How to assess corporate risk
(Assessment and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Step 1: Identify every activity in the lab and assess it for hazard

• Specimen reception : unfixed body fluids, fixed slides
• Specimen preparation: unfixed body fluids, fixed slides
• Fine Needle Aspiration: unfixed body fluids
• Centrifugation and cytospin
• Cover slipping and Mounting: xylene, alcohol
• Staining : Papanicolaou, May– Grunwald Giemsa, Gram, Diastase Haematoxylin, Grocott.Oil Red O, Chromotrope 2R, Toluidine blue, Ziehl Neelsen, Masson Fontana, Sudan Black, Perls Prussian Blue
• Flammables: alcohol, xylene
• Microscopy : fatigue, eye strain
• Data Entry : fatigue, repetitive strain injury

Step 2: Assess each hazard for risk as follows

• Is a hazardous substance  involved? If yes , name substance and state location.
• If yes , state nature of risk  e.g. corrosive, irritant, toxic, biohazard, carcinogen,  flammable
• Describe level of risk– High medium low
• Describe how substance can damage health e.g. inhalation ,fire,spillage,ingestion, skin or eye contact etc.
• Describe how substances are actually used and frequency of use.
• Identify persons at risk ? Are personnel trained in the use of the substance?
• Is personal protective equipment used?
• Are there existing control measures? Are they adequate?
• Are storage arrangements adequate?
• Is  surveillance necessary ?
• Are antidotes or instructions for remedial action available ? If so where ?
• Are management protocols in place in event of risk?
• Are there safer alternatives that could be used

 

Example of a page in health and safety guidelines

Location	Cytology laboratory
Activity/Work process	Specimen reception
Hazardous substance	Unfixed body fluids
Nature of hazard	Biohazard,  risk of  HIV, HepB, HepC
Level of risk	Low
Description of how substance are actually being used	Unfixed body fluids delivered in plastic container in sealed plastic bag labeled Biohazard.
Persons at risk	Receptionists and cytotechnologists
Frequency of use	Daily
Personal protective equipment used	Laboratory coat, disposable  gloves, goggles
Existing control measures	Specimens normally opened in Class 1 cabinet . Personnel  trained in handling biohazard .Instruction on managing spillage, leakage ,inhalation and eye or   skin contact given
Are additional control measures required	No
Is health surveillance necessary	No
Assessment carried out by	Laboratory manager or health and safety office ,
Name and date	JJRP 13/5/2006
Date for review	1 year