Page 145 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

6.10.2Guidance And Recommendations
Diagnostic and health-care laboratories (public health, clinical or hospital-based) must all
be designed for Biosafety Level 2 or above. As no laboratory has complete control over the
specimen it receives, laboratory workers may be exposed to “high risk group” organisms.
Therefore, standard precautions should always be adopted and practiced, as well as to
promote good (i.e. safe) microbiological techniques (GMT).

6.10.3Code of Practice

This code is a listing of the most essential laboratory practices and procedures that are
basic to GMT. Each laboratory should adopt a safety or operation manual that identifies
known and potential hazards, and specifies practices and procedures to eliminate or
minimize such hazards. The most important concepts are listed below.
6.10.3.1 Access
1. The international biohazard warning symbol and sign must be displayed on
the doors of the rooms where microorganisms of Risk Group 2 or higher risk
groups are handled. (Table 1)
2. Only authorized persons should be allowed to enter the laboratory working
areas.
3. Laboratory doors should be kept closed.
4. Children should not be authorized or allowed to enter laboratory working
areas.
6.10.3.2 Personal protection
1. Laboratory coveralls, gowns or uniforms must be worn at all times. The
coat/gown should be removed before leaving the laboratory and placed on
the area provided.
2. Appropriate gloves must be worn for all procedures that may involve direct
or accidental contact with blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious
materials. After use, gloves should be removed aseptically and hands must
then be washed.
3. Personnel must wash their hands after handling infectious materials and
before leaving the laboratory working areas.
4. Protective devices must be worn whenever necessary to protect the eyes
and face from splashes, impacting objects and sources of artificial ultraviolet
radiation.
5. Any cuts, abrasions or other skin lesions must be properly covered to protect
them against contamination before starting work.
6. Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics and handling contact lenses
is prohibited in the laboratory working areas.
7. Storing human foods or drinks anywhere in the laboratory working areas is
prohibited.

134 Ministry of Health Malaysia