Decontamination: Reduction of viable biological agents or other hazardous materials on a surface or object(s) to a pre-defined level by chemical and/or physical means. Disinfection: A process to eliminate viable biological agents from items or surfaces for further safe handling or use. Sterilization: A process that kills and/or removes all biological agents including spores.
Disinfection & Decontamination Sanitation workers have a major role to play. Storage that may result in obstruction in the workplace should be prohibited Preparation of bleach solutions 1:10 bleach solution to disinfect the biological spillage and for soaking contaminated metal-free labware 1:100 bleach solution is used to disinfect surfaces. Bleach is prepared by sanitory worker daily and recorded by Cleaner Checklist (SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 16)
Disinfection & Decontamination Bleach solutions must be prepared daily. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes Wear PPE such as rubber gloves, mask etc To prepare 1:10 bleach solution (0.5% solution) from 5% concentrated solution: Add 1 part conc: solutions to 9 parts of water To prepare 1:100 bleach solution (0.05% solution) Add 1 part 1:10 solution to 9 parts of water
Disinfection & Decontamination Preparation of Surgitol solution Wear appropriate PPE before handling disinfectants. Pour 3 measures of water into the container. Add 1 measure of surgitol into water 3 parts. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
Disinfection & Decontamination Preparation of alcohols Alcohols, ethanol or iso-propanol, are used at 70%. F lammable and not be used near open flames. U sed on skin, work surfaces of laboratory benches and biosafety cabinets To prepare alcohol 70% Mix 100ml of alcohol 95% and 39.1 ml of distilled water Mix 100 ml of alcohol 90% and 31.0 ml of distilled water
Disinfection & Decontamination Cleaning is the removal of dirt, organic matter and stains. Cleaning includes brushing, vacuuming, dry dusting, washing or damp mopping with water containing a soap or detergent. Then mopped with Surgitol F rom back to front, from dirtiest to cleanest area . Daily basis with schedule (SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 3 Cleaning schedule and SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 7 Cleaning log sheet)
Disinfection & Decontamination Laboratory working areas - disinfected with appropriate disinfectant (70% alcohol or 0.5% bleach) at the start and end of each working day by laboratory staff and whenever spills or other contamination has occurred. Record in Laboratory working area cleaning log sheet (SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 8) Disinfectants must be used as the correct dilution Disinfectants - properly labelled after preparation.
Disinfection & Decontamination Procedure for Decontamination of Reusable Equipment All reusable plasticware or glass labware such as cylinders, flasks, beakers, and others that cannot be autoclaved - decontaminated by soaking the labware in 0.5% freshly prepared bleach solution recorded in Cleaner checklist (SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 16). for at least one hour . Rinse with soap and abundant water. The equipment can be air-dried.
Transfer & Transportation Transported to the laboratory in such a manner as to prevent contamination of workers, patients, or the environment . Samples must be transported in approved, safe, leakproof containers . Transfer within the laboratory Primary - fitted with racks so that the specimen containers remain upright . Secondary containers - metal or plastic, regularly decontaminated if reusable.
Transfer & Transportation 2. Off-site transport of infectious substances By the laboratory staff To minimize turnaround times (TAT), sent to the laboratory as quickly as possible after collection. P acked properly by triple packaging system
Transfer & Transportation The basic triple packaging system Three layers: the primary receptacle, the secondary packaging and the outer packaging The primary receptacle containing the specimen eg. blood collection tube, MSU container must be watertight, leakproof and appropriately labelled as to content , wrapped in enough absorbent material
Transfer & Transportation A second watertight, leakproof packaging to enclose the primary receptacle(s) e.g. plastic specimen bag. Several wrapped primary receptacles may be placed in a single secondary packaging. The third layer protects the secondary packaging from external influences such as physical damage and water while in transit. Specimen data forms, letters and other types of information must also be provided separately.
Transfer & Transportation
Waste segregation and disposal General tips for proper waste disposal Do not push or pack waste by feet or hands. Use heavy-duty gloves and appropriate PPE when handling wastes. Decontaminate heavy-duty gloves between uses W ash hands after removing gloves and handling of wastes. Avoid transferring waste from one container to another. Containers should be cleaned each time they are emptied W aste containers should be labelled clearly.
Waste segregation and disposal Sample retention, Waste storage and segregation Samples stored beyond the retention period - disposed Store waste within the facility for final treatment of disposal Segregation of waste into color-coded bags o Yellow – for infectious waste o Red – for highly infectious waste and sharps o Black/Blue – non-hazardous waste Waste bins for infectious waste and sharps should be marked with the biohazard sign
Waste segregation and disposal Non-infectious waste disposal Papers, packaging boxes, plastic bags and hand paper towels Dispose in black or blue polythene bags Twist the plastic bag(s) at the top and seal with tape. Not require autoclaving before disposal.
