WHO Guidelines for personal Hygiene, Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials

WHO Guidelines for personal Hygiene, Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials a quality control topic

1. WHO Guidelines for personal H ygiene, Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials Abhishek Suthar B.Sc , B.Ed , M.Sc (Biotechnology)

2. Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It was established on April 7, 1948, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO's primary objective is to ensure the attainment of the highest possible level of health for all people worldwide. This is achieved through various activities, including setting health standards, providing technical assistance to countries, conducting research, and coordinating international efforts in response to health emergencies WHO's constitution defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This comprehensive definition reflects the organization's holistic approach to health, recognizing the intricate interplay between physical, mental, and social factors One of WHO's core functions is to provide leadership and guidance on global health matters. It sets norms and standards for health-related issues, such as disease prevention, treatment, and health promotion. These guidelines are based on the best available scientific evidence and are designed to assist countries in developing their health policies and programs

3. Hazards and its Types Those substances that pose a risk to the health and safety of laboratory workers, the environment, and public health are the hazardous materials. Below are the some key types of hazards :

4. Biological Hazards:- these hazards are associated with exposure to living organisms that can cause harm to humans, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Accidental exposure to these microorganisms can lead to infections or other health issues. Chemical hazards:- Microbiology laboratories use a variety of chemicals for tasks such as sterilization, sample preparation, and experimentation. These chemicals can be corrosive, toxic, or flammable, and pose risks of chemical burns, respiratory irritation, or other adverse health effects if not handled properly . Physical Hazards:- These include risks related to equipment and laboratory settings, such as the potential for cuts or punctures from sharp objects like needles or glassware, as well as risks associated with the use of centrifuges or other mechanical equipment.

5. a Radiation Hazards:- In some microbiology laboratories, particularly those involved in research or clinical diagnostics, there may be exposure to radiation from sources such as isotopes or X-rays, which can pose serious health risks if not properly managed. C arcinogenic Biological Hazard Radiation Hazard

6. WHO Guidelines For personal hygiene The following safety guidelines listed below apply to all microbiology laboratories, regardless of biosafety level. Limiting access to laboratory:- Sometimes , people who do not work in the laboratory attempt to enter the laboratory to look for test results they desire. Although this occurs more frequently in clinical laboratories, access to the laboratory should be limited, regardless of the setting Hand washing:- Each laboratory should contain a sink for handwashing. Hands should be washed for at least one minute. Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective procedures for avoiding laboratory-acquired infections. Hands should be washed with an appropriate germicidal soap before exiting the laboratory and after infectious materials are handled. (Laboratorians working with gram-positive organisms should use alcohol (70%) to cleanse their hands if germicidal soap is unavailable.)

7. a Eating:- Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted in laboratory work areas. Food must be stored and eaten outside of the work area in designated areas used for that purpose only. Personal articles (e.g., handbags, eyeglasses, or wallets) should not be placed on the workstations. Mouth pipetting:- Mouth pipetting is strictly prohibited in the laboratory. Rubber bulbs or mechanical devices should be used. Sharps:- A high degree of precaution must always be taken with any contaminated sharp items, including needles and syringes, slides, pipettes, capillary tubes, and scalpels. Dispose of sharps in designated containers. To minimize finger sticks, used disposable needles must not be bent, sheared, broken, recapped, removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand before disposal. Non-disposable sharps, including syringes, should be placed in a labeled discard pan for decontamination before cleaning. Broken glassware should not be handled directly by hand but should be removed by mechanical means (e.g., a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps).

8. a Aerosols:- All procedures must be carefully performed to minimize splashes or aerosolization. Techniques that tend to produce aerosols should be avoided. Inoculating wires and loops should be cooled by holding them still in the air for 5 – 10 seconds before they touch colonies or clinical material. Loops containing infectious material should be dried in the hot air above a burner before flaming. Vortexing and centrifugation should be done in closed containers. (If safety capped tubes are not available, sealed tubes should be used .) Decontaminating bench tops and other surfaces:- Bench tops should be wiped with a disinfectant (a phenolic disinfectant, 1% sodium hypochlorite [bleach], or 70% isopropyl alcohol) routinely after working with infectious agents or clinical specimens or after spills, splashes, or other contamination by infectious materials. Solutions of disinfectants should be maintained at the work station.

