Workplace Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

The Non-Federally Regulated Custody and Control Form is most often used in clinics and hospital emergency rooms when drug abuse is suspected, or by companies participating in their state's drug-free workplace program. Be aware that some states mandate the use of a special CCF for their drug-free workplace program. There are significant differences between the Federally Regulated CCF and the Non-Regulated CCF. You are strongly encouraged to review the difference between the two. Unless there are extenuating (which we will discuss next), remember that the two forms are not interchangeable. The Federally Regulated CCF can be used only for urine collections required by the Department of Transportation drug testing program.

This course has covered basic aspects of HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations that you need to know. Your facility has its own detailed policies and procedures to enforce these regulations in your workplace, and it is your responsibility to follow these policies and procedures.

Prevention of HIV exposure is the best line of defense to prevent occupational transmission of HIV as there is no vaccine available to develop specific immunity and the postexposure prophylaxis is toxic. Following appropriate workplace practices in the laboratory focus on preventing needlesticks or other sharps injuries and exposure of mucous membranes and abraded skin to HIV-infected blood or body fluids.

Recent events, including the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the subsequent bioterrorist releases of anthrax, have been a harsh awakening that the nation’s workplaces could be terrorist targets.Traditionally laboratory safety guidelines have emphasized use of optimal work practices, appropriate containment equipment, well-designed facilities, and administrative controls to minimize risks of unintentional infection or injury for laboratory workers. Today, in addition to the above, laboratories must make a risk and threat assessment, secure data and electronic technology systems, plus develop policies regarding specimen accountability, facility security, and emergency response.The next few pages will cover a number of things that you can do to assist in making your laboratory more risk free to a terrorist attack and some things you can do in case that security is breached. You too have a role in the security of your workplace!

Personal conduct towards colleagues and patients is very important. Inappropriate behavior in the workplace can lead to fines and suspension. The following are violations of Board rules:Engaging in sexual misconduct or sexual harassment.Unduly embarrassing or disparaging a patient.

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

A sharp is any object which can penetrate the skin.Examples include: Needles Scalpels Broken glass About 800,000 needlestick and sharps injuries occur in the U.S. healthcare workplace each year! It is important to handle and dispose of sharps properly.

This training program is designed for your benefit and protection. In it you will receive the information necessary to ensure your familiarity with the chemicals in your workplace and how best to handle them.

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.

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.

You should be alert to the causes of fire in your workplace and be knowledgeable about methods of fire prevention and containment.

Depending on the exposure level at your workplace, a medical surveillance questionnaire may need to be completed by you prior to your working with formaldehyde.This questionnaire helps determine your personal risk from exposure to formaldehyde.If your level of exposure is high enough, you may be required to complete this questionnaire annually.