Environmental Safety Med Foundations HES 100

Environmental Safety Identifying and correcting potential hazards that can cause accidents and injuries Ex: faulty wiring, slippery floors, infectious waste OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

General Guidelines Focus on PREVENTION! Moving safely Dressing Safely Working Safely Protecting self and others Reporting Workplace violence

Moving Safely Never run, even in an emergency Stay to the right Remove rugs from floors Open doors slowly Use handrails at stairs Never carry uncapped syringes or sharp instruments in hallways or between rooms

Dressing for Safety Wear long hair tied back Do not wear earrings that extend beyond earlobe Wear closed-toe shoes with no more than a 1” heel Limit jewelry to smooth wedding band Keep fingernails short

Working Safely with Patients Do not perform any procedure on patients until you have received adequate training and do not alter the correct procedure Observe and note conditions in patients that might increase their risk of an accident Be positive you have the correct patient Verify consent

Protecting Yourself Do not place food in a refrigerator that contains lab specimens or medications Keep floors clean

Reporting for Safety Report any unsafe conditions immediately Report any accidents or injuries immediately Fill out incident report Written document completed when patient, employee or any other person is harmed Factual information WITHOUT the patients name

Fire triangle 3 elements necessary for fire risk: Fuel – something that will burn Heat – enough to make the fuel burn Oxygen – to feed the fire These three make up the Fire triangle If one of these elements is missing, fire will not occur Removal of one of these things will stop the fire

Types of Fire Extinguishers Most common is the ABC Capable of putting out all types of fires except combustible metal fires

Fire and Electrical Hazards Familiarize yourself with fire policies/procedures BEFORE there is a fire Stay calm Know location of fire alarms and extinguishers P – pull the pin A – aim at the base of the fire S – Squeeze the handle S – Sweep back and forth along the base of the fire

When fire emergency occurs RACE R – rescue (everyone leaves the scene) A – alarm (pull fire alarm) C – contain (close windows and doors) E – evacuate (move out of immediate danger) E – extinguish (if fire is small, you may be able to put it out with an extinguisher

What not to do in a fire Leave a client alone Use an elevator Open windows Open doors without feeling the door first

Chemical Hazards Many chemicals in healthcare (cleaning solutions, anesthesia, chemotherapy drugs) Do not use container if not properly labeled Recheck label 3 times Avoid contact with eyes and skin and do not inhale Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) Do not pour out toxic chemicals down drain

If chemical comes into contact with eyes/skin Rinse immediately under cool water for at least 5 minutes Splash the eye or get to an eyewash for at least 5 minutes Report any accidents to supervisor immediately

Review Questions What is OSHA and how does it affect the health care profession? How does the CDC take part in the safety of the healthcare worker? List three safety practices related to equipment and environment. List three safety practices related to caring for clients. List the 3 elements necessary for a fire to occur. Explain how these elements interact with each other to produce a fire. Determine the order which you would evacuate the following: A. Client A who uses a walker B. Client B who is in a wheelchair A visitor of client A who is ambulatory Client D who is in a coma