Hazardous Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

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.

After an exposure to HIV, the chance of becoming infected is usually less than 1%. However, blood and body fluid that contains high numbers of viral particles are more hazardous. Because of the extremely serious nature of HIV, it is vital to take every precaution to avoid workplace exposure.

After an exposure to HIV by a contaminated needle, the chance of becoming infected is usually less than 1%.However, exposures from patients with high numbers of viral particles in their blood may be more hazardous.Because of the extremely serious nature of HIV, we must take every precaution to avoid workplace exposure.

A ground is a conducting connection between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or between an electrical circuit and some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.The purpose of a ground is to prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in a hazardous situation for the connected equipment and/or for the person operating the equipment.All electrical equipment in the laboratory that is not clearly marked as "double-insulated" must be grounded by using a three-pronged power cord.

Locate potentially hazardous chemicals in your workplace. Explain how to obtain a copy of a material safety data sheet (MSDS). Explain the information included on chemical labels. Identify exposure control measures.The intent of th to recognize potentially hazardous chemicals in the workplace, be able to locate the paper copies of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) in the laboratory, or know how to obtain an electronic copy of an MSDS when needed. The goals also include able to explain the information that is included on chemical labels and choose to use engineering controls, personal protective equipment and safe work practices to avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals.

This section includes important first aid information that you will need if you, or someone else, comes into contact with the chemical.

Certain chemicals in use in the laboratory, such as formaldehyde, are hazardous if your exposure to them is prolonged. The amount of the chemical to which you can be exposed before possible danger is called the threshold limit value. Monitoring badges are used from time to time to measure your exposure. These are worn in the "breathing zone" for a certain period of time--often eight hours (for long-term exposure) or fifteen minutes (for short-term exposure). Based on the results of this monitoring, additional personal safety measures, such as ventilation or face-fitted masks, may be implemented for your protection.

According to federal and international regulations, all personnel who are involved in the packaging and shipping of infectious materials are required to have training. This includes anyone who:Packages, labels, and/or marks the package Is responsible for classifying the materials Is responsible for documenting the package contents on a shipper's declaration for dangerous goods form, air waybill, etc. Signs a shipper's declarationTransports hazardous materials by vehicle, plane, or vesselThe training that is required for individuals who package and ship only category B infectious substances is not as comprehensive as the training required for individuals who may package and ship category A infectious substances.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies hazardous materials according to the risks that they pose. There are nine hazard classes: Class 1: Explosives Class 2: Gases Class 3: Flammable liquids Class 4: Flammable solids Class 5: Oxidizers/organic peroxides Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances Class 7: Radioactive material Class 8: Corrosives Class 9: Miscellaneous hazardous materials Within class 6 are two divisions: Division 6.1- poisonous material Division 6.2- infectious substanceA division 6.2 infectious substance is defined as a material known or reasonably expected to contain a pathogen. A pathogen is a microorganism or other agent (e.g., a prion) that can cause disease in humans or animals. The regulations that govern packaging and shipping a class 9, miscellaneous hazardous material, may also need to be reviewed by those who package and ship laboratory specimens. Dry ice is a class 9 hazardous material and, if used, requires special packaging, and specific labeling and marking on the outer package.

Laboratory specimens that are unlikely to cause disease and do not meet the criteria for category A or B substances are not subject to Division 6.2 regulations. Specimens for which the hazardous materials regulation (HMR) does not apply include human or animal samples (including, but not limited to, secreta, excreta, blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluids, and body parts) being transported for routine testing not related to the diagnosis of an infectious disease. This includes specimens that are being sent for:drug or alcohol testing cholesterol testing blood glucose level testing prostate specific antibody (PSA) testing testing to monitor kidney or liver function pregnancy testing tests for diagnosis of non-infectious diseases such as cancer biopsies The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has no "Exempt Specimen" classification and there are no DOT guidelines for packaging non-regulated specimens.* According to the DOT, in the U.S., if a package is marked as "Exempt Human/Animal Specimen" the understanding is that it contains no infectious substance. However, both IATA and the US Postal Service (USPS) have these requirements for packaging exempt specimens: Packaging IssueIATAUSPSType of packaging requiredTriple packagingTriple packagingOuter containerOne dimension must be a minimum of 100 mm X 100 mm (approximately 4 x 4 inches) Must be able to survive a drop test of 4 feet One dimension must be a minimum of 100 mm X 100 mm (approximately 4 x 4 inches) Must be able to survive a drop test of 4 feet Quantity limits: outer containerNone NoneQuantity limits: Primary receptacleNone500 mLQuantity limits: secondary packagingNone500 mL* Non-regulated specimens may become regulated because of preservatives, such as 10% formaldehyde (class 9) or 25% formaldehyde (class 8); or 25% ethanol (class 3).

