MKBN316/317
Report – Virtual Practical
Date: 22 may 2021
General Laboratory Safety & Covid-19 regulations
Name, Surname: KARABO MOKWENA
Student #: 30952093
TOTAL: 50
Mark: _____
1
1.0 Abstract
[10 marks]
The 2019 Coronavirus pandemic which was initially referred to as 2019-nCoV, was first
identified in Wuhan, China. Early response from the Chinese government included
quarantine of infected persons, isolation and total lock down of Wuhan province to prevent
further spread. With the spread of the disease across national borders and declaration of the
disease as a global pandemic, there has been a robust response by the international
community to contain this deadly virus and prevent its further spread worldwide. Africa is
not left out of this rampaging pandemic with documented cases in over 40 countries and still
rising. Although extensive studies have been carried out on the novel SARS-CoV-2 on its
pathogenesis, mode of infection and virulence but much is still unknown. However,
potentially infectious samples are received routinely in the medical laboratory for analysis.
This technical note reviews good laboratory practice (GLP) and processes across the different
specialities of chemical Laboratory practice that should minimize the risk of infection to
laboratory staff especially in resource-limited settings.
2.0 Results
2.1 What is a first aid kit used for?
[20 marks]
(3)
Class A first aid kits are intended to provide a basic range of products to deal with most
common types of injuries encountered in the workplace including major wounds, minor
wounds(cuts and abrasions), minor burns and eye injuries.
2.2 Name the sign and its function:
(3)
Hot Surface
the hot surface safety sign warns laboratory employees of burn hazards from hot surfaces.
Such hazards can come from lab equipment such as lab ovens and autoclaves or from the
building itself, if there are steam pipes, etc. Lab workers should avoid touching such surfaces,
but if they could come into contact with hot surfaces during their daily work or must handle
hot equipment, they should first be trained on how to properly use such equipment and always
wear the correct PPE
2
2.3 Who is most at risk for COVID-19?
(2)
Adults, children with obesity, diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, or
immunosuppression can also be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
2.4 What are the most common sign and symptoms of Covid-19?
(4)
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients
may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
2.5 What is a Safety Data Sheets?
(2)
Safety Data Sheets are summary documents that provide information about the hazards of a
product and advice about safety precautions.
2.6 A safety shower or emergency drench shower is used?
used when larger areas of the body is at risk , flushes a larger portion of the body
(2)
For question 2.7 – 2.9 choose one correct answer
2.7 Which of the following types of shoes are recommended for prcatical laboratory work?(1)
a)
sandals
b)
woven leather shoes
c)
high heels
d)
steel-toed shoes
e)
cloth-topped "tennis" or "running" shoes
f)
none of the above
ANSWER: D
2.8 How is COVID-19 infection treated?
(1)
A. Vaccine
B. Concoctions
C. Secondary infections and Symptoms are treated
D. Antibiotics
ANSWER: A
2.9 For small liquid spills on your hand, immediate wash under running water tap for at least(1)
a)
5 minutes
b)
10 minutes
c)
30 minutes
d)
15 minutes
ANSWER: D
2.10 What are signs that provide instruction to both staff/students and visitors who are
accessing the university premises called?
(1)
3
3.0 Discussion
[10 marks]
Even if your lab team is working with a skeleton crew and only performing mission-critical
tasks, like keeping precious cultures alive, during the pandemic, it should still strictly abide by
standard lab safety protocols. Risk prevention, Lab Manager says, requires both individual
precautions and lab-specific measures.
Whether they're coming to the lab or not, everyone should carefully follow the precautions
prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Wash your hands frequently, especially after contacting commonly touched surfaces.
Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available,
use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Don't touch your face if you haven't washed your hands.

Stay home if you feel sick, and encourage others to do the same. If you've been exposed
to the virus and you develop its common symptoms — dry cough, fever and difficulty
breathing — seek immediate medical attention.

Stay home to further minimize potential exposure. Avoid any contact with sick people.
To ensure the lab is safe for everyone, staff should exercise extra precautions to minimize the
risk of person-to-person infection and surface contamination.

Follow the guidelines established by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration about readying workplaces for the coronavirus.

Limit close contact. Be aware of where others are in the lab, and keep as much distance
as possible. Limit movements throughout the lab to essential trips.

Institute remote working policies and stagger shifts when possible to minimize the
number people in the lab at one time.

Promote proper hand hygiene. Provide hand-washing stations throughout the lab and
ensure that hand sanitizer is well stocked and readily available.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as equipment and cabinet handles,
with products that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for use against
the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while cleaning.
Wipe down reusable PPE afterward.

If someone working in the lab contracts COVID-19, follow the protocols established
by the CDC. Close off and decontaminate any areas used by the sick person with an
EPA-recommended disinfectant. Engage a professional decontamination service, if
necessary.
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Ensure that every member of the lab knows and understands the latest protocols and policies.
Use a checklist, such as this one from the Association of Public Health Laboratories, to assess
potential safety hazards.
4.0 Conclusion
[5 marks]
The purpose of the report to discuss the General Laboratory Safety protocols together with the
regulation of Covid-19. General laboratory safety which included the use of Safety Data Sheets
and the awareness of safety signs and their function. Knowledge about Covid-19 decreases the
chances of the spread of the virus and in this report the did discuss the regulations of it as
general but most importantly during the lab activities
5.0 References
[5 marks]
1. "About Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)". United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 February 2020. Archived from the original on 11
February 2020. Access date: 21 May 2021.
2. Centre for Disease Control. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Laboratory
Biosafety Guidelines. Reviewed 20th May 2021
3. National Research Council. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory. Handling and
Management of Chemical Hazards. National Academy Press: Washington, DC, 2011.
4. Novel coronavirus (2019-NCoV) situation report 36. Geneva: World Health
Organization
5. www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200225-sitrep-36covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=2791b4e0_2 (Feb 25, 2020), Accessed 22 may 2021 Google
Scholar
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