Complete Guide to Laboratory Safety - Third Edition

The Complete Guide to Laboratory Safety – Third Edition is now available for purchase at a 10% discount. Go to http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-8435-EB94423A.

This popular resource makes training and compliance easier by consolidating regulations from all relevant agencies (OSHA, Joint Commission, CAP, CLSI, DOT, state health department). Included with your hard-copy is a searchable, hyperlinked PDF to allow quick access to specific regulations. Operate your lab in an efficient and safe manner with customizable policies and procedures, practical case studies, and expert advice from lab safety authority Terry Jo Gile, MT(ASCP)MA Ed., The Safety Lady®.

The Complete Guide to Lab Safety, 3rd Edition will help you:
• Save time finding all lab safety regulations using the book and the searchable PDF
• Avoid costly OSHA fines by building and maintaining a culture of safety
• Protect lab employees from infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and hazardous chemicals, using effective training techniques
• Develop an efficient compliance program with customizable policies, procedures and checklists

What's new in the 3rd Edition?
• Fully searchable PDF, enabling users to quickly find standards, key requirements, and important lab safety topics
• Fresh case studies and tools to reflect the current trends and outline proven solutions in lab safety
• Guidance on new waste management and chemical hygiene standards
• Lab-specific guidance for dealing with pandemic influenza

Take a look at the Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Law of Science and Laboratory Safety
Chapter 2: Managing Laboratory Safety
Chapter 3: Safe Work Practices
Chapter 4: Personal Protective Equipment
Chapter 5: Safety in Laboratory Design
Chapter 6: Ergonomics
Chapter 7: Hazard Communication
Chapter 8: Chemical Hygiene
Chapter 9: Bloodborne Pathogens and Infectious Disease
Chapter 10: Radiation Safety
Chapter 11: Fire Safety
Chapter 12: Electrical Safety
Chapter 13: Safe Use of Compressed Gases
Chapter 14: Special Safety Requirements for Anatomic Pathology Laboratories
Chapter 15: Safe Transport of Specimens
Chapter 16: Training
Appendix 1: Model Laboratory Safety Manual
Appendix 2: Checklist for Annual Safety Audit
Appendix 3: Glossary
For a 10% discount go to:
http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-8435-EB94423A

Centrifuge Safety

In 1998, the rotor in an ultracentrifuge spun out control, completely destroying the centrifuge, a nearby freezer, the control system for an incubator, and all the windows in the room. Fortunately, there were no workers in the lab at the time of the accident. Even though the rotor had been used extensively without any problems, it was determined that the model was unapproved by the manufacturer. This article outlines 6 additional safety tips to keep in mind while operating a laboratory centrifuge. For more information on centrifuge safety go to: http://www.labmanager.com/stips.asp?ID=105

Pipette Safety

In golf, you wouldn’t use clubs that require you to hunch over and hurt your back. When buying a car, you wouldn’t buy one that doesn’t give you appropriate headroom. On walks, you wouldn’t wear shoes that give you blisters. So why, when you’re working in the lab, would you use a pipette that doesn’t fit comfortably in your hand? Learn why it’s important to treat yourself and your employees to optimally designed pipettes by going to: http://www.labmanager.com/stips.asp?ID=102

OSHA Seeking Comments for Possible Infectious Agents Standard

OSHA is requesting information and comment on occupational exposure to infectious agents in settings where healthcare is provided, (e.g., hospitals, outpatient clinics, etc.), and healthcare-related settings (e.g., laboratories that handle potentially infectious biological materials). OSHA is interested in strategies that are being used in such healthcare and other healthcare-related work settings to mitigate the risk of occupationally-acquired infectious diseases.

David Michaels, OSHA’s new director stated in May that OSHA has inadequate standards for workers exposed to infectious materials. “The OSHA laboratory standard deals with chemicals,” Mr. Michaels said. “It doesn’t deal with infectious agents.” Rather than trying to establish new rules for each infectious agent or for any specific hazards, Mr. Michaels expects OSHA to eventually require employers, in consultation with their employees, to identify all potential hazards in their workplaces and to take steps to reduce them. OSHA would then have the power to cite employers for failure to adequately implement this process.

As a first step toward possible new regulations, the agency issued a sweeping request for information on occupational risks from infectious agents, and for suggestions on how best to reduce them. The focus is mainly on hospital and other health care workers, but any rules are expected to also cover industry laboratory workers. The deadline for comments is August 4, 2010. For more information go to: http://tinyurl.com/2984wbm.

How to Don and Doff a Lab Coat

OSHA requires that all lab employees be able to demonstrate how to don and doff a lab coat. For written instructions go to the CDC link at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/ppe/ppeposter148.pdf

Classification of Flammables and Combustibles

Ever wonder how to classify flammables and combustibles? Check out NFPA 30 from the National Fire Protection Association. This is a link to an EZ-Fact from Lab Safety Supply that includes a chart and explains NFPA 30 http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf180.htm

Eyewash Stations and Doors

A colleague asked the following question:

I recently attended an audio conference on Safety and learned that if the eyewash must be accessed by walking through a door, then the door must open out to the eyewash. Before I have my door swing direction changed, I wanted to confirm this with you.

Check out this link to the ANSI standard that covers eyewashes. Go to page 4 for more information about the door placement.
http://www.bradleycorp.com/products/techdata/4002.pdf