Occuptional Health and Safety in Veterinary Hospitals

Giardia

A protozoan; can be contracted by drinking contaminated water.

Lyme Disease

A tick-transmitted condition caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.

Panleukopenia

A highly contagious viral disease that infects cats but not dogs.

Parvoviral Enteritis

A condition of dogs caused by a highly infectious agent.

Rabies

A zoonotic viral disease that can affect any warm-blooded animal; spread by contact with saliva.

Ringworm

A zoonotic skin condition caused by the agent Microsporum sp.

Sarcoptic Mange

A skin condition caused by a mite of zoonotic concern.

Toxoplasmosis

A zoonosis that can cause hydrocephalus and mental retardation by affecting the human fetus.

CDs

Pharmaceutical agents used to treat cancer.

SDS

Informational literature with additional precautions, instructions, and advice for handling specific chemical products in the workplace.

OSHA

Enforces federal laws that help to ensure a safe workplace for American workers.

PPE

Appropriate items that should be worn working with hazardous materials.

WAGs

Risks associated with long-term exposure to these substances can be reduced by scavenging systems.

Bone Marrow Disorder

A potential risk of high-dose radition exposure

Cutaneous Larvel Migrans

A zoonotic infection caused by the hookworm parasite, characterized by red itchy lines on the skin that lengthen as the parasite moves from one part of the body to another subcutaneously

Visceral Larval Migrans

A zoonitic infection caused by the roudworm larvae resulting in a vyst-like growth, can result in blindness if the eyes is involved

Diarrhea and Cramping

Characteristic of a zoonotic infection caused by the subclass of protozoal agents known as coccidia

Toxoplasmosis

A protozoal infestation that can be transmitted by eating raw or undercooked meat

A needle used to draw blood for a heartworm test

Medical waste

Waste from a patient infected with canine distemper virus

Normal trash

Bloody gauze sponges used on a patient infected with brucellosis

Medical waste

A bacterial culture plate used to culture Pseudomonas spp

Medcial waste

An IV catheter used to deliver a chemotherapy drug

Medcial waste

Tissues from a rabies suspect before receipt of test results

Medical waste

Urine and feces from a patient that received a chemotherapy agent earlier in the day

Medical waste

The ulerus and ovaries of a patient that was spayed that day

Normal trash

A scalpel blade used to remove a fatty tumor from a dog

Medical waste

A blood tube used to draw blood for a thyroid hormone assay in a cat

Medical waste

Instructions on how the practice will maintain hazardous material documents and proper protective policies within the clinic should be detailed in the __________________.

Hazardous Materials Plan (D)

Enforced by OSHA, the ___________ requires that the employee wear all appropriate PPE when handling hazardous chemicals.

“Right to Know” Law (F)

Remember to follow sound __________ when positioning or restraining patients, especially when working with horses or food animals.

Ergonomic Principles (A)

Safety-related policies adopted by a clinic should be found in the clinic’s _____________.

Hospital Safety Manual (E)

Drugs and medications are considered a type of __________.

Hazardous Chemical (B)

When working around a wet area, any electrical appliances should be plugged into a ______________.

Ground-fault Circuit Interrupter (C)

If a statement is false, correct the statement to make Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. An employee is required to admit an OSHA inspector regardless of whether the practice owner is present or not.

False

An employee is not authorized to admit an OSHA inspector to the practice in the absence of the employer (unless, of course, the employer specifically gives the employee the authority to act on the employer’s behalf). However, OSHA inspectors may enter a practice without the presence of the owner and without permission of the employee if the inspectors have a court order to do so.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. It is appropriate to plug an autoclave into a surge suppressor to protect it from electrical fluctuations.

False

Surge suppressors should never be used with portable heaters, autoclaves, or coffeepots because they may overheat and cause a fire.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. When disposing of a fluorescent light bulb that is too long to fit in the trash, it is acceptable to wrap it in a protective wrap such as brown paper and break it, as long as the pieces are kept in a confined area.

Fasle

Inoperable bulbs should be disposed of directly into the outside dumpster or inside of a container to keep the bulb from breaking if recycling is used.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Flammable material should be stored a minimum of three feet from a water heater. 

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Never attempt to fight a fire, regardless of its size, if you are unsure how to properly use the fire extinguisher.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone demands money, drugs, or other material items while threatening your personal safety at work, do not withhold the things they demand.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Whereas a clinic is required to provide safety equipment, it is the employee’s decision whether or not to wear it.

False

The safety equipment must be provided to you at no cost, but it is not optional, by federal law, you must wear what is prescribed.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Water should be added to the concentrate when making a cleaning solution.

