TO THE PROBLEM OF EYE PROTECTION FOR EMPLOYEES OF MICROBIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL LABORATORIES (LITERATURE REVIEW)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2786-7684/2026-3-23Keywords:
eye, personal protective equipment, microbiological/biomedical laboratories, occupational risks, labor protectionAbstract
Microbiological and biomedical laboratories are special environments in terms of occupational risks, including the risks of potential eye damage, which can lead to serious injuries or even complete loss of vision. Methodology and methods of the study. The aim of the study is to analyze available sources of information and regulatory documents related to the problem of eye protection for employees in microbiological and biomedical laboratories. The literature review was performed on the basis of an information search conducted on the Internet, and on electronic databases-aggregators of scientific and medical information in English and Ukrainian in the period 1980–2025, using the following keywords: “eye”, “microbiological/biomedical laboratory”, “safety”, “occupational injuries”, “risks”, “personal protective equipment”, “occupational safety”, “regulations”. Presentation of the main material of the study. The problem of eye protection for employees in microbiological and biomedical laboratories is relevant for all countries of the world. Working and staying in the above-mentioned laboratories is accompanied by a significant list of risk factors that can cause eye damage and a decrease in visual acuity. Such factors can carry chemical, mechanical, biological, radiation and ergonomic threats. They can interact in a complex, which increases the potential level of damage. The human factor also affects the level of risk and the effectiveness of their management. Today, the problem of eye protection in various types of production is regulated by the following regulatory documents: OSHA Standards (29 CFR 1910.133), ANSI Z87.1 Standard, ISO Standards (ISO 15189, ISO 45001), European EN Standards (EN 166, 167, 168), National Standard of Ukraine DSTU EN 166:2017 (EN 166:2001, IDT), CDC Recommendations (USA). It is such documents that should be the basis for the development and implementation of an internal system of safe working conditions in microbiological and biomedical laboratories. Conclusions. The problem of eye protection for employees in microbiological and clinical diagnostic laboratories is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive approach and deep comprehensive understanding. The effectiveness of protection largely depends on the correct selection and consistent use of personal protective equipment. The principle of multi-level protection, in which different types of PPE are used in combination to create a complex barrier, is fundamental for minimizing risks when performing many types of work and procedures in laboratories.
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