Laboratory Safety and Biohazard Management Flashcards

Which disinfectant is commonly recommended for cleaning a blood spill on a lab bench?

Answer: A freshly prepared 1:10 dilution of household bleach

A 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach), made fresh, works against bloodborne pathogens such as HBV and HIV. It needs adequate contact time and should be applied after absorbing the bulk of the spill.

Which class of fire extinguisher is suitable for a fire involving energized electrical equipment?

Answer: Class C

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment and need a non-conductive agent such as CO2 or dry chemical. Class A is for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, and Class D for combustible metals.

Which document gives a chemical's hazards, handling precautions, PPE, and first-aid measures?

Answer: Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, manufacturers must provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each hazardous chemical. It covers hazards, safe handling, PPE, spill response, and first aid.

When manipulating microbiology cultures that may produce infectious aerosols, what should the technologist work in?

Answer: Class II biological safety cabinet

A Class II biological safety cabinet uses HEPA-filtered airflow to protect the worker, the product, and the environment from aerosols. A chemical fume hood is not designed for biological containment, and a clean bench blows air toward the user.

What is the correct way to handle a used needle after venipuncture?

Answer: Activate the safety device and place it right away in a puncture-resistant sharps container

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard bans two-handed recapping, bending, or breaking contaminated needles. Engage the safety device and dispose of the needle immediately in a labeled, puncture-resistant sharps container.

After a chemical splash to the eyes, how long should the eyes be flushed at an eyewash station at minimum?

Answer: 15 minutes

Standard guidance is to flush the eyes with continuous water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open, and then get medical evaluation.