9. a Disposal of contaminated materials:- All discarded plates, tubes, clinical samples, and other contaminated materials should be placed in disposal containers at each bench. Special disposal boxes must be used for sharps (e.g., syringes or broken glass) to minimize the risk of injury. Avoid overfilling such containers. Containers of contaminated material should be carefully transported to the autoclave room and autoclaved before disposal . Autoclaving :- An autoclave must be available for the BSL-2/3 laboratory and must be operated only by personnel who have been properly trained in its use. To verify that each autoclave is working properly, spore strips or other biological indicators designed to test for efficiency of sterilization should be included. Each autoclave load should be monitored with temperature-sensitive tape, thermograph, or by other means (e.g., biological indicators).

10. a General laboratory policies:- All areas of the laboratory must be kept clean and orderly. Dirt, dust, crowding, or clutter is a safety hazard and is not consistent with acceptable biological research. Floors should be kept clean and free of unnecessary clutter. They should be washed with a germicidal solution on a regular basis and after any spill of infectious material has occurred . Refrigerators and freezers:- Refrigerators and freezers should be regularly inspected for the presence of broken vials or tubes containing infectious agents. When removing and discarding broken material, laboratorians should wear gloves and proper protective attire (e.g., laboratory coat, goggles, or face-shield). Refrigerators and freezers should be regularly cleaned with a disinfectant and defrosted to prevent possible contamination and temperature failure.

11. a Fire prevention:- Burners should be used away from lamps and flammable materials. Bulk flammable material must be stored in the safety cabinet. Small amounts of these flammable materials (e.g., ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, and methanol) can be stored in safety containers. Burners must be turned off when not in use. All laboratorians must know the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and showers, and fire safety instructions and evacuation routes should be posted.

12. Guidelines for handling of hazardous materials The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for the safe handling and management of hazardous materials to protect public health and the environment. These guidelines are essential for preventing accidents, minimizing exposure to hazardous substances, and ensuring the safe disposal of waste. In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of WHO guidelines for handling hazardous materials . Hazard Identification:- The first step in handling hazardous materials is to identify and classify the hazards associated with the substance. WHO provides a comprehensive list of hazardous materials and their associated risks. This includes chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials, and other substances that pose a threat to human health and the environment . Risk Assessment :- After identifying the hazards, a risk assessment should be conducted to evaluate the potential harm that could result from exposure to the hazardous material. This assessment considers factors such as toxicity, flammability, explosiveness, and environmental impact. The goal is to determine the level of risk and develop appropriate control measures.

13. a Risk Management:- Based on the risk assessment, risk management strategies should be implemented to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazardous materials. This includes the use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Engineering controls involve designing and implementing safety measures such as ventilation systems, containment units, and safety barriers. Administrative controls include implementing safe work practices, training employees, and establishing emergency response plans . Safe Storage and Handling:- Proper storage and handling of hazardous materials are crucial to prevent accidents and minimize exposure. WHO guidelines provide recommendations for storing hazardous substances in designated areas with appropriate labeling and signage. It also emphasizes the importance of proper handling techniques, including the use of appropriate PPE, safe transfer and disposal methods, and regular inspections and maintenance of equipment.

14. a Emergency Preparedness and Response:- WHO guidelines highlight the importance of being prepared for emergencies involving hazardous materials. This includes developing emergency response plans, conducting drills and exercises, and ensuring access to appropriate emergency equipment and supplies. It also emphasizes the need for training employees on emergency procedures and communication protocols . Waste Management:- Proper management of hazardous waste is essential to protect public health and the environment. WHO guidelines provide recommendations for the safe disposal of hazardous materials, including segregation, containment, and treatment options. It also emphasizes the importance of complying with local regulations and international standards for waste management.

