ALAT Occupational Health and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

An ALAT is tasked with cleaning up a small spill of a hazardous chemical in the procedure room. According to standard safety protocols, what is the MOST important initial step?

Accepted Answer

Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical.

Answer

Wipe up the spill immediately with paper towels.

Answer

Notify the facility manager by email.

Answer

Evacuate the room and close the door.

Question 2

Which of the following is considered a primary ergonomic hazard for an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive lifting and moving of heavy cage racks.

Answer

Exposure to animal dander and allergens.

Answer

A needlestick injury from an injection.

Answer

Receiving a bite from an agitated animal.

Question 3

A zoonotic disease is a disease that is:

Accepted Answer

transmitted from animals to humans.

Answer

only found in animals housed within a zoo.

Answer

fatal to all animal species it infects.

Answer

caused by poor sanitation in the facility.

Question 4

When working with rodents in open-top caging or during cage changing procedures, what type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specifically recommended to minimize exposure to allergens?

Accepted Answer

An N95 respirator or PAPR

Answer

A standard surgical mask

Answer

A fluid-resistant gown

Answer

Safety glasses with side shields

Question 5

An ALAT is administering an injection to a rabbit and accidentally sustains a needlestick injury. What is the correct immediate action to take?

Accepted Answer

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.

Answer

Finish the procedure before seeking treatment.

Answer

Immediately apply a pressure bandage to the wound.

Answer

Report the injury only if it appears infected later.

Question 6

According to safe sharps handling practices in a laboratory animal facility, what is the proper procedure for disposing of a used needle and syringe?

Accepted Answer

Place the uncapped needle and syringe directly into a designated sharps container.

Answer

Recap the needle using two hands before placing it in the trash.

Answer

Bend or break the needle to prevent reuse before disposal.

Answer

Leave the syringe on the counter for a designated person to collect later.