Waste segregation and disposal Infectious waste disposal Items used inside the laboratory area - infectious. Used tubes, plastic Pasteur pipettes, pipette tips, gloves, cotton, paper towels, specimen containers and cultures for discard must be placed in biohazard bags (yellow or red) For autoclaving , bags must not be tightly sealed as steam cannot penetrate. Collected by City Development Committee.
Waste segregation and disposal Sharps N eedles, surgical knives or broken bottles. N ot mix with papers or non-sharps infectious waste A properly labeled sharps container shall be put in place and used exclusively for the disposal of sharps. P icked with aid of special forceps or swept into a special receptacle and then emptied into the sharp container Do not recap needles. Fill ¾ full, snap the lid closed and secure with tape which is then incinerated Do not overfill or forced fill which result in puncture wounds.
Waste segregation and disposal Liquid waste Disinfected by bleach solution (1:10) for 20-30 mins or autoclave
First Aid box First Aid box – sample collection room Maintenance of first aid box weekly by first aid provider (SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 13 Emergency Response Kit and First Aid Kit Inspection Checklist)
Duties of First Aid provider Provide immediate lifesaving care before arrival of further medical care and first aid procedure Manage the incident and ensure the continuing safety of themselves, bystanders and the casualty Assess the casualties and find out the nature and cause of injuries Prioritize casualties based upon medical need Arrange for further medical help Maintenance of first aid boxes monthly Report all injuries to biosafety officer and laboratory manager
Spills in the laboratory Spill kit – at sample collection room Maintenance of spill kit weekly by biosafety officer (SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 14 Spill Kit Inspection Checklist)
Biological exposure Remove any contaminated clothing/jewelry and wash skin Report to biosafety officer or lab manager Receive medical counselling about the risk of infection and treatment options. Follow-up treatment, if needed. If consent is provided, source patient blood will be tested for infection screening Consult with clinician if suspected and take medical counselling, prophylaxis drugs and vaccination. Record the incident using Incident Report Form.
Chemical exposure Wash off with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove any contaminated clothing, shoes, jewelry, etc. In case of exposure to eye, flush with water from the outside edges towards the inside of eyes for at least 10-15 minutes. If an acid burn, neutralize with sodium bicarbonate if not seek medical attention If an alkaline burn, neutralize with boric acid powder If the employee is in severe situation, transfer to medical emergency unit When chemical swallowing occurs, seek medical attention Review SDS(s) for hazards Report the incident.
When spill occurs in BSC…
When spill occurs in centrifuge T urn off the equipment and leave the door closed for at least 30 minutes to reduce aerosol exposure Tape a sign indicating the problem to the contaminated equipment Spill clean-up procedure is performed.
All incidents and exposures must be reported to the laboratory supervisor, in a timely manner using incident report form (SML-LAB-QAS-PR-004_Form 15 Incident Report Form)
Emergency plan Emergency team Emergency contact Communication Coordination
Train and know how and where to take cover during an earthquake Anchor bookcases, cabinets and files over 42 inches. Do not stack furniture. Move tall furniture away from exits. Do not use tall furniture as room dividers. Secure computers, equipment, and display cases. Store heavy items at floor level. Back-up data and sensitive information. Earthquake preparedness
Contingency plan for sample management Announce that urgent lab tests are not available Other tests – sent to referral lab Inform to patients, clinicians and clinics Try to able to run routinely as soon as possible
Fire Safety Protocol When the fire alarm sounds, turn off all flames and equipment Call emergency number IMMEDIATELY and give the exact location Alert others calmly but do not shout because of panic If it is manageable, fight the fire with fire extinguisher T o leave the building, follow the fire exit signs If your clothing catches on fire, “ STOP, DROP and ROLL , cover your face with hands and use a fire blanket or coat. Never use a fire extinguisher on someone. Assemble together outside and wait for direction from instructor: assist in identifying missing person, if necessary.
Power Outage protocol Assess the extent of the outage in your area Report the outage Help co-workers in darkened work areas move to safe locations Use emergency lightings Keep lab refrigerators or freezers closed throughout the outage Open windows for additional light and ventilation If you are asked to evacuate, secure any hazardous materials and leave the building
Take cover immediately and direct others around you Under a desk, table or chair Against a corridor wall Outdoors – in open area, away from buildings Be alert for aftershocks and avoid potential falling hazards. Take emergency supplies Do not use elevators Report damage and injuries Do not reenter buildings until they are examined and declared safe Earthquake protocol
• Direct or assist others around you to seek higher ground • Turn off utilities – gas, propane, electricity and water • Move predetermined essentials up, out, or away • Take emergency supplies • Report status Await instructions, be patient, and help others. Flood protocol
• Get out of the building as quickly and calmly • call emergency number to report the incident. • If items are falling off, get under a table or desk. • If there is a fire, stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible. • If you are trapped in debris, tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. • Assist others in exiting the building and move to evacuation area • Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Flood protocol
Remember… Safety First! (Enter your own creative tag line above)