15. a Training and Education:- WHO emphasizes the importance of training and educating workers on the safe handling and management of hazardous materials. This includes providing comprehensive training programs on hazard identification, risk assessment, safe handling techniques, emergency response, and waste management. Regular refresher training should be conducted to ensure that employees are up to date with the latest guidelines and best practices . Monitoring and Evaluation:- To ensure the effectiveness of hazardous materials management, regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted. This includes conducting workplace inspections, air and water quality testing, and health surveillance of workers. Any issues or non-compliance should be addressed promptly to prevent accidents and minimize exposure.

16. Guidelines for storage of hazardous materials The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for the safe storage of hazardous materials to protect human health and the environment. These guidelines are essential for industries and organizations that handle, store, and transport hazardous substances. Hazardous Material Classification:- The first step in safe storage is to classify hazardous materials according to their properties. The WHO has established a system for classifying hazardous materials based on their physical, chemical, and toxicological properties. This classification helps in determining the appropriate storage requirements for each type of hazardous material . Storage Area Design and Construction:- The storage area for hazardous materials should be designed and constructed in a way that minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures the safety of personnel and the environment. The WHO guidelines recommend that the storage area should be located away from residential areas, water sources, and other sensitive areas. The area should be well-ventilated, have adequate lighting, and be equipped with fire suppression systems.

17. a Segregation and Compatibility:- Hazardous materials should be stored in a way that prevents incompatible substances from coming into contact with each other. The WHO guidelines recommend segregating hazardous materials based on their compatibility to prevent chemical reactions or other dangerous interactions. For example, flammable materials should be stored separately from oxidizing agents to avoid the risk of fire or explosion . Containers and Packaging:- The WHO guidelines emphasize the importance of using appropriate containers and packaging for hazardous materials. Containers should be made of materials that are compatible with the stored substance and resistant to corrosion or leakage. The containers should be labeled with the name of the substance, hazard warnings, and handling instructions. Packaging should be designed to prevent breakage or leakage during storage and transport.

18. a Handling and Storage Procedures:- The WHO guidelines provide detailed procedures for the safe handling and storage of hazardous materials. These procedures include guidelines for loading and unloading, stacking and storage height limits, and the use of appropriate handling equipment. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of training personnel on safe handling practices and emergency procedures . Fire Safety:- Fire safety is a critical aspect of hazardous material storage. The WHO guidelines recommend having fire-resistant construction materials, adequate fire detection and suppression systems, and clear evacuation routes in the storage area. Flammable materials should be stored in designated areas with appropriate fire protection measures, such as fire-resistant cabinets or rooms.

19. a Spill Control and Containment:- The WHO guidelines emphasize the need for spill control and containment measures to prevent the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Storage areas should be equipped with spill containment systems, such as spill trays or bunds, to capture and contain spills. Personnel should be trained in spill response procedures, including the use of appropriate spill control equipment and personal protective gear . Ventilation:- Proper ventilation is crucial for the safe storage of hazardous materials. The WHO guidelines recommend that storage areas be well-ventilated to reduce the build-up of hazardous vapors or gases. Ventilation systems should be designed to prevent the accumulation of flammable or toxic substances and to maintain air quality within acceptable limits.

20. a Security:- To prevent unauthorized access and potential misuse of hazardous materials, the WHO guidelines recommend implementing security measures. Storage areas should be secured with appropriate access controls, such as locked gates or doors, and surveillance systems. Only authorized personnel should have access to the storage area, and records of access should be maintained . Emergency Preparedness and Response:- The WHO guidelines stress the importance of emergency preparedness and response plans for hazardous material storage. These plans should include procedures for responding to spills, fires, leaks, and other emergencies. Personnel should be trained on emergency response procedures, including evacuation, first aid, and the use of emergency equipment. Regular drills and exercises should be conducted to test the effectiveness of the emergency plans.

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