Safety Promotion Basic Health Care; HCE100

Using Body Mechanics Ergonomics = adapt environment to good body mechanics Advantages to use body mechanics: Prevents strain Maintains muscle strength Prevents injury to self & others Rules of good body mechanics Broad base of support Bend – from hips & knees, not waist No bending for long periods Use arm & leg muscles, not back muscles Do not lift---- do push, pull, & slide Carry objects close to the body Do not body twist, turn by shifting feet Get help if necessary (no macho behavior)

Preventing Accidents & Injuries OSHA Under control of US Dept of Labor Purpose = requires employers to ensure employee safety with regard to occupational exposure to harmful substances OSHA set forth 2 standards by adopting regulations Bloodborne pathogen standard ------ under Standard Precautions occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals standard Became law in 1992

Goals: Under US Dept of Labor reducing workplace hazards achieving better safety & health conditions maintaining a record keeping system to monitor injuries/ illnesses develop & enforce workplace safety regulations Under US Dept of Labor

OSHA Standard: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Chemical hygiene plan (CHP) According to OSHA, labs must have a CHP Each lab must have a manual which encompasses the core of OSHA safety standards Use of training sessions Written instructions on use of PPE Use of fume hoods Use of instructions for disposal of hazardous waste Must record/ report accidents & incidents 3 primary goals of employer Inventory of all hazardous chemicals Manual of MSDS’s (material safety data sheets) see next slide Training program within 30 days for new worker

OSHA Standard: Blood pathogen Standard 7 points mandated by OSHA Use “standard precautions” Key = hand-washing Work practice controls Exp = sharps containers Adequate hand-washing facilities Use of PPE Cleanliness of work areas Hepatitis B vaccine Follow –up after exposure Document incident & follow-up Need to fill out official OSHA form Medical records of exposed employee Must be kept for 30 years Records available to all with consent of employee

Safety Issues Equipment Solutions First need instruction Do not use if supervisor not in area If has damage report it , label it, & don’t use it Solutions Must be labeled Read label 3 times !!! Read MSDS Read directions Keep away from eyes & skin If spills use proper technique See next slide

Safety Issues Patient safety Before doing anything get authorization Use correct methods Identify correct patient Respect & privacy Always explain procedure to patient Leave patient in a safe secure way

Fire Safety 3 things needed to start a fire Fuel Heat Air Major cause of fires = careless smoking Be familiar with “fire emergency plan” Fire extinguishers Fire alarms Close down all air drafts Shut off all electrical equipment Know exit routes

Fire Safety Useful acronyms Use of fire extinguisher (PASS) P = pull the pin A = aim at near edge & bottom of fire S = squeeze pin S = Sweep from side to side In case of fire (RACE) R = rescue anyone (move them away from fire) A = Alarm activation C = Confine the fire E = extinguish the fire

Fire Extinguishers 4 classes of fire extinguishers A = wood, paper, plastic B = chemicals , oil C = electrical, flammable gasses D = metals Types Foam, air, water --- used for Classes A, B, C Carbon dioxide --- used for classes B, C Dry chemical powder --- used for D

White signifies use of PPE (personal protective equipment