Table 2.
Awareness of laboratory safety measures
| Awareness variables | Strongly agree n (%) | Agree n (%) | Slightly agree n (%) | Slightly disagree n (%) | Disagree n (%) | Strongly disagree n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory safety is an important and essential component to the success of any medical laboratory | 118 (90.1) | 11 (8.4) | 2 (1.5) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| It is important to understand and follow instructions in the Laboratory Safety Manual | 118 (90.1) | 13 (9.9) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| Laboratory safety practices are never impacted by biological, chemical, radiological, fire, and electrical hazards | 8 (6.1) | 15 (11.5) | 4 (3.1) | 4 (3.1) | 47 (35.9) | 53 (40.5) |
| It is critical to have access to SOPs that document safety procedures | 86 (65.6) | 25 (19.1) | 6 (4.6) | 0 (0.0) | 9 (6.9) | 5 (3.8) |
| Processes that emit vapors, gasses, or fumes should be adequately captured by local ventilation (hoods, snorkel) | 80 (61.1) | 38 (29.0) | 7 (5.3) | 1 (0.8) | 3 (2.3) | 2 (1.5) |
| It is important for laboratory equipment with potential hazards routinely inspected and maintained or serviced as recommended | 106 (80.9) | 24 (18.3) | 1 (0.8) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| It is important to have access to chemical/biological spill kits | 91 (69.5) | 32 (24.4) | 2 (1.5) | 1 (0.8) | 3 (2.3) | 2 (1.5) |
| It is important to have access to fully stocked first-aid kits | 113 (86.3) | 14 (10.7) | 1 (0.8) | 0 (0.0) | 2 (1.5) | 1 (0.8) |
| Good housekeeping practices are less essential in ensuring laboratory safety | 16 (12.2) | 14 (10.7) | 8 (6.1) | 8 (6.1) | 46 (35.1) | 39 (29.8) |
| Access to appropriate Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) is critical in the containment of SARS-CoV-2 | 87 (66.4) | 27 (20.6) | 12 (9.2) | 1 (0.8) | 1 (0.8) | 3 (2.3) |