Introduction:

Laboratory workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards including chemical,

biological and physical as well as musculoskeletal stresses.

The purpose of this laboratory safety manual is to provide information concerning

general safety policy statement of Pathology Laboratories with general safety notes.

and procedures in their health institution and thereby promote a safe working

environment. It contain the protection of personnel and the immediate laboratory

environment from exposure to infectious agents, is provided by good technique and

the use of appropriate equipment. Also it contain the protection of the environment

external to the laboratory from exposure to infectious materials, is provided by a

combination of facility design and operational practices.

Scope (Application):

This manual applies to all personnel working in the laboratories of all polyclinics and

health center in the ministry of health including medical laboratory technicians,

pathologists, medical orderlies, receptionist, trainees, students and interns from

institute of health sciences.

Purpose:

The main aims are:

1. To ensure that all personnel working in laboratory follow the safety

regulations when working in the medical laboratories at all times.

2. To provide information concerning general safety policy statement of

Pathology Laboratories with general safety notes and procedures in their

health institution and thereby promote a safe working environment

3. It contain the protection of personnel and the immediate laboratory

environment from exposure to infectious agents, is provided by good

technique and the use of appropriate equipment.

4. Also it contain the protection of the environment external to the laboratory

from exposure to infectious materials, is provided by a combination of facility

design and operational practices.

5. To ensure all staff working in the medical laboratories are competent to do

their tasks, and to give them adequate training.

Policy:

It is the overriding policy of health and safety manual provided by ministry

of health that laboratory work is done efficiently and safely. Staff

members are required to observe certain safety procedures.

The Safety officers and head of each lab unit are responsible for

implementing the laboratory safety practices.

Each member of the lab has a statutory duty to take care and ensure the

safety of all lab staff/visitors .

Matters affecting safety must be dealt with immediately.

Each member of the lab should follow the instruction of lab health and

safety manual

In case of ill health the staff involved should consult health and safety

environment officer .

All staff should immediately inform health and safety officer of the

department of any incidence.

Anyone who knowingly endangers the health of fellow employees by

failing to observe these guideline will be disciplined.

All personnel working in laboratories should attend training in health and

safety whenever it is conducted at their respective institutions.

GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY

It is the responsibility of all lab staff to ensure that their actions do not

jeopardize their safety or that of other members of the facility.

It is essential that each staff understands the operation of all equipment that

he/she uses. Misuse can lead to personal injury or expensive damage. All new

staff must be instructed on the correct use of equipment and materials. It is

important to obtain help before starting if one is unsure about any operation

procedure.

Lab coats must be worn at all times. Lab coats must be removed when leaving

the work place.

Smoking is not permitted in any part of the lab infrastructure.

Food and drink must not be consumed in the lab neither should it be stored in

lab refrigerators.

Loose jewelry should not be worn in the lab as they may get caught into

machines and be damaged or cause injury to the user/instrument.

All specimens should be handled as being potentially hazardous. Gloves must

be worn when handling samples.

High-risk activities should not be undertaken after normal working hours. If

this is unavoidable then it is essential that a person of authority is informed of

the nature, duration and location of the job. Safety spectacles/visors must be

worn when carrying out any procedure where there is a risk of eye injury.

Use a proper carrier when carrying Winchester or large bottles. Bottles/glass

items must not be carried by the neck.

Mouth pipetting is strictly forbidden. Mechanical pipetting should always be

used.

Fire doors should never be left opened unless they are regulated by a system

that closes them in the event of a fire.

All workers should familiarize themselves with the location of first aid kits,

fire alarms, fire extinguishers and emergency exits in the labs.

Samples stored in the cold room and freezers should be properly labeled.

Staffs are responsible for maintaining their work-place in a clean and tidy

condition. When leaving the department, all staff is responsible for the safe

disposal of all their chemical, solvents and cultures etc. Good housekeeping is

essential to safe working.

All workers are responsible for ensuring that their equipments are safe and

free from any contamination before requesting repair or service.

Any apparatus that is left on overnight should be checked by the worker

concerned to ensure that there is no danger of fire or flood. Any service or

apparatus that is running continuously should be labeled accordingly.

Fume cupboard fans should be switched off at night or when the cupboard is

not in use. If experiments require overnight running of the fume cupboard this

should be stated on a prominently displayed notice. Fume cupboards should

not be used as storage areas.

Members of the department are reminded that labs and workshops are

particularly dangerous places for children. Staff is not allowed to bring

children into these areas.

Hazardous material should be handled according to the manufacturer's

instructions.