1. Unit 4: Infection Control and Safety Precautions
Lesson 2:
Safety Precautions

2. Lesson 2 – Safety Precautions
Government agencies to regulate health and safety standards
OSHA
CDC
EPA
FDA
Government Agencies
Several government agencies have been created to regulate health and safety standards in the workplace and in health care facilities:   
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that enforces safety standards in the workplace to protect employees from injury and illness. OSHA is also responsible for creating safety standards that apply specifically to health care facilities.   
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prevents and controls diseases. It improves people's health and responds to health emergencies.   
The goal of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and the environment. For example, it enforces specific regulations in health care, including the proper disposal of medical waste.   
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting and advancing public health. One way it does this is by regulating the safety and effectiveness of food and drug products

3. Lesson 2 – Safety Precautions
Hazard Communication Standard
All chemicals must be labeled
Material safety data sheets
Train employees
Chemicals
OSHA has set a standard called the Hazard Communication Standard. The Hazard Communication Standard states that employees must be made aware of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
First, every chemical in the facility must be labeled.
In addition, employers are required to keep a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every chemical in the facility. Material safety data sheets contain information about the proper use of chemicals. They also contain a list of safety precautions related to those chemicals. MSDSs must be made available to all employees.
Furthermore, employers are required to train employees to handle chemicals safely.

4. Lesson 2 – Safety Precautions
Medical waste
Contained in biohazard bag or container
EPA regulates disposal
Medical Waste
Medical waste is any waste that is generated in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and as a result of vaccinations. Such wastes include needles and scalpels, bandages and swabs, cultures, blood and body tissue, chemical waste, and radioactive waste.
Medical waste must be contained in a biohazard bag or container. Sharps must be contained in a puncture-proof biohazard container.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency that enforces environmental laws. The EPA regulates the disposal of medical waste. When containing and disposing of medical waste, health care workers must comply with local, state, and federal laws.

5. Lesson 2 – Safety Precautions
Facility safety
Know where the exits, stairways, and elevators are located
Know where fire alarms and fire extinguishers can be found and how to use them
Know how to respond to emergency codes
Facility Safety
Health care workers are responsible for learning the specific safety procedures at their facility. But there are guidelines that all workers can follow to maintain a safe environment for themselves, their co-workers, and their patients.
One of the most important guidelines is to know the surroundings. This includes:   
Where the exits, stairways, and elevators are located.   
Where fire alarms and fire extinguishers can be found and how to use them.   
How to respond to emergency codes. For example, most hospitals use the term "Code Blue" for an adult medical emergency and "Code Red" for a fire emergency.

6. Lesson 2 – Safety Precautions
Ergonomics
Promoting the safety and comfort of people by adapting the environment
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of promoting the safety and comfort of a person by adapting the environment. The key to ergonomics is to create an environment that cares for a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Principles of ergonomics must be applied by all health care workers.
There are many aspects of ergonomics, such as making arrangements for individuals who are physically disabled, controlling temperature and odor, and keeping noise at a moderate level. Another aspect of ergonomics includes choosing décor that is bright and fresh.
Workers must make sure that furniture and equipment are placed in positions that do not obstruct a patient's pathway. Hallways and walkways must be kept clear of clutter. The floor plan must accommodate high traffic areas, small children, and wheelchairs. Also, exits, stairways, and elevators must be labeled and well lit.

7. Lesson 2 – Safety Precautions
Body Mechanics
Moving and positioning the body in ways to prevent injury to oneself and to others
Body Mechanics
Careers in health care are physically demanding. Health care workers are often required to lift, carry, pull, or push objects and patients. If health care workers do not use their bodies correctly, their muscles will not be productive and the chance of injury increases. For this reason, it is important for all health care workers to learn the principles of body mechanics.
Body mechanics is moving and positioning the body in ways that prevent injury to oneself and to others. Body mechanics uses proper body alignment, balance, and movement to increase muscle productivity