According to OSHA guidelines, which of the following is the most effective way to protect yourself from biological hazards associated with human sources in a laboratory setting?

• A. Avoiding all contact with laboratory equipment
• B. Relying solely on handwashing after exposure
• C. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection
• D. Using air fresheners to eliminate airborne pathogens

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines are designed to protect workers from hazards, including biological hazards in laboratory settings.
2. Identify the types of biological hazards associated with human sources, such as bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and infectious agents that can be transmitted through contact or aerosols.
3. Evaluate each option based on its effectiveness in preventing exposure: avoiding all contact with equipment is impractical; relying solely on handwashing is important but insufficient alone; using air fresheners does not eliminate pathogens and is not a protective measure.
4. Recognize that wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection creates a physical barrier that reduces the risk of exposure to infectious agents.
5. Conclude that according to OSHA guidelines, the most effective way to protect yourself from biological hazards in a lab setting is to wear appropriate PPE, combined with other safety practices like hand hygiene and proper equipment handling.