BACE: Safety & Workplace Culture

“Bioethics” is best described as

• the study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine

• the exploration of philosophical theories unrelated to biology

• the analysis of economic impacts on healthcare

• the study of historical medical practices

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'the study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine', accurately defines bioethics, which focuses on moral questions in healthcare and biological research.

Working for Company A, a technician was trained on a particular method for performing an assay. Now working at Company B, the technician is asked to perform the same assay using Company B's test record. The technician notes that Company B's method is much slower. Which of the following is the correct course of action?

• Request to use Company A's test record instead.

• Ignore the difference and proceed with the quicker assay.

• Follow the Company B test record, although it may be wise to discuss the difference with a supervisor

• Follow Company B's test record without question

Answer explanation

Following Company B's test record is essential for compliance and consistency. Discussing the slower method with a supervisor can provide insights and ensure that any necessary adjustments are made while adhering to company protocols.

Which of the following is permitted in the laboratory?

• Open toed Shoes

• Eyeglasses

• Long Hair that has been pulled back

• Food as long as you wash hands before eating

• Water bottles

Answer explanation

In the laboratory, wearing eyeglasses is permitted for eye protection, and long hair must be pulled back to prevent accidents. Open-toed shoes, food, and water bottles are generally not allowed due to safety concerns.

Match the image of the lab safety sign to its meaning

• Safety Glasses Required

• 
• Oxidation Hazard

• 
• Laser Hazard

• 
• Corrosive

• 
• Biohazard

• 

Match the lab safety equipment with its proper use

• Used to contain and clean up chemical spills.

• Fume Hood

• Used to rinse off hazardous materials from the body.

• Safety Shower

• Used to flush out contaminants from the eyes.

• Chemical Spill Kit

• vent hazardous fumes and vapors away fro

• Fire Blanket

• Used to smother small fires.

• Eye Wash Station

After adding primary antibody to an ELISA plate, a technician decides to visit the breakroom for a snack during the incubation period. In this case, is it acceptable for the technician to leave on their lab coat and gloves?

• It's acceptable as long as no one else is in the lab.

• No, it is not acceptable.

• Yes, it's fine to leave them on.

• Only if the breakroom is nearby.

Answer explanation

No, it is not acceptable for the technician to leave on their lab coat and gloves. This is to prevent contamination and ensure safety, as the breakroom is not a controlled lab environment.

All biohazardous waste must be biologically inactivated before disposal. This is to prevent the spread of potentially harmful microorganisms or other biological agents. Common methods of inactivation include ALL of the following EXCEPT

• Autoclaving

• Chemical disinfection

• Incineration

• Double Bag Disposal

Answer explanation

Double Bag Disposal does not inactivate biohazardous waste; it merely contains it. In contrast, autoclaving, chemical disinfection, and incineration are methods that effectively inactivate harmful microorganisms.

A biomanufacturing facility producing a novel viral vector for gene therapy has areas marked with "Authorized Personnel Only" signs. A researcher, eager to observe a specific stage of the production process, considers briefly entering one of these restricted areas. Why is it crucial for the researcher to comply with the "Authorized Personnel Only" sign?

• To ensure the researcher doesn't accidentally disrupt the facility's break schedule

• To prevent the spread of personal opinions that might influence the production team

• To maintain environmental controls and prevent contamination that could compromise the product's safety and efficiency

• To enforce a hierarchical structure within the facility and maintain a sense of authority

Answer explanation

It is crucial for the researcher to comply with the "Authorized Personnel Only" sign to maintain environmental controls and prevent contamination, which could compromise the safety and efficiency of the viral vector being produced.

Under OSHA regulations, which of the following practices is required to protect employees from exposure to infectious materials in a biotechnology laboratory?

• Implement standard precautions and use personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Rely solely on handwashing for safety.

• Allow unrestricted access to the lab.

• Use only gloves without other PPE.

Answer explanation

Implementing standard precautions and using personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential under OSHA regulations to minimize exposure to infectious materials in a biotechnology laboratory, ensuring employee safety.

Reorder the following steps of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure before performing maintenance on biomanufacturing equipment?

• Isolate all energy sources by disconnecting, isolating, or blocking them.

• • Apply lockout devices (locks) to the energy-isolating devices to prevent them from being reactivated.

  • Attach tagout devices (tags) to the lockout devices

• • Attempt to activate the equipment controls to ensure it remains de-energized.

  • Use appropriate test equipment to confirm the absence of residual energy

• Identify all energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, etc.) that need to be controlled

• • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly shutting down the equipment.

  • Ensure the equipment is brought to a complete stop and all moving parts have ceased.