Laboratory Pathology Safety

Published on Oct 25, 2020 • 3 min read
Blog image on Laboratory Pathology Safety

Introduction

Despite working in a controlled setting, laboratory pathology employees have to manage the risk of contamination on a daily basis. From interacting with patient samples to handling highly contagious pathogens, potential hazards demand the implementation of a series of rigorous protection measures that must be followed at all times in order to keep lab employees safe.

Potential Hazards

Some of the most frequent laboratory pathology risks are:

  • Accumulation of Fumes or Vapors.

    Every pathology laboratory must be equipped with a dedicated ventilation system capable of providing everything from general air supply to specialized exhaust. In certain cases, snorkels or elephant trunks might be necessary to evacuate highly toxic or flammable vapors. There are a number of substances that can emanate fumes even at room temperature, without an interaction with additional chemicals or heat. Furthermore, containment or special filtration might be needed for a series of radiological or biological materials that can aerosolize and become airborne through routine lab processes.
  • Exposure to Pathogens.

    Evidence indicates that an alarming number of laboratory-acquired infections continue to occur on a yearly basis, although statistics are difficult to compile due to a severe lack of global systematic reporting. Infections due to bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B or C and HIV, are some of the most common. A number of pathology institutions might also accommodate high risk work, which involves additional containment measures, such as protective cabinets and chemical cleansing.
  • Chemical Spills.

    Regardless of how many security protocols are in place, chemical spills will eventually occur in a laboratory setting. Although disruptive, these incidents can ultimately amount to nothing more than a nuisance if handled in a thoroughly appropriate manner. According to risk assessment guidelines, some major spills (such as Formaldehyde) might formally require the local fire department to be notified. Containment, vapors, and disposal of chemical waste must be addressed accordingly when such incidents take place.
  • Chemical Mislabeling.

    The process of labelling chemicals and samples is a complex and time consuming one. Products usually have a primary and secondary tag, both of which relay vital information regarding the materials. Mistakes in the labelling process are somewhat common and can ultimately lead to a more serious accident by failing to account for all the risks involved or by conveying the wrong lab results to a patient.

Incident Prevention

Every laboratory pathology institution has an occupational scheme that includes policies for immunization, working with pathogens, handling various chemicals, containment, and more. Given the wide range of personal and public health risks involved, it is vital for employees to receive adequate safety training when working in a lab.

When handling certain chemicals or samples, a series of protective measures will be in place. Depending on the hazardous nature and/or volatility of the compound, personal protective equipment requirements can range from gloves and apron to respirator, containment suit, and on-site ventilation. Almost all incidents reported in laboratory pathology are due to human error, which makes them fully preventable with the right amount of training.

Recommended Safety Courses

Respirators
Course Duration: 45m
Respirators Online Training coursePage Courses Availability
Recommended
Online Course
OHS Compliant
Certificate of Completion
Available on Desktop & Mobile
Course Duration: 45m
When working in an atmosphere contaminated with toxic particulates or vapors is unavoidable, employees must wear appropriate respiratory protection equipment in order to protect their health. This Respiratory Protection course aims to teach employees how to choose and use the correct type of equipment in order to minimize the risks associated with airborne toxic substances.
$36.95
Price per course
Bloodborne Pathogens
Course Duration: 40m
Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training coursePage Courses Availability
Recommended
Online Course
OHS Compliant
Certificate of Completion
Available on Desktop & Mobile
Course Duration: 40m
When caring for others, employees frequently come in contact with contagious viruses or bacteria that are carried by the human blood. The Bloodborne Pathogen training course is addressed to all employees who are exposed to the microscopic hazards present in the human blood, as well as to other potentially infectious materials, such as needles.
$32.95
Price per course
WHMIS
Course Duration: 1h 55m
WHMIS Online Training coursePage Courses Availability
Recommended
Online Course
OHS Compliant
Certificate of Completion
Available on Desktop & Mobile
Course Duration: 1h 55m
WHMIS is a safety course addressed to employees who work with or around hazardous materials. According to the Government of Canada’s Hazardous Products Act, all such workers are required by law to undergo proper WHMIS training.
$22.95
Price per course

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Whether you’re a lab or manufacturing technician, biochemist or microbiologist, the first step towards ensuring your own safety, as well as that of your colleagues is to become aware of the full extent of possible hazards in laboratory pathology. Throughout Canada, employers are legally required to offer safety training that accounts for the occupational risks associated with the working conditions of their personnel.

Meanwhile, employees are required to undergo safety courses such as the ones presented above and apply their knowledge on a day to day basis. To browse a comprehensive selection of safety programs associated with your job, please visit our Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare industry page and choose your occupation from the list provided.

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Explore our top-notch safety courses on our consultation page today.
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