Abstract
Regulations related to the work environment have been strengthened by the revisions of the Specific Chemical Disorder Prevention Rules (hereafter, the Rules, revised in March 2008) and the Regulations on Labor Standards for Women (hereafter, the Regulations, revised in October 2012). The standardization of the work environment with regard to its safety is demanded. In this study, we examined the realization of the pathological cytodiagnostic laboratories that complies with the Rules and the Regulations to improve the work environment. The following two work areas were prepared: 1) a work area that complies with the Rules and incorporates measures against infection and 2) a work area that complies with the Regulations. These two areas were not previously separated and used for sample preparation. Regarding 1), five local exhaust devices were installed, the pressure of a room was made negative to prevent the outflow of odor and harmful substances, the room temperature was set in the range of 22–25°C, and the room was equipped with a 24-hour ventilation system. In addition, a chemical closet with an exhaust device and a cabinet for formalin-fixed organ samples were installed with each equipped with a 24-hour ventilation system. A push-pull ventilation unit for formalin gas was placed in an organ-imaging device. Regarding 2), two existing Dalton draft chambers were used. The exhaust hoses of an automatic embedding device and an automatic staining device were connected to the exhaust duct of the Dalton draft chambers to obtain 24-hour ventilation. Owing to these measures, we were able to prepare controlled work areas of class I based on the work environment classification in compliance with the Rules and the Regulations. Raising the awareness and care of the staff involved alone in pathological examination are insufficient to achieve adequate measures. Obtaining the understanding of hospitals is important. Preparing a safe work environment and its complete management and control to prevent the diffusion of chemical substances and odor, in addition to the installation of suitable ventilation systems for the intended use, are required.
