Histology is the preparation of tissue specimens for the diagnosis of cancers and other diseases. A wide range of tasks are carried out there, including the use of hazardous chemicals, sharp edged implements and blades, and substances that can make even walking dangerous. Aside from being cautious around hot melted wax, residue of this substance on the floors can cause a slip hazard. (Scungio, 2011)

There are about five main categories for potential hazards in the Histopathology Laboratory:

1. Fire Hazard – Alcohol, ether, toluene, and xylene are examples of flammable liquids that can start fires of all types if you’re not careful.

2. Poisonous, erosive and corrosive reagents – caused by common laboratory compounds such formaldehyde, methyl alcohol, cyanide ingredients, arsenic salts, mercury, oxalates, nitroprussides, zinc salts, lead, barium and iodine salts, acrylamide, and aromatic amines.

3. Specimen – Fresh tissue is bio-hazardous i.e., tissue from patient with tuberculosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), HIV or other infectious diseases.
4. Sharps – Cryostat and microtome cutting blades are exceedingly sharp, and using them or performing maintenance on them can result in numerous injuries. If used improperly, these tools might be dangerous to handle.

5. Radiation – Radioactive substances, such as sentinel lymph nodes or prostate seeds. Although handling radioactive tissue often involves handling low levels of radioactivity, it is nonetheless advisable to handle samples rapidly and store seeds needed for treatment in lead-lined containers. Give the specimen a 24-hour soak in formalin.