Histology Lab Safety and Ergonomics FAQs:
What are the primary hazards in histology laboratories?
Histology laboratories face chemical, biological, electrical, and mechanical hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, biohazards, and improper handling of equipment.
What is the first step in risk management for histology labs?
The first step is to identify and evaluate hazards, including chemical, electrical, mechanical, and biological risks, and create a detailed inventory of hazardous materials.
How can hazardous chemicals be minimized in histology labs?
Hazardous chemicals can be minimized by eliminating obsolete chemicals, reducing usage, recycling, and substituting with safer alternatives.
What are the key components of a risk management plan?
A risk management plan includes hazard identification, risk evaluation, implementation of control measures (work practice, engineering, and PPE), and regular reviews and updates.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended in histology labs?
Recommended PPE includes nitrile gloves, splashproof goggles, aprons, and, in some cases, respirators for specific hazardous tasks.
How should hazardous chemical spills be handled?
Small spills can be cleaned up by trained staff using appropriate PPE and spill kits, while large spills require evacuation and assistance from HazMat or emergency response teams.
What are the occupational exposure limits (OELs) for common chemicals like formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde has a TWA (time-weighted average) of 0.75 ppm, a STEL (short-term exposure limit) of 2 ppm, and a ceiling limit of 0.3 ppm for 15 minutes.
How can formalin be safely recycled in histology labs?
Formalin can be recycled through distillation to separate formaldehyde and water from other components, followed by adjusting the formaldehyde concentration and adding fresh salts.
What are the risks associated with xylene, and how can they be mitigated?
Xylene is toxic, flammable, and a neurotoxin. Risks can be mitigated by using safer substitutes, proper ventilation, and monitoring exposure through urine tests for methylhippuric acids.
What are the key considerations for designing a safe histology lab workstation?
Workstations should be ergonomic, with adjustable heights, proper lighting, and minimal noise. They should also accommodate equipment and supplies while promoting good posture.
How should biohazardous waste be disposed of in histology labs?
Biohazardous waste should be incinerated on-site or hauled away by licensed waste disposal services, ensuring it is segregated from chemical and non-regulated waste.
What are the risks of using chloroform in histology labs?
Chloroform is highly toxic, carcinogenic, and poses significant environmental risks. It should be avoided, and safer alternatives should be used whenever possible.
What are the recommended glove materials for handling formaldehyde?
Nitrile gloves are recommended for handling formaldehyde, as latex gloves offer little protection due to their permeability.
How can histology labs reduce environmental pollution?
Labs can reduce pollution by minimizing chemical use, recycling solvents like formalin and alcohol, and using biodegradable or less toxic alternatives.
What are the risks of using picric acid, and how should it be stored?
Picric acid is explosive when dry and toxic. It should be stored wet, checked monthly, and handled with extreme caution. Substitutes like zinc formalin are recommended.
What are the key ergonomic considerations for microtomy?
Microtomy requires proper posture, ergonomic chairs, and tools to minimize repetitive strain. Automation can also reduce physical stress.
How should histology labs handle radioactive materials?
Radioactive materials should be handled by trained personnel under the supervision of a radiation safety officer, with proper monitoring, storage, and disposal protocols.
What are the risks of using methanol in histology labs?
Methanol is toxic, flammable, and can cause blindness or death if ingested or inhaled. It should be handled with butyl gloves and proper ventilation.
How can histology labs ensure proper ventilation for chemical fumes?
Labs should use chemical fume hoods with face velocities of 80–120 linear feet per minute, ensure proper airflow, and avoid crosscurrents that can disrupt ventilation.
What are the best practices for labeling chemicals in histology labs?
Labels should include the chemical name, manufacturer, date, expiration date, hazard warnings, and safety precautions. Multilingual labels are recommended for diverse workforces.
