Hazard Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

These are the MediaLab courses that cover Hazard and links to relevant pages within the course.

Learn more about laboratory continuing education for medical technologists to earn CE credit for AMT, ASCP, NCA, and state license renewal and recertification. Or get information about laboratory safety and compliance courses that deliver cost-effective OSHA safety training and continuing education to your laboratory's employees.

CLIA General Laboratory Review
What does the color RED on the NFPA diamond represent:	View Page
What does the YELLOW color on the NFPA diamond represent:	View Page
What would a number 2 on the BLUE section of the NFPA diamond indicate:	View Page
In what section of the MSDS manual would you find information on which chemical might affect your health:	View Page
In which section of the MSDS manual would you find information about whether a specific chemical is a carcinogen:	View Page
Which section of the MSDS would provide information on chemical hazards that might affect your health:	View Page

Introduction to Bioterrorism

Advantages of using Biological Agents (cont.)

They can have a psychological impact.Biological WMD’s could possibly have a psychological impact that will go far beyond their actual effect. The very thought of exposure to a biological agent may possibly cause many people to panic. Biological WMDs can tie up resources.Some biological agents can be a hazard for lengthy periods. The use of these agents may require tedious, time-consuming, resource-intensive decontamination and monitoring of facilities before they can be returned to service. Defense may be difficult.It is very difficult for civilian government agencies to prepare for biological terrorist incidents. While most civilian agencies have some kind of hazardous material or HAZMAT response teams; in the event of a biological terrorist incident, these teams are likely to be challenged beyond their capability in terms of human resources, and equipment.

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OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
Engineering Controls Engineering Controls are devices which isolate the worker from the hazard of exposure.Examples: Self-sheathing needles Sharps disposal containers Disposable resuscitation bags Microbiological safety cabinets Proper use of engineering controls in your workplace will help protect you from bloodborne pathogens.	View Page

OSHA Chemical Hygiene (updated 2007)
In the Past There was no guarantee that workers would be told about the chemical hazards they might face on the job. Container labels and warning sheets did not always give enough information on potential hazards, what to do in an emergency, or where to turn for help.	View Page
In the Present Chemical manufacturers have to determine the physical and health hazards of each product they make. They also have to let users know about those hazards through the use of: Container labels Material safety data sheets	View Page
Haz-Com In 1987, OSHA issued a regulation to help control workplace exposure to chemicals. This regulation is called the Hazard Communication Standard, but is more commonly known as Haz-Com, or the Right-to-Know Law.	View Page
Employer Responsibility Your employer has a responsibility to educate you about chemical hazards, and safety procedures.	View Page
Your Responsibility Read the manufacturers' labels and MSDS sheets and follow the instructions and warnings. Access pertinent safety information through your supervisor. If you detect any potential hazards either in the facility or in your work procedures, contact your supervisor as soon as possible.	View Page
Format of the Label Every chemical container is labeled by the manufacturer. The format of the label will differ from company to company. The label must contain similar types of information to meet the OSHA and DOT regulations. The label makes it easy for you to find a chemical's possible hazards. The basic steps to protect yourself against the chemical's hazards are listed on the label.	View Page
Identification Name of the chemical, indicated by words or symbols. Information about the company that made or imported the chemical: Company name Address Emergency phone number Physical hazards that are associated with the chemical: Reactivity Flammability	View Page
Numerical Ranking NFPA ranks chemicals numerically according to the hazards associated with them and displays these numbers in the NFPA symbol. They indicate: Health hazards Fire hazards Reactivity Special hazards related to a chemical	View Page
Right to Know As an employee, you have the right to know the types of hazardous substances that are used in your workplace. Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS, are available in paper or electronic versions in each laboratory section and are there to inform you of these hazards. Ask your supervisor for the exact location.	View Page
Fire and Explosion Hazard Data Identifies any special precautions which should be taken during fire fighting procedures. This chemical is still flammable when diluted, and can be extinguished by an ABC fire extinguisher. Special fire fighting procedures included would not necessarily apply to a laboratory setting.	View Page
Identification (continued) Further information: Manufacturer product number An emergency phone number CAS identification number The DOT shipping name and hazard class The chemical family name and synonyms The chemical's formula and molecular weight	View Page
General Information You won't find exactly the same amount of information on every MSDS. You will find everything you need to work safely with your chemicals: Hazards of the chemical. Steps you can take to avoid them.	View Page
Common Sense Rules Make these common sense rules a part of your job: Identify hazards before you start a job. Don't take chances. Ask your supervisor when in doubt. Be prepared! Know how and where to get help.	View Page
Common Sense Rules (continued) Also remember to: Learn basic first aid measures. Read chemical labels. Read MSDS. Follow warnings and instructions. Use the correct protection. Practice sensible, safe work habits. Be knowledgeable about your laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan and the location in your laboratory of all reference materials on the hazards, safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, including the location of Material Safety Data Sheets.	View Page
Keep It Safe! Your laboratory has provided you with training to protect yourself from chemical hazards in your daily work. But the only one who can keep you safe on the job every day is you. As a responsible member of the laboratory team, it is up to you to utilize safe work practices.	View Page

OSHA Electrical Safety (updated 2007)
The Hazards of Electricity The hazards associated with electricity include electric shocks, burns, fires, and explosions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical injuries in the workplace have caused an average of 320 deaths and over 4000 injuries annually in the last decade.Reference: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data. US Department of Labor. Washington, DC: 2006.	View Page
Electrical Hazard Awareness Manufacturers are required to label appliances and instruments with electrical ratings including voltage, frequency, current, and/or wattage of the device and precautionary statements if applicable. Operating and safety instructions are provided with electrical equipment. It is prudent for personnel to familiarize themselves with this information before using the equipment. Personnel should be aware of the hazards associated with the use of defective electrical equipment. Defective equipment should be tagged and repaired or discarded. Keep liquids, chemicals, and heat sources away from electrical outlets and cords.	View Page

OSHA Fire Safety (updated 2007)
Class B Class B fires involve flammable liquids including chemicals and grease. Class B fires can be extinguished by using a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher or an all purpose dry chemical extinguisher (ABC). Never use water on a Class B fire since this will only increase the hazard. Use care in extinguishing a Class B fire as this type of fire can flash back and reignite after being extinguished.	View Page
Class C Class C fires involve electricity. Use a carbon dioxide extinguisher or any all purpose dry chemical extinguisher (ABC). Never use water on a Class B or C fire since this will only increase the hazard.	View Page

OSHA Formaldehyde
The Goal of this Program To inform you of the hazards of formaldehyde.To train you to use formaldehyde safely as required by law.	View Page
Manufacturer's Label Formaldehyde has a manufacturer's label on its container indicating the hazards associated with it.Read this label carefully!	View Page
Warning Signs Areas where formalin is used must have warning signs.Access to these areas is limited to authorized persons trained to recognize the hazards of formaldehyde.	View Page