Chapter 13 Promotion of Safety

13:1 Using Body Mechanics Good body mechanics prevents strain Muscles work best when they are always used correctly Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier Prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain and saves energy Prevents injury to self and others

Rules of Good Body Mechanics Maintain a broad base of support Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object Always use the strongest muscles to do the job Use the weight of your body to help push or pull an object Carry heavy objects close to the body (continues)

Rules of Good Body Mechanics (continued) Avoid twisting your body as you work Avoid bending for long periods of time Get help if a patient or object is too heavy to lift alone Use assistive equipment when needed (e.g., mechanical lifts, transfer [gait] belts, wheelchairs)

Back Supports Required by many health care facilities To be worn when lifting or moving Effectiveness is controversial, reminds wearer to use body mechanics Should be correct size in order to provide the maximum benefit It should fit snugly when needed and can be loosened at other times

13:2 Preventing Accidents and Injuries Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Division of the Department of Labor Establishes and enforces safety standards in the workplace Two main standards that affect health care: The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (continues)

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals The Standard requires employers to inform employees of all chemicals and hazards in workplace All manufacturers must provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) with any hazardous product they sell Specific information has to be provided on the MSDS Training for employees

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Contains mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids Diseases that can be contracted by exposure to body fluids include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and AIDS

Ergonomics Healthcare workers should have an awareness of the environment to prevent injuries. It is our responsibility to report unsafe situations. Centers around people and the immediate environment Health care worker must follow safety regulations Remember, health care workers have a legal responsibility to protect the patient from harm and injury

Ergonomics Promotes personal safety in the workplace by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries. Includes the correct placement and use of furniture and equipment. Training in muscle movements Encourages workers to avoid repetitive motions.

Equipment DO NOT operate equipment until you are instructed on its proper use. Read and follow operating instructions. Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately.

x Equipment Use lockout tags/devices following agency procedures. DO NOT use frayed or damaged electrical cords, or a plug with a broken prong. x

Equipment DO NOT handle electrical equipment with wet hands or around water. Store all equipment in its proper place.

Solutions Regulations Observe all safety rules Read MSDSs Never use solutions that are from unlabeled bottles Read labels at least three times Do not mix solutions together unless instructed to do so

Patient and Resident Safety DO NOT perform procedures unless instructed to do so. Use only correct and approved methods, never shortcuts.

Patient and Resident Safety Provide patient privacy: Knock before entering the room. Speak to the patient and identify yourself. Ask for permission to go around a privacy curtain. Provide privacy before beginning a procedure.

Patient and Resident Safety Identify the patient. Check the ID band. Ask the patient to state his or her name. Address the patient by his or her name at least twice. Explain what you are going to do. Never perform a procedure if the patient refuses. Ask why and report it to your supervisor.

Patient and Resident Safety Be alert to the patient’s condition at all times, and report any changes. Be alert to environmental safety hazards. Before leaving a patient, be sure: The bed is at its lowest level, wheels locked. The call bell is within reach. Supplies are within easy reach. To leave the area neat and clean.

Personal Safety Protect yourself and others from injury. Use correct body mechanics. Wear the required uniform. Walk – DO NOT run!

Personal Safety Immediately report personal injury to your supervisor. Report unsafe situations to your supervisor. Keep areas clean and neat with everything in the proper place. Wash hands frequently.

Personal Safety Keep hands away from face, eyes and mouth. Dry hands before touching equipment. Use safety glasses when needed.

Personal Safety Avoid horseplay and practical jokes. If solutions get in your eyes, flush with water and inform your supervisor. If a particle gets in your eye – inform your supervisor and DON’T rub it or try to remove the particle.

Fire Safety Fires are one of the dangers most feared by health care providers. A fire or threat of fire can be extremely frightening to patients who may be unable to leave a facility on their own.

FIRE SAFETY Three things are needed for a fire: Heat: sparks, matches, flames Fuel: Any material that will burn Oxygen: found in the air Safety measures are needed where oxygen is used and stored.

Classes of Fire Extinguishers Classified and labeled according to kind of fire they extinguish Main classes: A, B, C, and D Class A: for combustibles such as paper, cloth, plastic, or wood Class B: for flammable or combustible liquids which include gasoline, paint, grease, or cooking fat (continues)

Classes of Fire Extinguishers (continued) Class C: for electrical fires such as fuse boxes, appliances, wiring, and electrical outlets (the C stands for non-conductive) contains HALON Class D: for burning or specific combustible metals

Types of Fire Extinguisher

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Remember the key word PASS: P = Pull the pin. A = Aim at the base of the fire. S = Squeeze handle. S = Sweep nozzle from side to side to displace oxygen away from the fire. Stand about 6-10 feet away from the fire.

Preventing fires What to do during a fire The entire health team must prevent fires. What to do during a fire You need to know: Your agency’s procedures for fire emergencies Where to find fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits Fire drills are held to practice emergency procedures.

R is for rescue anyone in immediate danger. Remember the word RACE R is for rescue anyone in immediate danger. A is for activate the alarm. C is for confine the fire. E is for extinguish the fire. Remain calm; do not panic Clear equipment from exits. Do not use elevators. Use a fire extinguisher*

Emergency Fire Rules Evacuate ambulatory patients first, then the wheel-chair bound, then the bed-bound. If possible, never leave a patient alone in a fire emergency. Never use an elevator in a fire situation. Never open windows. Never open a door that feels hot. Follow your facility’s procedures when a fire is discovered. Clutter and equipment that block doorways, traffic areas, or fire exits are fire hazards!!! Keep these areas clear.

Putting Out Fires Shut off the main power supply for electrical fires. If your clothes are burning, immediately drop to the ground and roll back and forth quickly. Stop, drop, and roll. Do not use water for grease or electrical fires. Use an ABC or C only fire extinguisher or throw baking soda over the flames. Shut off the main power supply for electrical fires. If the fire is small, you can try to put it out. However, if the flames begin spreading, evacuate immediately and call 911.

Post a “No Smoking – Oxygen in Use” sign. Rules for Oxygen Use Post a “No Smoking – Oxygen in Use” sign. Remove all smoking materials, candles, lighters, and matches from the room. Avoid the use of electrically operated equipment whenever possible. Do not use flammable liquids such as alcohol, nail polish, and oils. Avoid static electricity by using cotton blankets, sheets, and gowns.

Warning signs of a faulty electrical items: Loss of power or a power outage Dimming or flickering lights Sparks, shocks Sizzling or buzzing sounds Burning odor Loose plugs Plug has missing ground prong Rules for fire safety: Obey “no smoking” signs Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and any flammable items completely Store/Dispose of all waste materials in proper containers Clean flammable, liquids spills immediately Don’t allow clutter to accumulate Use special precautions when using oxygen

Disaster Planning Stay calm Know and follow agency disaster procedures Provide safety for yourself and your patients Call 911 with location and number of victims Move victims in immediate danger Bioterrorism Use of microorganisms as weapons to infect humans Most common threats are from smallpox and anthrax Healthcare workers must be alert to the threat of bioterrorism

Summary Health care workers are legally responsible for familiarizing themselves with disaster policies Preventing fires is everyone’s concern Be alert to causes of fires and take measures to prevent them Know policies to follow in case of fire