Instrument Safety

Overview of Instrument Safety

Definition: Instrument safety refers to the procedures and practices used to prevent accidents and injuries related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of flow cytometers
Importance:
- Protect Laboratory Workers: Prevent electrical shocks, burns, eye injuries, and other hazards
- Prevent Equipment Damage: Protect the flow cytometer from damage due to improper use or maintenance
- Comply with Regulations: Meet regulatory requirements and accreditation standards
Key Aspects of Instrument Safety:
- Laser Safety
- Electrical Safety
- Mechanical Safety
- Emergency Shutdown Procedures

Lasers in Flow Cytometry:
- Lasers are used as the light source for excitation
- Lasers can be hazardous if not used properly
Laser Safety Hazards:
- Eye Damage: Direct or reflected laser beams can cause serious eye damage, including blindness
- Skin Burns: High-power lasers can cause skin burns
- Fire Hazard: Lasers can ignite flammable materials
Laser Safety Measures:
- Laser Safety Training: All personnel who work with lasers must receive laser safety training
- Laser Safety Officer: A designated individual who is responsible for overseeing laser safety in the laboratory
- Engineering Controls:
  - Enclosed Laser Systems: Use flow cytometers with enclosed laser systems
  - Interlocks: Interlocks prevent the laser from operating when the enclosure is open
  - Beam Blocks: Use beam blocks to prevent accidental exposure to the laser beam
- Administrative Controls:
  - Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Follow written procedures for laser operation and maintenance
  - Limited Access: Restrict access to the laser area to authorized personnel
  - Warning Signs: Post warning signs to alert personnel to the presence of lasers
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  - Laser Safety Eyewear: Wear appropriate laser safety eyewear that is designed for the specific wavelengths of the lasers being used
  - Skin Protection: Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect skin from exposure to laser beams
Laser safety is dictated based on the class of the laser

Electrical Hazards:
- Electrical Shock: Contact with live electrical components can cause electrical shock, which can be fatal
- Electrical Burns: High-voltage equipment can cause electrical burns
- Fire Hazard: Electrical malfunctions can cause fires
Electrical Safety Measures:
- Qualified Personnel: Only qualified personnel should perform electrical work on flow cytometers
- Equipment Grounding: Ensure that the flow cytometer is properly grounded
- Circuit Protection: Use circuit breakers and fuses to protect against overloads and short circuits
- Insulation: Ensure that all electrical wires and components are properly insulated
- Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Follow lockout/tagout procedures when performing maintenance or repairs
How to be mindful of electrical safety:
- Never use around water, and use surge protectors

Mechanical Hazards:
- Moving Parts: Flow cytometers have moving parts, such as pumps and robotic arms, that can cause injuries
- Puncture Wounds: Needles and other sharp objects can cause puncture wounds
- Ergonomic Hazards: Repetitive motions and awkward postures can cause musculoskeletal injuries
Mechanical Safety Measures:
- Equipment Guards: Use equipment guards to protect against moving parts
- Needle Safety Devices: Use needle safety devices to prevent accidental needle sticks
- Ergonomic Workstations: Design workstations to minimize repetitive motions and awkward postures
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries
Consider the weight of the instrument, and ensure that you can properly and safely lift the parts

Emergency Situations:
- Fire
- Electrical Shock
- Spill of Hazardous Materials
- Equipment Malfunction
Emergency Shutdown Procedures:
- Know the location of the emergency shutdown switch
- Turn off the power to the flow cytometer
- Evacuate the laboratory
- Contact emergency personnel

Laser Safety: Procedures to prevent injuries from lasers
Electrical Safety: Procedures to prevent injuries from electrical hazards
Mechanical Safety: Procedures to prevent injuries from moving parts or other mechanical hazards
Emergency Shutdown Procedures: Steps to take in an emergency situation
Laser Safety Officer (LSO): Individual responsible for the laser safety program