False

When making solutions from a concentrate, you should always start with the correct quantity of water then add the concentrate. Never ass the water to the concentrate because the chemical may foam, splash, or react differently.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Unless the SDS indicates otherwise, use a detergent when cleaning up a spill.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Ethylene oxide, although a potential carcinogen, is an excellent cold sterilization solution.

False

Ethylene oxide is a gas sterilization agent.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. For optimal safety, an animal restrainer should focus her or his attention on the procedure being performed.

False

If you are the person responsible for restraining the animal, keep your attention foucsed on the animal’s reaction and not on the procedure

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Glutaraldehyde is a cold sterilization solution used to sterilize instruments without the use of steam. 

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The most common type of injury in the veterinary setting is animal-related. 

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Noise from barking is irritating and frustrating but will not damage your hearing.

False

Noise levels in dogs wards can reach as high as 100 dB. Although relatively short-duration exposure to these noise levels, such as going into the kennel just to retrieve a patient, poses no serious damage to hearing, chronic or long-term exposure can contribute to hearing loss.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The spray attachment on the tub should be used as an emergency eye flush because it offers more control.

False

Avoid using the spray attachments for lubs and sinks because the water pressure is unregulated and the streams of water from these devices can be finr enough to lacerate cornea.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Ringworm is caused by a zoonotic parasite.

False

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not a parasite or worm. It is a zoonotic infection of the skin caused by fungus known as Microsporum

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Roundworm eggs in the soil can remain viable for long periods of time. 

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Pregnant women should be advised to avoid contact with cats to prevent contracting toxoplasmosis.

False

Although care must be taken to avoid contact with cat deced, it is not necessary to avoid contect with cats entirely

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Whenever possible, store chemicals on shelves at or above eye level.

False

Whenever possible, store chemicals on shelves at or below eye level.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. It is possible to carry pathogens home to personal pets.

Ture

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Long-term exposure to low doses of radiation is considered relatively safe.

False

Long-term exposure to low doses of radiation has linked to many medical disorders

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Sunlight can cause false dosimetry badge readings. 

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Portable X-ray units are considered less dangerous because of their limited power.

False

Portable machines, such as those used in large animal and mobile practices, can ne particularly dangerous becasue of their multipurpose capabilities. These machines can be aimed in any direction, and because of their limited power, they must longer exposure times to produce diagnostic images.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. It is permissible to dispose of used x-ray-developing chemicals down the drain.

False

Radiographic developing solutions can react dangerously with other chemicals. For this reason, never pour chemicals down the drain with developing solutions

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. You should wear your dosimetry badge at all times during your shift.

False

The badge is worn during radiographic procedures, but should be returned to the designated storage location (outside the x-ray area) when not in use. Do not wear your badge if you go outside because exposure to sunlight will result in false readings.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The best method to reduce the amount of WAG exposure is to use a proper scavenging system. 

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. An absorption waste anesthetic gas scavenging canister should be checked for saturation by weighing it. 

Ture

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Compressed gas cylinders can be stored anywhere in the clinic as long as they are empty.

False

Regardless of the size of the cylinder or whether the cylinder is empty, full, or in use, store it in a dry, cool place, away from potential heat sources, such as furnaces, water heaters, and direct sunlight. Alwayd secure the tanks, ecen the small ones, in an upright position by means of a chain or strap

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Used soda lime crystals should be disposed of as medical waste.

Flase

Dispose of the used line granules in a plastic trash bag as regular trash.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Needles should be removed from syringes before depositing them in the sharps container to prevent overfilling.

False

Do not remove the needle from the syringe for disposal because this unnecessary handling often results in injuries

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. A biological safety cabinet should be used when preparing chemotherapy drugs.

True

Which is NOT a requirement of OSHA’s “right to know” law? 

a. Employees must be informed of all chemicals to which they may be exposed.

b. The employer must eliminate all hazards in the workplace.

c. Employees must wear all PPE prescribed by the manufacturer.

d. The employer must provide PPE at no cost to all employees.

b. The employer must eliminate all hazards in the workplace

If your clinic has more than 10 employees, you are entitled to all of the following except to 

a. see data that applies to your safety. 

b. be informed about the types of accidents that occurred in the clinic.

c. be given information regarding other staff members. 

d. View a summary of work injuries/illnesses.

c. be given information regarding other staff members

Which of the following is considered an acceptable method of providing clinic-specific training to employees? 

a. Staff meetings 

b. Continuing education courses 

c. On-the-job training 

d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Flammable materials should always be stored at least __________________ feet away from a furnace or other ignition source. 

a. 3 

b. 5 

c. 6 

d. 8

a. 3

The __________________ includes instructions for organizing and maintaining a clinic’s “right to know” documents. 

a. OSHA poster 

b. Hazardous materials plan 

c. Safety data sheet 

d. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

B. Hazardous material plan

The chemical formalin is primarily used for 

a. tissue preservation. 

