The exhibits show a two countertops to compare and contrast. The counter depicted in Exhibit A is in a virology lab. The counter depicted in Exhibit B is in an instrumentation lab. Which of these would be cited under housekeeping?
In this case, we would likely cite LAB02 only for the virology lab. This is because one requirement of a biol ab is that work surfaces are to be disinfected on a daily basis. Due to the accumulation of supplies and papers, it is probably safe to assume that this countertop hasn’t and can’t be disinfected daily. On the other hand, the instrumentation lab counter appears to be almost as messy, but it is not likely that infectious substances are harbored on the counter as in the virology lab. So, while we might find both offensive, only the virology counter would be cited.
In a biological lab, work surfaces should be cleaned at the end of each work session. Typically, this is done at the end of each day. Signs of this not occurring would be dirty bench paper, stains on the benches or in the biosafety cabinet or laminar flow hood, etc.
You might think that excessive amounts of biowaste would be cited under this item as well, but we actually consider that under improper disposal of waste which is BIO04 which is reviewed separately.