Description should include

• definitions of asepsis, aseptic, disinfect, sterile, and sterilize
• differences between sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing
• types and purposes of chemicals commonly used in the veterinary field (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds, bleach solutions, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, and enzymatic cleaners)
• symbols used to identify common harmful chemicals (e.g., OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard [HCS] and the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals [GHS] pictograms)
• safety precautions necessary when using each of these chemicals (e.g., SDS), including ventilation needs, dilution ratios, and required PPE.

Teacher Resources:

• "Youth@Work-Talking Safety Curriculum for Virginia," NIOSH, CDC
• Veterinary Worker Safety and Health, NIOSH, CDC

• Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel, 2015, VICC, NASPHV
• Disinfection, The Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is it important to be able to identify chemicals and their basic uses in veterinary practice?
• How would you distinguish among a disinfectant, a sterilant, and a soap?
• What is a reagent? Why are reagents important in the veterinary facility?
• What safety precautions should be taken to ensure an animal does not encounter chemical disinfectants used in the facility? What chemicals are contraindicated for use near certain species?
• What is the importance of secondary labels?
• What is meant by allowing contact time?