REE CMLA Laboratory Safety & Procedures Flashcards

Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for electrical equipment fires in the laboratory?

Answer: Class C

Class C extinguishers are designed for electrical fires and use non-conductive agents that won't cause electrocution.

A sharps container should be sealed and disposed of when it is:

Answer: Three-quarters full

Sharps containers should be sealed and replaced when they reach three-quarters full to prevent overfilling and needlestick injuries.

What does the NFPA 704 diamond's blue quadrant indicate?

Answer: Health hazard

The blue (left) quadrant of the NFPA 704 diamond represents the health hazard rating on a scale of 0–4.

When centrifuging potentially infectious specimens, which safety measure is mandatory?

Answer: Using safety-capped centrifuge tubes or sealed rotors

Safety-capped tubes or sealed rotors contain aerosols and prevent release of infectious particles if a tube breaks during centrifugation.

A chemical spill of a corrosive acid on the skin should FIRST be treated by:

Answer: Rinsing with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes

Immediate and prolonged water rinsing (≥15 minutes) dilutes and removes the acid before it causes further tissue damage.

Which biosafety level (BSL) is required when working with agents that pose a moderate hazard and are associated with human disease transmitted by ingestion or mucous membrane contact?

Answer: BSL-2

BSL-2 is appropriate for moderately hazardous agents associated with human disease, requiring standard precautions plus face protection and restricted access.

Laboratory specimens should be transported within the facility in containers that are:

Answer: Leak-proof with a secondary containment bag

Specimens must be in leak-proof primary containers placed inside a secondary containment bag to prevent exposure if the primary container leaks.