Occupational Health and Safety Flashcards

What is Laboratory Animal Allergy (LAA) and what are its symptoms?

Answer: IgE-mediated response to animal proteins causing rhinitis, conjunctivitis, skin reactions, and potentially asthma

LAA is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to proteins in animal urine, dander, and saliva, with symptoms from rhinitis to life-threatening asthma.

What is the purpose of pre-employment health screening for animal workers?

Answer: To establish baseline health data, identify pre-existing risks, and develop individualized protection plans

Pre-employment screening establishes baseline data for future comparison, identifies conditions increasing risk, and enables personalized risk mitigation.

What are the primary zoonotic disease risks from laboratory rodents?

Answer: LCMV, hantavirus, dermatophytosis, rat bite fever, and allergic sensitization

Risks include LCMV (mice), hantavirus (wild rodents), rat bite fever (from bites), dermatophytosis (ringworm), and allergic sensitization.

What is the proper response after an animal bite?

Answer: Wash thoroughly, apply first aid, report to supervisor, seek medical evaluation per institutional procedures

Response: wash with soap and water for 5+ minutes, apply antiseptic, report to supervisor, complete incident report, seek medical evaluation.

What engineering controls help reduce allergen exposure?

Answer: IVC systems, ventilated cage changing stations, HEPA-filtered room supply, and proper ventilation rates

Engineering controls are most effective: IVC systems contain allergens, ventilated stations provide HEPA protection, and proper room ventilation dilutes airborne allergens.

What information should ALATs receive about hazardous materials in research protocols?

Answer: Nature of hazards, required PPE, handling procedures, spill response, and exposure symptoms

ALATs must receive training on all hazardous materials they may encounter, including hazard identification, PPE, safe handling, spill response, and decontamination.