Question - Lab Safety and Universal Precautions
As a student and a professional working in a laboratory setting, it is critical to appreciate the importance of lab safety and universal precautions. The varieties and concentrations of microorganisms found in a microbiology laboratory call for adherence to strict safety procedures. The topic, "Orientation to the Microbiology Laboratory" in your laboratory manual also lists some guidelines for laboratory safety.
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 aims to assure safe and healthy working conditions for workers. Employers must conform to the standards outlined in the act and provide a safe work environment for employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a computerized eTool that is designed to help employers identify and address possible occupational hazards in hospitals and laboratories.
Read the microbiology lab safety rules. In addition, locate and view the following videos on the site:
Hand Washing
Preparation of Work Bench
Clean up Broken Glass
Containing Small Fires
Clothing Fires
Using the Eye Wash Station
Read the information and guidelines outlined in the videos, OSHA website, and laboratory manual. Based on your reading and understanding, respond to the following:
How can the laboratory practices and safety precautions demonstrated in the video help you reduce hazards in your laboratory setting? How will you incorporate those safety precautions in your laboratory?
How should you handle blood cultures and pathogenic strains in a laboratory to minimize contamination and eliminate chances of infection?
What are some of the common safety dos and don'ts while working in a microbiology laboratory?
What are the safety dos and don'ts in a laboratory? Explain at least five.
To support your work, use your course and text readings and also use outside sources. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.