 Safety is very important in Healthcare – not only to the patient but to the care giver (You), coworkers and visitors!  General health/safety standards in Healthcare are established and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

In order to prevent injury to yourself and others its important to observe good Body Mechanics. Body Mechanics - refers to the way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all parts.

 Muscles work best when used correctly  Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling and pushing easier  Correct application of body mechanics prevents unnecessary fatigue, strain and saves energy  Correct application of body mechanics prevents injury to self and others

1. Maintain a broad base of support – feet 8-10 inches apart, one foot slightly ahead of the other, balance, keep toes pointed in direction of movement 2. Bend from the hips and knees & keep back straight 3. Use the strongest muscles to do the job – legs, hips, shoulders and arms – back muscles are weak! 4. Use the weight of your body to push or pull an object. When ever possible push, pull or slide rather than lift. 5. Carry heavy objects close to the body. Stand close to the object or person being moved.

6. Avoid twisting your body – turn your feet and entire body 7. Avoid bending for long periods of time. 8. If patient or object is to heavy for you to lift alone always get help. Use another person, mechanical lifts, transfer belts, chairs, etc.

OSHA establishes and enforces two main safety standards in the workplace.  The occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard  MSDS Sheet – Material Safety Data Sheet  Blood Borne Pathogen Standard – protect against exposure to body fluids, ie: blood, urine, stool, saliva, etc.

Requires employers to inform employees of all chemicals and hazards in the workplace.  Product Identification  Protection and Precautions  Instructions for safe use  Procedure for handling spills  Emergency First Aid procedures

Ergonomics – is applied science to promote safety and well being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries.  Correct Placement of Furniture  Training in required muscle movements  Efforts to avoid repetitive movements  Awareness of the environment to prevent injuries

 Do not use or operate equipment until you are trained to do so  Read and follow operating instructions  Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately  Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords  Read MSDS reports before using hazardous chemicals  Never use solutions/bottles that are not labeled  Do not mix any solutions unless instructed to do so

 Do not provide any procedure on a patient unless you have been trained and instructed to do so  Provide privacy for the patient  Knock on doors before entering  Identify yourself  Always Identify your patient  Always explain the procedure so patient knows what you are going to do

 It is your responsibility to protect yourself and others  Wear required uniform  Walk do not run  Report any personal injuries or accidents  If you see an unsafe situation report it promptly  Keep all areas clean and neat  Wash your hands frequently (before and after any procedure and any time they become contaminated during a procedure)  Dry hands thoroughly before handling any equipment especially electrical equipment

 Wear safety glasses when instructed to do so or situation may result in possible eye injury  While working with a partner observe all safety precautions and review role each will do doing a procedure  If any solutions come in contact with skin or eyes flush immediately  If something gets in your eye, report it immediately – do not attempt to remove it yourself or rub your eye

 Fires need three things in order to start. Fire Triangle

Causes of Fires:  Major cause is carelessness with matches or smoking  Misuse of electricity – overload a circuit, frayed wires  Defects in heating systems  Spontaneous combustion  Improper rubbish disposal  Arson

Fire Extinguishers are classified according to the kind of fire they extinguish  Class A: Pressurized water – used on fires involving paper, cloth wood  Class B: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – used on gas, oil, paint, liquids  Class C: Dry Chemical Type (potassium chloride) used for electrical  Class ABC: Combination uses graphite type chemical, can be used on all fires. Can irritate skin and eyes

Steps of fire safety: RACE R escue anyone in immediate danger A ctivate the alarm C onfine the fire E xtinguish the fire

Proper use of a fire extinguisher: Pass P ull the pin A im at the base of the fire S queeze the handle S weep from side to side