b. disinfection. 

c. antisepsis. 

d. gas sterilization.

a. tissue preservation

The most common type of injury in a veterinary clinic is 

a. strained/sprained back from improper lifting. 

b. carpal tunnel syndrome. 

c. slip and fall. 

d. animal-related.

d. animal-related

The best way to protect yourself from animal-related injuries is to 

a. show you are not afraid. 

b. get training and practice. 

c. use force. 

d. try to outwit the animal.

b. get training and practice

A zoonotic disease that is associated with joint pain and fever is 

a. rabies. 

b. Toxoplasmosis. 

c. Lyme disease. 

d. Giardiasis.

c. Lyme disease

__________________ larva can migrate to virtually any organ and develop into visceral larval migrans. 

a. Roundworm 

b. Hookworm 

c. Protozoa 

d. Sarcoptic mange

a. Roundworm

Toxoplasma eggs sporulate and become infectious __________________ after they are passed.

a. immediately 

b. 2 to 4 hours 

c. 2 to 4 days 

d. 2 to 4 weeks

c. 2 to 4 days

This parasite can cause cutaneous larval migrans in humans. 

a. Roundworm 

b. Hookworm 

c. Protozoa 

d. Sarcoptic mange

b. Hookworm

A zoonotic pathogen that can be acquired by drinking contaminated water is 

a. ringworm. 

b. roundworm. 

c. Giardia. 

d. Toxoplasma.

C. Giardia

A pathogen found in the mouth of animals that can lead to cardiac and pulmonary problems in both humans and animals is 

a. Pasteurella multocida. 

b. Escherichia coli. 

c. Toxoplasma gondii. 

d. Borrelia burgdorferi.

a. Pasteurella multocida

When taking a diagnostic radiograph, the x-ray beam should be collimated to 

a. the size of the whole area of interest. 

b. the size of the cassette. 

c. an area larger than the size of the cassette. 

d. an area smaller than the size of the cassette.

d. an area smaller than the size of the cassette

When taking diagnostic radiographs, the dosimetry badge should be worn 

a. on your collar under the apron. 

b. on your collar outside the apron.

c. on the waist tie outside the apron. 

d. on your belt under the apron.

b. on your collar outside the apron

According to OSHA, the level of waste-halogenated anesthetic agents in the clinical air should not exceed 

a. 2 parts per million. 

b. 2 pounds per square inch. 

c. 2 cm of water. 

d. 2%.

a. 2 parts per million

The source of the majority of anesthetic gas in the room during a procedure is

a. animal exhalation. 

b. leaks in the endotracheal tube. 

c. leaks in the machine. 

d. improper ventilation in the room.

c. leaks in the mechine

Which type of scavenging system requires weighing and replacement of components? 

a. Passive exhaust 

b. Active removal 

c. Absorption 

d. Accumulation

c. Absorption

To prevent unnecessary exposure to WAGs when re-covering a patient, you should do all of the following except 

a. keep the number of recovering animals in one room to a minimum.

b. keep your face away from the animal’s face. 

c. “flush” the system before extubation. 

d. extubate the animal as quickly as possible.

d. extubate the animal as quickly as possible

Which of the following materials is considered hazardous?

a. IV catheter removed after a spay procedure 

b. Bandaging from a declaw procedure 

c. Scalpel blade used for a celiotomy 

d. Blood tubes from a dog infected with parvovirus

c. Scalpel blade used for celiotomy

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

As an employee, what are your rights and responsibilities regarding workplace safety?

Rights: bring safety concerns to your supervisor and receive an appropriate response, see data that has been collected about your workplace’s safety (radiation exposure reports, collect data regarding workplace injuries).  Responsibilities: Following all safety rules that have been established by your practice, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by your practice, reporting Hazardous conditions to your supervisor, and reporting job-related injuries

Describe the correct way to use a fire extinguisher.

Pull the pin. (Most fire extinguishers have a pin. Others may have a latch or lever. Check your extinguisher) Aim low, at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep from side to side, at the base of the fire

What does SDS stand for and what information is contained in that document?

Safety Data Sheets: This document contains important information about the chemical’s identification, health risks, first-aid measures to take in care of exposure, and specific guidelines associated with handling, storage, transport, adn disposal

What’s the appropriate PPE to wear when bathing a dog?

Proactive glasses or goggles, gloves, apron

How can rabies be transmitted from an animal to a human?

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through a bite wound, but can also be transmitted if saliva or other bodily fluids contact open wounds or mucous membranes

What PPE should be worn when performing dental cleaning?

Gloves, goggles, a mask, and a long-sleeved jacket

What’s the safest way to recap a needle? Describe.

Needles should be recapped using a one-handed technique. Holding the syringe/needle in your dominant hand, you use the needle to scoop the cap off the table