If dry ice is used as a refrigerant, it must be placed outside the secondary packaging. Interior supports must be provided to secure the secondary packaging in the original position after the dry ice has dissipated. The packaging must be designed and constructed to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas to prevent a buildup of pressure that could rupture the packaging. A "miscellaneous hazardous materials" label (class 9) must be affixed to the outer package along with a "dry ice" label that includes the UN designation "UN 1845." The net quantity (weight) of the dry ice must also be stated. If the package (category B or exempt substance) is sent through the mail, the amount of dry ice that can be used is limited to 5.5 pounds, unless advanced arrangements have been made. The quantity limit that complies with IATA regulations is 200 kg/441 lbs.

Each facility that stores and transports hazardous materials must have a written, detailed security plan. The Select Agents and Toxins Security Information Document that was prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is an excellent resource to use for developing a security plan that would apply to category A infectious substances. This document can be found at http://www.selectagents.gov/resources%5CSecurity%20Information%20Document.pdfThe current version, dated March 8, 2007, is available in this course as a resource. However, because the document does undergo revisions, it is recommended that the URL given above be checked periodically for document updates.

All needles & other sharps must be disposed of in approved sharps disposal containers. Other contaminated waste must be discarded in an appropriate red biohazard bag or waste receptacle.

There are many reasons why certain agents would be selected for use in bioterrorist attacks, including the:Ease of availability: Biological pathogens can be obtained from nature, hospital laboratories, and university research facilities. Difficulty to detect: Small quantities can have potentially deadly or incapacitating effects on a susceptible population. Covert use of the agent: Can be spread throughout large areas by natural convection, air, or water currents. Ease in disseminating: Pathogens can be spread through ventilation systems in buildings. Transportation facilities could become part of the dissemination system by carrying biological agents far from their initial source. 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. Ability to 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. Difficulty to defend against attack: 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.

Although this smear is the proper thickness, it is not appropriate for examination because the host cells are stained blue instead of red, indicating that the smear was under-decolorized. In addition, small flecks of precipitated stain are present. Notice that the precipitated stain is irregular in shape, which helps differentiate the flecks from bacteria. A slide is also not acceptable for examination if microorganisms that should be gram-positive appear pink. This may indicate that either the Gram's iodine was not applied or the slide was over-decolorized. Staining gram-positive and gram-negative control slides along with the patient's smear would confirm that proper staining technique was used. If it is impossible to prepare a new smear, the poorly stained smear may still be salvaged. Remove immersion oil from the smear using xylol. Use appropriate procedures and personal protective equipment when using xylol, since it is a hazardous chemical. If the smear is under-decolorized, repeat the decolorization and counterstain steps. If the smear is over-decolorized, the slide should be stained again.

If stains and technique are adequate, S. aureus should be Gram positive (blue) and E. coli should be Gram negative (pink). If control slides do not react appropriately, reliable results cannot be assured for the specimen smears. Check stains and technique and prepare more control smears until proper results are achieved, then remake and stain the new direct smears. If it is impossible to prepare a new smear, the poorly stained smear may still be salvaged. Remove immersion oil from the smear using xylol. Use appropriate procedures and personal protective equipment when using xylol, since it is hazardous chemical. If the smear is underdecolorized, repeat the decolorization and counterstain steps. If the smear is overdecolorized, the slide should be stained again.