Introduction: The Pathological Anatomy laboratory presents risks related to the handling of potentially contaminated surgical, biopsy or cytological samples, as well as the use of dangerous chemicals. The objective of our study is to evaluate the biological and chemical risks incurred by the staff of the PCR laboratory of the Ibn Rochd university hospital center (CHU) in Casablanca and to recommend prevention and protection measures against these risks.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a period of six months, involving all laboratory staff. Our study is based on the use of detailed questionnaires, interviews and observations of working conditions.
Results: The evaluation revealed several failures: insufficient training of staff in matters of hygiene and safety in the workplace, medical monitoring is not systematically respected, accidents linked to exposure to biological liquids and products chemicals are relatively common, a lack of maintenance of collective protective equipment such as extractor hoods, a lack of protective glasses and compliant respiratory masks, inappropriate storage of dangerous chemicals, lack of display of certain instructions safety and insufficient compliance with waste disposal requirements.
Conclusion: It is imperative to put in place an action plan aimed at preventing and protecting laboratory personnel against these risks.