Communicating a Hazard in the Workplace
Primary Methods of Communicating: Signs and Labels
Signs and labels that alert you to the presence of potentially infectious material and the risk of exposure are vital to a workplace with occupational exposure to potentially infectious materials.
Be sure you are aware of and abide by all signs and labels signaling hazards and hazardous material.
Signs should have a fluorescent orange or orange-red background with a black "biohazard" symbol in the foreground.
Labels must contain the biohazard symbol and must have the word "Biohazard" written on them.
A biohazard label or sign should be attached to each object or container of contaminated material by string, wire, adhesive, or another method that prevents loss or unintentional removal of the label or sign.
When red bags or containers with the biohazard symbol on them are used, a sign or label is not necessary.
Also, when medical laboratory personnel are drawing and testing blood samples, the individual containers housing potentially infectious materials do not need to be labeled.
Properly indicating contaminated material using labels and signs will greatly reduce the risk of accidental exposure to the contaminated material. It is important to maintain appropriate container labeling at all times.
Annual training must be conducted for all employees with occupational exposure.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
14-1. Signs used to warn of potential infectious materials should have a _______.
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