Histology Lab Safety and Ergonomics MCQs
1. What is the first step in risk management for histology laboratories?
a) Implementing PPE
b) Identifying and evaluating hazards
c) Training personnel
d) Disposing of waste
Answer: b) Identifying and evaluating hazards
2. Which of the following is NOT a recommended method to minimize hazardous chemicals in histology labs?
a) Recycling
b) Substitution with safer alternatives
c) Increasing chemical inventory
d) Reducing usage
Answer: c) Increasing chemical inventory
3. What is the TWA (time-weighted average) for formaldehyde exposure?
a) 0.75 ppm
b) 2 ppm
c) 5 ppm
d) 10 ppm
Answer: a) 0.75 ppm
4. Which glove material is recommended for handling formaldehyde?
a) Latex
b) Neoprene
c) Nitrile
d) Butyl rubber
Answer: c) Nitrile
5. What is the primary hazard associated with picric acid?
a) Flammability
b) Explosiveness when dry
c) Corrosiveness
d) Toxicity
Answer: b) Explosiveness when dry
6. Which of the following is a safe method for recycling formalin?
a) Evaporation
b) Distillation
c) Neutralization with bleach
d) Mixing with water
Answer: b) Distillation
7. What is the recommended face velocity for chemical fume hoods in histology labs?
a) 50–70 linear feet per minute
b) 80–120 linear feet per minute
c) 150–200 linear feet per minute
d) 250–300 linear feet per minute
Answer: b) 80–120 linear feet per minute
8. Which of the following chemicals is considered highly toxic and carcinogenic?
a) Acetic acid
b) Chloroform
c) Ethanol
d) Sodium chloride
Answer: b) Chloroform
9. What is the primary route of exposure to biohazards in histology labs?
a) Inhalation of aerosols
b) Skin contact with intact skin
c) Ingestion of food
d) Radiation exposure
Answer: a) Inhalation of aerosols
10. Which of the following is a recommended substitute for formaldehyde-based fixatives?
a) Xylene
b) Glyoxal
c) Methanol
d) Acetone
Answer: b) Glyoxal
11. What is the primary risk associated with xylene?
a) Flammability
b) Neurotoxicity
c) Explosiveness
d) Corrosiveness
Answer: b) Neurotoxicity
12. Which of the following is NOT a recommended PPE for histology labs?
a) Nitrile gloves
b) Splashproof goggles
c) Latex surgical gloves
d) Impermeable aprons
Answer: c) Latex surgical gloves
13. What is the recommended method for handling large chemical spills?
a) Clean up immediately with available materials
b) Evacuate and call HazMat or emergency response teams
c) Dilute with water
d) Use a vacuum to remove the spill
Answer: b) Evacuate and call HazMat or emergency response teams
14. Which of the following chemicals is explosive when dry?
a) Formaldehyde
b) Picric acid
c) Ethanol
d) Acetic acid
Answer: b) Picric acid
15. What is the primary purpose of a chemical fume hood?
a) To store chemicals
b) To remove hazardous fumes from the workspace
c) To provide general ventilation
d) To heat chemicals
Answer: b) To remove hazardous fumes from the workspace
16. Which of the following is a recommended method for disposing of biohazardous waste?
a) Pouring down the drain
b) Incineration or hauling by licensed services
c) Recycling
d) Storing indefinitely
Answer: b) Incineration or hauling by licensed services
17. What is the primary hazard associated with methanol?
a) Flammability
b) Toxicity and potential blindness
c) Corrosiveness
d) Explosiveness
Answer: b) Toxicity and potential blindness
18. Which of the following is a recommended ergonomic practice for microtomy?
a) Rocking the handwheel repeatedly
b) Using a well-adjusted, ergonomic chair
c) Leaning arms on sharp surfaces
d) Avoiding breaks during work
Answer: b) Using a well-adjusted, ergonomic chair
19. What is the primary risk of using latex gloves in histology labs?
a) Poor protection against formaldehyde
b) High cost
c) Difficulty in disposal
d) Lack of availability
Answer: a) Poor protection against formaldehyde
20. Which of the following is a recommended method for reducing environmental pollution in histology labs?
a) Increasing chemical use
b) Recycling solvents like formalin and alcohol
c) Disposing of chemicals in regular trash
d) Avoiding substitution of hazardous chemicals
Answer: b) Recycling solvents like formalin and alcohol
