PROMOTION OF SAFETY

BODY MECHANICS:4 reasons for good body mechanics:

1. Muscles work best2. Lifting, pulling, pushing

easier3. Prevents injury4. Prevents fatigue and strain

BODY MECHANICS

• 8 RULES OF GOOD BODY MECHANICS– Maintain base of support– Bend from hip & knees; back straight– Use the strongest muscles– Use weight of body to push or pull– Carry objects close to body– Avoid twisting body– Avoid bending for long periods– Get help if too heavy

PATIENT SAFETY

• Only perform procedures when asked to do so

• Provide privacy• Always ID your patient• Always explain the procedure; get consent• Observe patient during procedure• Check patient-care areas for hazards• Prior to leaving room check for safety: bed

lowered, side rails up, position of patient, call bell within reach, brakes on bed, open curtains

FIRE SAFETY

• CAUSES OF FIRE– Carelessness with smoking &

matches (NB)– Misuse of electricity– Defects in heating system– Spontaneous ignition– Improper garbage disposal– Arson

FIRE SAFETY

• FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

– CLASS A: •Contains pressurized water•Used on combustibles: paper, cloth,

wood

– CLASS B:•Contains carbon dioxide•Used on gas, oil, paint, liquid, and

cooking fat fires

FIRE SAFETY (Con’t)

• FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (Con’t)

– CLASS C:•Dry chemical; contains potassium

bicarbonate or chloride•Used on electrical fires; burning liquids

– CLASS ABC/COMBINATION•Contains graphite-type chemical•Multipurpose; used on all types

P.A.S.S.•Pull (pull what?)•Aim (aim where?)

•Squeeze (squeeze what?)

•Sweep (huh?)

R.A.C.E.

– RESCUE•Rescue anyone in immediate danger

– ACTIVATE•Activate fire alarm•Give location & type of fire

– CONFINE•Confine fire; close doors & windows•Shut off electrical equipment & oxygen

– EXTINGUISH•Extinguish fire only if safe to do so

Hospital Safety Issues

• Fires• Patients• Hostile

Actors• Electricity

• More…

MSDS Sheets

•OSHA•Where are

they found? •You have a

right to know

NFPA 704NFPA 704

Questions and “War Stories”