Histology Certification Laboratory Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which waste disposal container is correct for discarded xylene used during deparaffinization?
- Regular trash bin lined with a red bag
- Drain with running water
- Labeled flammable liquid waste container (Correct answer)
- Sharps disposal container
Correct answer: Labeled flammable liquid waste container
Xylene is a flammable, regulated chemical waste that must be collected in a labeled flammable liquid waste container for proper disposal.
Question 2: A histology technician notices a fellow employee is not wearing gloves while handling tissue specimens. The best immediate action is to:
- Document the incident and report to supervisor at end of shift
- Provide gloves and remind the employee of PPE policy immediately (Correct answer)
- Ignore it as it is not your responsibility
- File a formal OSHA complaint
Correct answer: Provide gloves and remind the employee of PPE policy immediately
Immediate intervention by providing PPE and a verbal reminder protects the employee and upholds lab safety culture without delay.
Question 3: Which GHS pictogram indicates a chemical that is an acute toxin (skull and crossbones)?
- Flame over circle
- Exclamation mark
- Skull and crossbones (Correct answer)
- Exploding bomb
Correct answer: Skull and crossbones
The skull and crossbones GHS pictogram specifically denotes substances that are acutely toxic via oral, dermal, or inhalation routes.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a chemical hygiene plan (CHP) in a histology laboratory?
- To document equipment maintenance schedules
- To outline procedures protecting employees from chemical hazards (Correct answer)
- To track reagent inventory and expiration dates
- To certify laboratory accreditation status
Correct answer: To outline procedures protecting employees from chemical hazards
OSHA's Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) requires a CHP that details measures to protect workers from hazardous chemical exposures.
Question 5: How should expired formalin fixative be disposed of in a U.S. histology laboratory?
- Dilute with water and pour down the drain
- Place in a red biohazard bag
- Collect in a labeled hazardous waste container for licensed disposal (Correct answer)
- Neutralize with bleach before draining
Correct answer: Collect in a labeled hazardous waste container for licensed disposal
Formalin is a regulated hazardous waste requiring collection in properly labeled containers and pickup by a licensed hazardous waste contractor.
Question 6: Which biosafety level is appropriate for routine histology work involving human tissue specimens of unknown infectious status?
- BSL-1
- BSL-2 (Correct answer)
- BSL-3
- BSL-4
Correct answer: BSL-2
BSL-2 practices are required for work with human-derived materials that may contain bloodborne pathogens or other moderate-risk agents.
Question 7: In a histology lab, the Safety Data Sheet section that describes first aid measures is section number:
- Section 3
- Section 4 (Correct answer)
- Section 7
- Section 11
Correct answer: Section 4
Section 4 of the GHS-format SDS is dedicated to first aid measures for exposure by inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion.
Histology Certification Laboratory Safety 3
Which waste disposal container is correct for discarded xylene used during deparaffinization?