Chapter 18

What information must be included on a hazardous chemical label?

Product identifier, supplier identification, GHS signal word, GHS hazard statement, GHS hazard pictograms, precautionary statement.

What is the purpose of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)?

Provides consistency in the classification and labeling of chemicals through the use of pictograms, signal words, and hazard warnings. Classifies chemicals according to their health and physical hazards. Enables employees to quickly obtain and easily understand information regarding the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals with SDS (Safety Data Sheet).

List and briefly describe the information that must be included in a Safety Data Sheet?

Provides more detailed information than the container label

A bacterial spore consists of a hard, thick-walled capsule that can resist adverse conditions.

True.

Glutaraldehyde (Cidex) is a high-level disinfectant.

True.

High-level disinfection kills all microorganisms but not spores.

True.

The inside of the autoclave should be wiped every day with a damp cloth.

True.

The wrapper used to autoclave articles should prevent contaminants from getting in during handling and storage.

True.

List four examples of hazardous chemicals that may be used in the medical office.

Cleaning products, pharmaceutical products, chemicals used for lab testing, products used for sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.

What is a GHS pictogram and what is its purpose?

Consists of standardized graphic symbols that allow employees to quickly identify the types of hazards associated with a hazardous chemical.

What is the meaning of the following GHS signal words?

Danger: denotes a more severe hazard possible. Warning: denotes a less serious hazard possible, but potentially harmful.

According to OSHA, gloves do not need to be worn during the sanitization process.

False.

Autoclave tape indicates whether an autoclave item is sterile.

False.

Sterilization is the process of destroying all forms of microbial life except for bacterial spores.

False.

Tap water should be used in the autoclave.

False.

The agent used to destroy microorganisms on an article depends on the size of the article.

False.

The purpose of sanitization is to remove all microorganisms and spores from a contaminated article.

False.

The purpose of the Hazard Communications Standard is to ensure that employees do not use hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

False.

What is the difference between a GHS hazard statement and a GHS precautionary statement?

Hazard statement: phrase that describes the types of hazards associated with a hazardous chemical, including the degree of hazard. Precautionary statement: phrase that describes recommended measures to be take to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to the hazardous chemical from improper storage or handling.

What is the difference between a health hazard and a physical hazard?

Health hazard: include the potential of the chemical to cause acute toxicity, skin corrosion or irritation, serious eye damage or irritation, respiratory or skin sensitization, germ cell mutagenicity, cancer, reproductive toxicity, or is an aspiration hazard. Physical hazard: include the potential of the chemical to catch fire, explode, or react with other chemicals or materials.

List two diseases that are caused by bacteria that produce spores.

Tetanus and botulism.

What is the purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard?

To ensure that employees are informed of the hazards associated with chemicals in their workplace and the precautions to take to protect themselves when working with hazardous chemicals.

What is the purpose of a GHS signal word?

Used to indicate the relative degree of severity of the hazardous chemical and to alert the user to a potential hazard on the label.