Tag: gloves
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In the News… Lessons Learned
Unforeseen laboratory accidents and incidents can occur as a result of working with different types of hazards associated with research activities. Over the last several years, high profile events at universities across the country have raised concerns about lab safety programs and efforts to mitigate hazards and risks. In recent news, a student at the…
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Selecting the correct glove for your job
Next to our eyes, our hands are probably the most important part of our body when it comes to doing our work. They’re involved in almost everything we do. Yet many of the things we do with our hands are done without any deliberate thought. Your hands have no fear. They’ll go anyplace they’re sent…
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What is the Purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a Biological Research Facility?
It’s really not a simple answer and requires an understanding of general biosafety. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines biosafety as principles, practices, and strategies aimed at minimizing the unintentional release of a biological agent. Biosafety is achieved by utilizing the four primary controls – engineering, PPE, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and administration. These controls…
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Spill Kit Essentials and Basic Clean Up Steps
All personnel working in research laboratories should know the location of the biological spill clean up kit, the basic steps to clean up small spills, who to call in case of an emergency and the reporting procedures. Before you start your work with biological agents: Identify the location of the nearest spill kit Check the…
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Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Clinical and Microbiology Laboratories
There has been an outbreak linked to Salmonella Typhimurium from microbiological laboratories in 16 states, including Georgia, in 2017. This continues to indicate that laboratory-associated salmonellosis is a public health problem and that proper microbiological techniques should be used. Many of the people who became ill reported not washing hands, not wearing PPE, and using…
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Safe Use of Isoflurane on Lab Bench Tops
By Dr. Michael J. Huerkamp, DVM, DACLAM Isoflurane, known by the brand names Forane and Aerrane, is popularly used for the anesthesia of rodents, including in laboratories by making use of induction chambers. The same properties of quick induction, rapid effect, and the need for close monitoring to prevent the undesirable effects of overdose enabled…
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FDA Ban on Powdered Medical Gloves
What? Powdered surgeon’s gloves, powdered patient examination gloves, and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon’s glove have been banned by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Why? These “medical devices” pose a significant risk to healthcare workers and patients. What is the scope of the rule? The ban applies to devices manufactured, in storage, or…
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“Beak Method” Glove Removal Technique
Nitrile gloves are the most commonly used gloves in research laboratories on campus. They are disposable and when properly used, gloves can help protect you from chemical and biological contamination. In addition to being properly used, gloves must be properly removed as well. Improperly removing gloves can potentially expose you to contamination on the outside…