CAP Pro Course - Safety - Hazardous Chemicals (2026 & 2027)

Author: Cheryl Bentley, MLS(ASCP)CM
Reviewers: Robert Nickla, RBP, M(ASCP) and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Identify the hazardous chemical classes commonly used in a clinical laboratory and the associated labeling requirements.
  • Demonstrate proper storage techniques for hazardous chemicals.
  • Recognize where to locate and how to utilize chemical hazard and safety information.
  • Define safe work practices and demonstrate proper use of safety equipment.

Course Outline

  • Identify the hazardous chemical classes commonly used in a clinical laboratory and the associated labeling requirements.
      • Hazardous Chemical Classification in the Clinical Laboratory
      • Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals
      • Primary Container Labeling
      • Secondary Container Labeling
      • Exposure to hazardous chemicals is a serious threat to laboratory workers. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OS...
      • There are many hazardous chemicals found in the clinical laboratory. When is a chemical defined as hazardous?
      • To comply with OSHA's GHS for labeling primary hazardous chemical containers, labels must include specific information. Which of the following informa...
      • As Mike puts away supplies in your laboratory, he opens a case of reagent-grade alcohol. He finds that the label on one of the containers has been dam...
  • Demonstrate proper storage techniques for hazardous chemicals.
      • Storage of Hazardous Chemicals
      • You're replenishing working supplies in your laboratory, and you see that you need a new one-gallon container of reagent-grade alcohol in the chemistr...
      • Your laboratory has a new group of medical laboratory science students beginning their clinical rotations this week. As you educate them on the safe h...
      • Flammable and combustible liquids stored on open shelving in a laboratory should be kept to a minimum. Your laboratory uses methanol (flammable) in on...
      • Some chemicals may have hazards in more than one classification. Which hazard will always take priority over the other hazards?
      • The facility safety team performs a quarterly walk-through to ensure all safety guidelines are being followed. As they walk through the laboratory, th...
      • A student completing his clinical laboratory internship observes a shipment of chemicals being received into the laboratory. The associate reviewing t...
  • Recognize where to locate and how to utilize chemical hazard and safety information.
      • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
      • Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
      • Doug, a new employee, is researching a chemical and has located the safety data sheet (SDS) for that chemical. He has obtained almost all of the infor...
      • When a new bottle of hazardous chemical is delivered to the laboratory, which of the following actions should not be taken prior to placing it into st...
      • According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Laboratory standard, who is responsible for developing, implementing, and ma...
      • Jennifer is working the night shift and preparing to replenish xylene in a small Coplin jar used to dip slides. While transporting a full 1L glass bot...
      • The chemical hygiene plan (CHP) is an important document that communicates the policies, procedures, and responsibilities that protect employees from ...
      • All of the sections identified below are specific categories listed on a chemical's safety data sheet (SDS), except which of the following?
  • Define safe work practices and demonstrate proper use of safety equipment.
      • Safety Equipment
      • Safe Work Practices
      • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
      • Engineering Controls
      • Emergency Aids
      • James will be filling biopsy containers with 10% formalin from a five-gallon cube. Which one of the following diagrams, representing cut-away side vie...
      • Which of the following is considered an engineering control that can be used to protect against chemical hazards?
      • Where should an emergency eyewash station be located in relation to the area where hazardous chemicals are used?
      • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to protect the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes from potential harm when working with chemicals and other ...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction:  Basic
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS and MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information:  Cheryl Bentley, MLS(ASCP)CM received her degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. Cheryl began her career as a generalist at Henry Medical Center in Stockbridge, Georgia and is currently the Clinical Laboratory Supervisor at Gwinnett Medical Center in Duluth, Georgia.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.  
Reviewer Information:
Rob Nickla, RBP, M(ASCP), began his public health career in 2004 at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory where he was a Public Health Microbiologist in the sections of Mycobacteriology, Bacteriology, and Virology. He has since worked as the State Training Coordinator and Bioterrorism Training Coordinator in the Bioemergency Response Section and as an Associate Biosafety Officer in the Environmental Health and Safety Department at Arizona State University (ASU). Currently, Rob is the BT and CT LRN (Laboratory Response Network) Coordinator and State Training Coordinator with the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL).
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.

This course is part of the CAP Competency Assessment Hub.

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