Document Citation: 59A-7.023, F.A.C.

Header:
FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 59 AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
59A HEALTH FACILITY AND AGENCY LICENSING
CHAPTER 59A-7 CLINICAL LABORATORIES

Date:
08/31/2009

Document:

59A-7.023 Laboratory Safety and Sanitary Conditions.

Each laboratory shall establish written policies and procedures designed to maintain the environment in such a manner that the safety and well being of patients and personnel are assured.

(1) Biomedical waste shall be packaged, stored and treated as ordered by Section 381.0098, F.S., as evidenced by proof of issuance of a current permit by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services or documentation of exemption from such permitting.

(2) Each room or department of the laboratory shall have in the immediate area, applicable to the services provided, the following:

(a) Sinks and plumbing fixtures;

(b) Facilities for flushing the eyes, body and clothing with large quantities of water;

(c) Hoods where toxic or volatile chemicals or infectious materials are used. Documentation shall be maintained and available for review by the agency that such hoods are inspected annually to verify efficiency;

(d) Storage cabinets where infectious materials are handled;

(e) Fire extinguishers or other fire prevention devices approved by the local fire authority;

(f) Written fire control plans and posted emergency escape route diagrams;

(g) Grounded electrical outlets;

(h) Emergency power for storage of blood and blood products used for transfusion purposes and test systems that require refrigeration;

(i) Fire blanket with directions for proper use;

(j) No Smoking signs posted in areas where flammable gases or liquids are in storage or use; and

(k) Safety cans for storage and use of flammable liquids.

(3) There shall be a written plan of action for laboratory personnel to implement in the event of a serious accident in the laboratory including:

(a) Medical emergencies involving patients and personnel;

(b) Fire; and

(c) Exposure to biomedical and hazardous waste.

(4) Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a likelihood of exposure to pathogens or toxic chemicals.

(5) Food, drink, items used for patient care or treatment, or medication shall not be kept in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or on countertops or benchtops where biomedical waste or other potentially infectious materials or laboratory testing supplies, including reagents, are present.

(6) All procedures involving biomedical waste or other potentially infectious or toxic materials shall be performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering, and generation of droplets of these substances.

(7) Mouth pipetting or suctioning of blood and all other materials is prohibited.

(8) Syringes, needles, lancets or other blood letting devices capable of transmitting infection from one person to another shall be sterilized prior to each use, after first having been wrapped or covered in a manner which will insure that they will remain sterile until the next use. Each sterilizing cycle must contain an indicator device which assures proper sterilization.