procedures that may cause
splashes/sprays of body fluids
- -
5. Patient-Care Equipment
- Handle soiled(used) equipment so as to
prevent personal contamination and transfer to
other patients
6. Linen
- Handle soiled linen with body fluids so as to
prevent personal contamination and transfer to
other patients
 Put soiled(used) linens on to their
desired wash/laundry bins
7. Occupational Health & Bloodborne Pathogens
- Prevent injuries from needles, scalpels, and
other sharp devices
Never recap needles using both hands
- Place sharps in puncture-proof containers
- Use resuscitation devices as an alternative to
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
8. Patient Placement
- Use a private room for a patient who
contaminates the environment

Safe use and storage of chemicals and reagents

 Flammable chemicals  Oxidizing chemical
 Corrosive chemicals  Explosive chemicals
 Toxic, harmful, and irritating chemicals  Carcinogens
FLAMMABLE CHEMICALS
- ether, xylene, toluene, methanol, ethanol, other alcohol, glacial acetic acid, acetone, acetic anhydride, Alcoholic
Romanovsky stains and acid alcohol solutions.
 in a fire proof metal box at ground level, preferably in and out side cool and locked store (alternative: a
container well lined with tin foil should be used)
 Only small quantities of flammable solvents should be kept on lab, benches and shelves.
 Before opening a bottle containing a flammable solvent, check that there is no open flame such as that from
a Bunsen burner.
 Do not light match near flammable chemicals.
 Never heat a flammable liquid over a Bunsen burner or lighted gas.
 Even in the smallest laboratory, dangerous chemicals are used directly or incorporated into stains and
reagents. Hence the correct handling and storage of hazardous chemicals is essential to prevent injury and
damage. In addition to this, to reduce accidents caused by chemicals, labeling is very important.
 LEFT BOX: Storage
 RIGHT BOX: Safe use

CORROSIVE CHEMICALS
- strong acids such as concentrated sulfuric acid, nitric acid, glacial acetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, ortho - phosphoric
acid, and caustic alkalis such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)
 N.B: When diluting concentrated acids in general and sulfuric acid in particular, ALWAYS add the acids to
the water. This is because adding of a small amount of water to concentrated acids produces sufficient
amount of heat that can break a glass container, which can cause damage and even chemical burn.

 stored at low level to avoid any serious injury, which could be caused if they are accidentally knocked off a
shelf
 Use automatic pipettes; the accidental swallowing of corrosive chemicals can cause severe injury because
such chemicals destroy living tissues.
 Never mouth pipette corrosive chemicals
 Always pour corrosive chemicals at below eye level, slowly and with great care to avoid splashing.
 When opening a container of corrosive chemicals, and when pouring it, wear protective materials.

TOXIC, HARMFUL, AND IRRITATING CHEMICALS

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 - chemicals which can cause death or serious ill-health if swallowed or inhaled, or if the chemical is allowed to
come into contact with the skin
Examples: potassium cyanide, sodium nitroprusside, formaldehyde solution, chloroform, barium chloride and methanol; iodine
and sulphanilic acid chemicals can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract
 Exposure to formaldehyde in the tested laminate flooring:
 can irritate eyes, nose, throat
 Can increase breathing problems for people with health conditions like Asthma,
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
 Highly toxic chemicals such as potassium cyanide must be kept in a locked cupboard.
 Stock solutions or solids of harmful and irritating chemicals should be stored safely in cap board, not on
an open shelf.
 Handle with great care by wearing protective gloves.
 Always lock away highly toxic chemicals immediately after use.
 Keep the lab, well ventilated while the chemicals are being used.

Oxidizing CHEMICALS
- includes chlorates, perchlorates, strong peroxides, potassium dichromate, and chromic acid
 must be stored away from organic materials and reducing agents
 they can produce much heat when in contact with other chemical, especially flammable chemicals
 Handle oxidizing chemicals with great care.
 Most are dangerous to skin and eyes and when in contact with reducing agents.

Explosive chemicals
- Heat, flame, or friction can cause explosive chemicals to explode.
 Example: picric acid (must be stored under water)
 If picric acid is allowed to dry, it can become explosive.
 This can occur if the chemical is left to dry in pipes without being flushed away with adequate amount
of water.
CARCINOGENS
- cause cancer by ingestion, inhalation, or by skin contact (ex.: benzene, ortho - toluidine, alpha and beta-
naphthylamine, nitrosamines and selenite)
 should be kept in closed containers and labeled as ‘carcinogenic, handle with special precautions’
 Always wear protective plastic or rubber gloves, and face mask
 Carcinogens must not be allowed to come in contact with the skin because some carcinogens can be
absorbed through the skin (ex.: beta – naphtylamine)

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
 Adequate floor, bench and storage space for staff
to work safely
 Ample light is essential, especially in the
examination areas of the laboratory
 A sufficient supply of wall electric points to avoid
the use of adapters
 Overcrowding must be avoided
 Good ventilation is essential with adequate
provision of fume cupboards
 There should be a system for marking ‘’high risk’’
specimens
 Discard containers that contain infectious
microorganisms after each use
 The floor should be well constructed with a surface
that is non-slippery, impermeable to liquids and
resistant to those chemicals used in the laboratory
 Walls should be smooth, free from cracks,
impermeable to liquids and easily washable
 Doors of the of the lab, should be opened to the
out side direction
 Sectioning of the lab, into separate rooms or
working areas with definite places (for patients,
visitors, and reception of specimens)
 Bench surfaces should be without cracks,
washable and resistant to the disinfectants and
chemicals used in the laboratory
 An adequate number of hand basins with running
water is essential.
 Provision of protective clothing
 Fire extinguishers should be placed at accessible
points. If extinguishers are not available several
buckets of sand must be provided

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 Ensure that all work in the laboratory is done with a
safety conscious attitude
 All staff must ensure that the conditions of their
work do not create any hazard for those working
near by
 Laboratory coats should be fully buttoned up while
working and removed before leaving the
laboratory.
 The chances of an accident occurring in the
laboratory are much reduced if:
o Every one works in a tidy fashion
o Every one works with out rush
o Benches are clean
o Reagents returned to the shelves after
each use
o No eating, drinking or smoking in the
laboratory.
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