Fire and Environmental Safety Health, healing and hope. To every patient, every time, we will provide the care that we would want for our own loved ones. Health, healing and hope.

Environmental Safety Environmental Safety: This course will discuss what GBMC does to provide a safe environment for employees, and all who enter the facility. The course will also discuss ways employees can prevent injuries to themselves and others as well as actions to take when injury occurs. ○Environmental and safety inspections are conducted at least every 6 months on areas where individuals are served and annually in areas where individuals are not served. ○Safety inspections are used to identify deficiencies, assess employee knowledge and behaviors, and identify ways to improve the environment. ○All employees are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. ○The GBMC Safety Management Plan is reviewed annually to ensure best practices are in place to maintain a safe environment

Preventing Workplace Injuries: Those who work in healthcare are especially at risk of these common workplace injuries. GBMC employees need to take preventative actions against injuries: ○Slips, trips and falls ○Strains and sprains ○Needle sticks and exposures ○Hazardous product use (chemicals and other hazardous materials) Reporting Employee Injuries: If you suspect an on-the job injury or job-related illness regardless of how slight, report it to your immediate supervisor and employee health immediately. ○The employee should report the injury or illness to their immediate supervisor . ○The employee should report to Employee Health. ○The supervisor must see that the injured employee receives necessary treatment. ○The supervisor must complete an employee injury investigation form and submit it to employee health.

Slips, Trips and Falls: The following measures help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. ○Keep floors dry and free from slippery substances. ○Report spills and slick surfaces to EVS. ○Post “wet floor” signs to indicate the potential for slipping. ○Report uneven or damaged surfaces to the GBMC Facility Department. ○Keep corridors free from clutter and trip hazards. ○Use handrails on stairs and other areas to reduce trips and falls. ○Properly stack supplies so that employees will not need to climb to reach them. ○Wear appropriate footwear for your work environment. Strain and Sprains: Prevention of strains and sprains starts with proper body mechanics. Employees should always use safe practices. ○Use proper body mechanics. ○Use appropriate devices to assist with lifting.

Preventing Needle Sticks and Exposures: ○Needles should always be placed in sharps containers and standard precautions followed. ○Sharps containers should be replaced as soon as they reach the fill line. ○Do not recap needles. ○When possible use needles that retract and have self contained caps to prevent accidental sticks. ○Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow proper procedures when handling potentially infectious waste or hazardous materials. ○Any needle stick or exposure should be reported immediately.

Medical Equipment Safety: To reduce the risk of injury from equipment use, GBMC employees should only use equipment they have been trained to use and with which you have demonstrated competence. Safe Medical Device Act: Anyone who witnesses, discovers or otherwise becomes aware of information that a piece of equipment has, may cause, or contributes to the death of a patient is responsible for immediately assessing the patient and reporting the incident. ○Requirements: ◊Report the incident to your immediate supervisor. ◊Remove the equipment from service (tag equipment with date, time and reason for removal). ◊Complete an incident report and contact GBMC Clinical Engineering. ◊Maintain the setting on the equipment or document the settings. ◊Do not attempt to repair yourself, or allow anyone other than GBMC Clinical Engineers to repair broken or defective equipment.

If you suspect a problem with non-medical equipment contact the GBMC Facilities Department, do not attempt to repair the equipment yourself. Do not use equipment that has frayed wires or is not in good repair.

Fire Safety All GBMC employees have a responsibility to know fire safety practices, response, and evacuation procedures to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff. Fire Prevention: The following measures help reduce the risk of fire. ○Keep flammable materials away from ignition sources. ○Use of extension cords must be approved by the Safety Department. ○All non-hospital electrical equipment used in the facility must be inspected and approved by facilities. ○Patients may not bring personal electrical appliances into the facility. ○Keep exits and corridors clear at all times. ○Do not prop open doors (doors are a part of the fire suppression system). ○Appropriately discard boxes and paper, empty trash frequently. ○Do not store any items within 18 inches of a sprinkler head. ○Report any fire hazards to the Safety Department. ○Fire drills are conducted so employees know response and evacuation procedures.

In The Event Of A Fire Remember SAVE S – Save the Patient – remove patients and visitors from immediate danger. A – Activate the Alarm – locate and activate the nearest pull station. V – Ventilate – close all doors to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. E – Evacuate/Extinguish – locate and use the closest fire extinguisher, evacuate if instructed. When Using a Fire Extinguisher, Remember PASS P – Pull the pin A – Aim at the base S – Squeeze the handle S – Sweep from side to side Medical Air Emergency Shut Off Valve Employees working in patient care areas should know the location of the medical air emergency shut off valves. Respiratory Therapy or the Unit CUC are authorized to shut off medical air during a fire.

Dial FIRE (3473) to Report Fire or Smoke CODE RED will be announced on the overhead paging system along with the area of the fire. When the alarms activates employees should: ○Check area for smoke or fire. ○Close all doors. ○Terminate all non-essential phone calls and procedures. ○Do not begin any operative, diagnostic or treatment procedures, that cannot be terminated immediately. ○Clear corridors. ○Move all patients, clients and visitors to a safe location. ○Do not use elevators unless instructed. ○Be prepared to receive patients from other areas. ○Be prepared to evacuate – know evacuation route, retrieve patient chart if possible. ○Stand by for further instructions.