Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-324-1526, Nassau County Health Department Laboratories, Hempstead, New York

摘要

A health hazard evaluation at Nassau County Health Department Laboratories (SIC-8071), Hempstead, New York was conducted during May through June, 1984. The evaluation was requested by the administration of the health department to evaluate the laboratory ventilation systems. The administration was also concerned with medical monitoring and vaccination of staff who handled samples of infectious material. The ventilation system was inspected and air flow measurements were made. The Biosafety Office of the Center for Infectious Diseases of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) was consulted for advice on biological monitoring and vaccination. The ventilation system provided an air supply that met the recommendations of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for nonsmoking areas. A few hoods provided exhaust flow less than the ASHRAE recommendations. The mycobacteriology laboratory was found to be maintained under positive pressure. No air was supplied to the office of the Director of Environmental Health. The grill had been blocked at his request. The Biosafety Office suggested that medical monitoring procedures as outlined in a CDC publication be followed. The author recommends that the hoods be repaired to provide adequate exhaust flow. The mycobacteriology laboratory should be maintained under negative pressure.