Pathology Laboratory SWMS
Diagnostic pathology laboratory operations — histology solvent exposure (xylene, formaldehyde), cryostat microtome operation, microbiology PC2 containment, specimen transport, sharps disposal and spill response.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Diagnostic pathology laboratory work involves histology solvent exposure (xylene, formaldehyde), cryostat microtome operation, PC2 microbiology containment, specimen transport and sharps handling. Triggers WHS Regulation Part 7.1 (Hazardous Chemicals), AS/NZS 2243.3 PC2 containment requirements and biological hazard controls under the WHS Act 2011.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Carcinogenic exposure, respiratory sensitisation, mucosal irritation
Bloodborne or airborne pathogen infection
Percutaneous injury with seroconversion risk
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Conduct grossing and solvent transfer in certified Class I fume cupboards with annual airflow validation.
- 2Operate PC2 lab per AS/NZS 2243.3 with BSC Class II, restricted access and pathogen risk assessment.
- 3Use engineered safety scalpels, retractable cryostat blade guards and sharps bins at point of use.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Air monitoring, register, SDS and exposure standards for solvents
PC2 containment design, BSC use and biohazard controls
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Routine handling of formaldehyde, xylene and ethanol above scheduled exposure standards during tissue processing.
PC2 laboratory handles infectious human specimens including bloodborne and respiratory pathogens requiring containment.
SWMS mandatory before work; PCBU penalties to $30,000 individual.
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to your laboratory and specimen types
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT)
- ✓Hazard register covering chemical, biological, ergonomic and sharps risks
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS acknowledgement and competency record
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 Part 7.1
- Code of Practice — Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace