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Table 4 Laboratory safety enabling factors

From: Laboratory diagnosis and management of COVID-19 cases: creating a safe testing environment

 

Strongly agree n (%)

Agree n (%)

Slightly agree n (%)

Slightly disagree n (%)

Disagree n (%)

Strongly disagree n (%)

Sufficiently trained Medical scientists are available in my place of work

43 (32.8)

33 (25.2)

23 (17.6)

7 (5.3)

15 (11.5)

10 (7.6)

Reviewed, updated protocols and working practice policies are available and communicated (e.g. a safe work practices, decontamination) in my place of work

49 (37.4)

48 (36.6)

21 (16.0)

4 (3.1)

8 (6.1)

1 (0.8)

Training and awareness plans, as well as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance programs are in place for all staff

55 (42.0)

42 (32.1)

16 (12.2)

8 (6.1)

8 (6.1)

2 (1.5)

Adequate and appropriate PPEs are supplied (including disposable gloves, solid-front or wrap-around gowns, or coveralls with sleeves that fully cover the forearms, eye protection (goggles or face shield), and respiratory protection (US6NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent, or higher protection), are available and staff are trained in their use

36 (27.5)

23 (17.6)

31 (23.7)

7 (5.3)

15 (11.5)

19 (14.5)

Provisions for adequate rest and other welfare issues (e.g. workplace stress, concern for family members) are available in my place of work

32 (24.4)

28 (21.4)

23 (17.6)

14 (10.7)

18 (13.7)

16 (12.2)

All staff (i.e. scientific and support) are informed of the risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptoms, reporting procedures and support from the organization/hospital in the event of illness

65 (49.6)

41 (31.3)

14 (10.7)

5 (3.8)

4 (3.1)

2 (1.5)

Process for incident reporting and investigation exists in my place of work

52 (39.7)

43 (32.8)

22 (16.8)

8 (6.1)

6 (4.6)

0 (0.0)

Sufficient space, including storage of specimens and other materials (e.g. waste), is available in my place of work

50 (38.2)

41 (31.3)

23 (17.6)

4 (3.1)

9 (6.9)

4 (3.1)

Access to appropriate Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and other essential equipment is ensured in my place of work

37 (28.2)

27 (20.6)

31 (23.7)

11 (8.4)

18 (13.7)

7 (5.3)

Adequate supplies of required disinfectants and other materials are ensured at my place of work

45 (34.4)

43 (32.8)

24 (18.3)

4 (3.1)

13 (9.9)

2 (1.5)

Procedures are in place to ensure materials can be transported safely to and from the laboratory

47 (35.9)

45 (34.4)

26 (19.8)

6 (4.6)

6 (4.6)

1 (0.8)

Good general security controls are in place including those required to address out of hours work times

37 (28.2)

46 (35.1)

25 (19.1)

10 (7.6)

6 (4.6)

7 (5.3)