Safety Practices in Safety Practices in HealthcareHealthcare

Safety Standards

A. Defined: set of rules designed to

protect both the patient and the health

care worker

B. Established and enforced by the

Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA)

Safety Standards - OSHA

1. Occupational Exposure to HazardousChemicals Standards

2. Blood Borne Pathogen Standards– Mandates to protect health care workersfrom diseases caused by exposure tobody fluids (more to come…)

3. Use of Appropriate Body Mechanics– Defined: the way in which the bodymoves and maintains balance whilemaking the most efficient use of all itsparts– Guidelines prevent strain and helpmaintain muscle strength (more tocome…)

OccupationalExposure toHazardousChemicalsStandards

A. Requiresmanufacturers toprovide MaterialSafety DataSheets (MSDS)with anyhazardousproducts they sell

Occupational Exposure toHazardous Chemicals Standards

B. Requires that employers:1. inform employees of all chemicals and hazardsin the workplace2. train employees on the proper procedures orpolicies to follow

a. identify type/location of hazardsb. locate/use MSDS manualc. read/interpret labels/signsd. use personal protective equipment (PPEs)e. spill management and chemical disposalf. incident exposure documentation andreporting

Safety GuidelinesA. Equipment and Solutions

1. Do not operate equipment until you are instructed how to use it.2. Read all operating instructions and follow all safety precautions.3. Report damaged/malfunctioning equipment immediately, including frayed electrical cords.4. Read all MSDS sheets and do not use unlabeled solutions.5. Read labels thoroughly to ensure appropriate

selection and use.6. Use solutions only as indicated and do not mix solutions unless instructed to do so by your

supervisor.7. Report and document incident exposure immediately.

Safety GuidelinesB. Patient Safety

1. Do not perform procedures on a patient unless you are instructed to do so, have appropriate authorization, and follow approved techniques.2. Provide privacy for all patients and ensure you are working with the correct patient.3. Communicate with your patient and ensure consent.4. Observe the patient for potential changes in health and the patient area for

potential hazards.

Safety GuidelinesC. Personal Safety

1. It is your responsibility to protect yourself and others from injury.

2. Use correct body mechanics.

3. Wear appropriate attire/uniform.

4. Walk – never run – in healthcare settings.

5. Report, document, and manage any incident

exposures or safety violations.

6. Maintain neat and clean work areas.

7. Wash hands frequently!

Ergonomics

A. Defined: applied science used to promote the

safety and well-being of a person by adapting

the environment and using techniques to

prevent injuries

B. Techniques may include:

1. correct furniture/ equipment placement

2. appropriate body mechanics training

3. efforts to avoid repetitive movements

4. environmental awareness

Fire Safety

A. Fires need three things to start:

1. oxygen/air

2. fuel (anything that will burn)

3. heat (sparks, matches, flame)

Fire SafetyB. Causes of fires:

1. Carelessness with smoking/matches

2. Misuse of electricity

3. defects in heating systems

4. improper garbage disposal

5. arson

Fire SafetyC. Fire Extinguishers

– device used to put out a fire(Caution: residues produced maybe harmful if inhaled or irritating toskin skin and eyes!)

1. Class A: water – for paper,cloth, wood

2. Class B: CO2 – for gas, oil,paint, liquid, and cooking fat

3. Class C: potassium dry chemical-for electrical4. Class ABC/Combination: graphite-type

chemical – for all fire types

D. Fire Prevention

1. Obey “NO SMOKING” signs, especially around

oxygen and flammable liquids (gas, alcohol, etc.).

2. Extinguish flammable items completely and in

appropriate containers.

3. Check for damaged electrical cords and do not

overload electrical outlets.

4. Store flammable materials in appropriate

containers in a safe area.

5. Declutter.

Fire SafetyE. Procedures

1. Stay calm!2. Evacuate using the facility’s emergency plan.3. R – A – C – E !

R = Rescue…anyone in immediate dangerand Remove…patients to a safe place.

A = Activate…the fire alarm.C = Confine…the fire and close

windows/doors to prevent drafts. Turn offO2 and electrical equipment if your safety isnot endangered.

E = Extinguish…the fire using theappropriate fire extinguisher.