Safety in Safety in Phlebotomy Phlebotomy

Safety Hazards & ActionsSafety Hazards & Actions

• Biologic– Source: Infectious Agents– Possible Injuries: Infections– Actions:

• Handwashing!• Universal/Standard Precautions• Personal Protective Equipment• Isolation Procedures

Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards• Sharp

– Source: Needles, Lancets & broken glass– Possible Injuries: Cuts, punctures = exposure to

bloodborne pathogens– Actions

• Never manually re cap a needleNever manually re cap a needle• Dispose in sharps conveniently located Sharps

container immediately (never leave lying anywhere)immediately (never leave lying anywhere)• Sharps containers not overfilled• Sharps containers should be labeled with biohazard

labels

Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards• Chemical

– Source: Preservatives & reagents– Possible Injuries: Exposure to toxic, carcinogenic

or caustic agents (burns)– Actions

• Avoid getting on your body, clothing or work area– Skin contact – flush with large amounts of water

• Assume all are hazardous

• Never mix!

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)(MSDS)– Contains info on characteristics, hazards, routes or entry to the

body, exposure limits, precautions for safe handling, and spill/cleanup and emergency first aid information

Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards• Radioactive

– Source: Equipment & radioisotopes (release radiation as it breaks down)

• Radioisotopes injected in some patients are treatment; patient and all blood and body fluids radioactive

– Possible Injuries: Radiation exposure– Actions

• Working in area; required to wear exposure devices• Radioactive Hazard Symbol – look for and treat

appropriately

Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards• Electrical

– Source: Ungrounded/wet equipment; frayed cords

– Possible Injuries: Burns or shock– Actions

• Report damaged cords or equipment

Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards• Fire/Explosive

– Source: Heat source or chemical– Physical Injuries: Burns or dismemberment– Actions

• RACE• PASS• Evacuation plans• Explosive chemicals

Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards• Physical

– Source: Wet floors, heavy boxes, patients– Possible Injuries: Falls, sprains, strains,etc.– Actions

• Wet Floors signs• Halls and Doorways free of clutter• Hall or tripping hazards• Closed-toed, supportive shoes• Body Mechanics