Page 150 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

4. Contaminated material for autoclaving and disposal.
5. Contaminated material for direct incineration.

6.10.8 Chemical, Fire, Electrical, Radiation and Equipment Safety

A breakdown in the containment of pathogenic organisms may be indirect result of chemi-
cal, fire, electrical or radiation accidents. It is therefore essential to maintain high stan-
dards of safety in these fields in any microbiological laboratory.

6.10.9 Transport of Infectious Substances
Transport of infectious and potentially infectious materials is subject to strict national and
international regulations. These regulations describe the proper use of packaging materi-
als, as well as other shipping requirements.

Laboratory personnel must ship infectious substances according to applicable transport
regulations. Compliance with the rules will:
1. Reduce the likelihood that packages will be damaged and leak, and thereby
2. Reduce the exposures resulting in possible infections

3. Improve the efficiency of package delivery.

The basic triple packaging system
1. This packaging system consists of three layers: the primary receptacle, the secondary
packaging and the outer packaging.
2. The primary receptacle containing the specimen must be watertight, leak proof and
appropriately labeled as to content. The primary receptacle is wrapped in enough
absorbent materials to absorb all fluid in case of breakage or leakage.
3. A second water tight, leak proof packaging is used to enclose and protect the primary
receptacle (s). Several wrapped primary receptacles may be placed in a single
secondary packaging. Volume and/or weight limits for packaged infectious substances
are included in certain regulatory texts.
4. The third layer protects the secondary packaging from physical damage while in
transit. Specimen data forms, letters and other types of information that identify or
describe the specimen and identify the shipper and receiver, and any other
documentation required must also be provided. Add diagram

6.10.10 Training Programme
A continuous, safety training programme is essential to maintain safety awareness among
laboratory and support staff. Laboratory supervisors, with the assistance of the biosafety
officer and other resource persons, play the key role in staff training. The effectiveness of
all safety and health training, depends on management commitment, motivational factors,
adequate initial job training, good communications, and ultimately the organization’s goals
and objectives.

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