ALAT Occupational Health and Safety 4

Question 1

Which type of respirator provides the highest level of respiratory protection when working with animals that produce high levels of allergens?

Accepted Answer

Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)

Answer

A PAPR provides the highest protection factor among common respirators and is recommended for workers with severe allergen sensitivities.

Question 2

An animal technician is bitten by a research mouse. What is the FIRST action that should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes

Answer

Immediate thorough wound washing with soap and water is the first priority to reduce infection risk from a bite wound.

Question 3

What does the term 'zoonosis' refer to in the context of laboratory animal work?

Accepted Answer

A disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans

Answer

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans or vice versa.

Question 4

When using a chemical disinfectant in the animal facility, which action best protects the technician?

Accepted Answer

Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use

Answer

The SDS provides critical information on hazards, required PPE, and safe handling procedures for chemical disinfectants.

Question 5

A technician notices they experience wheezing and nasal congestion only on workdays. This pattern most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Laboratory animal allergy (LAA)

Answer

Work-related symptoms that improve on days off are a classic sign of laboratory animal allergy caused by occupational allergen exposure.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test