Chapter 7: Safety and patient reception

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, enforces safety standards and provides guidelines on hazardous material and infection control

HCS

Hazard Communication Standard, requires employees to educate employees about hazardous chemicals and provide access to SDS (Safety Data sheets)

PASS

Pull the pin, aim at base of fire, squeeze the trigger, Sweep side to side

Chemical Safety

Store hazardous chemicals below eye level to avoid spills into eyes.

Always add acid to other substances, not the reverse (to prevent splashing).

Electrical Safety

Do not use frayed cords; wait for repair before plugging in

Fire safety

Know and follow RACE in a fire emergency:

Rescue/remove those in danger

Alarm/alert others

Confine the fire (close doors)

Extinguish or evacuate

ABC Fire Extinguishers: Contain dry chemicals for multiple fire types (combustible solids, flammable liquids, electrical).

SDS must include:

Composition

Exposure control

Handling/storage

Stability/reactivity

GHS pictograms include symbols for:

Carcinogens / health risks

Toxic substances

Biohazards

Fire, instability, and specific hazards (as shown in NFPA diamond)

A good emergency action plan includes:

Evacuation routes

Fire reporting procedures

Accountability for all staff and patients

Regular drills and updates

• Always evacuate using stairs, not elevators.

• Do NOT leave doors open when evacuating during a fire.

Infectious Waste:

Includes used needles and any material contaminated with bodily fluid, DO NOT ASSUME Safety, even if patients seems healthy

Immunocompromised Patients:

Includes those receiving chemotherapy, infants, elderly, or chronically ill individuals. They are the most at risk in the presence of contagious patients

Contagious disease:

Easily spread; precautions must be used to protect staff and other patients

NFPA Diamond: Blue

Health hazard

NFPA Diamond: Red

Fire hazard

NFPA Diamond: Yellow

Reactivity/Instability

NFPA Diamond: White

Specific Hazard (e.g. radiation, acid)

Fire class A

paper, wood, cloth

Fire class B

Flammable liquids

Fire class C

Electrical equipment

Fire class D

Combustible metals

Fire class K

Cooking oils/grease

What does SDS stand for?

Safety Data Sheet

When using an acid, should you add the acids to water or water to the acids?

Add acid to the water

What is the first step when encountering a fire

Remove those in danger (Rescue)

What does GHS stand for?

Globally Harmonized System (Of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals)

Who is responsible for OSHA compliance in the workplace?

The employer