1. Safety Practices in Healthcare

2. Safety Standards A. Defined: set of rules designed to protect both the patient and the health care worker B. Established and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

3. Safety Standards - OSHA   1. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standards   2. Blood Borne Pathogen Standards – Mandates to protect health care workers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids (more to come…)   3. Use of Appropriate Body Mechanics – Defined: the way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts – Guidelines prevent strain and help maintain muscle strength (more to come…)

4. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standards A. Requires manufacturers to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with any hazardous products they sell

5. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standards   B. Requires that employers: 1. inform employees of all chemicals and hazards in the workplace 2. train employees on the proper procedures or policies to follow a. identify type/location of hazards b. locate/use MSDS manual c. read/interpret labels/signs d. use personal protective equipment (PPEs) e. spill management and chemical disposal f. incident exposure documentation and reporting

7. Safety Guidelines A. Equipment and Solutions 1. Do not operate equipment until you are instructed how to use it. 2. Read all operating instructions and follow all safety precautions. 3. Report damaged/malfunctioning equipment immediately, including frayed electrical cords. 4. Read all MSDS sheets and do not use unlabeled solutions. 5. Read labels thoroughly to ensure appropriate selection and use. 6. Use solutions only as indicated and do not mix solutions unless instructed to do so by your supervisor. 7. Report and document incident exposure immediately.

8. Safety Guidelines B. Patient Safety 1. Do not perform procedures on a patient unless you are instructed to do so, have appropriate authorization, and follow approved techniques. 2. Provide privacy for all patients and ensure you are working with the correct patient. 3. Communicate with your patient and ensure consent. 4. Observe the patient for potential changes in health and the patient area for potential hazards.

9. Safety Guidelines C. Personal Safety 1. It is your responsibility to protect yourself and others from injury. 2. Use correct body mechanics. 3. Wear appropriate attire/uniform. 4. Walk – never run – in healthcare settings. 5. Report, document, and manage any incident exposures or safety violations. 6. Maintain neat and clean work areas. 7. Wash hands frequently!

10. Ergonomics A. Defined: applied science used to promote the safety and well-being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries B. Techniques may include: 1. correct furniture/ equipment placement 2. appropriate body mechanics training 3. efforts to avoid repetitive movements 4. environmental awareness

11. Fire Safety   A. Fires need three things to start: 1. oxygen/air 2. fuel (anything that will burn) 3. heat (sparks, matches, flame)

12. Fire Safety B. Causes of fires: 1. Carelessness with smoking/matches 2. Misuse of electricity 3. defects in heating systems 4. improper garbage disposal 5. arson

13. Fire Safety C. Fire Extinguishers – device used to put out a fire (Caution: residues produced may be harmful if inhaled or irritating to skin skin and eyes!) 1. Class A: water – for paper, cloth, wood 2. Class B: CO2 – for gas, oil, paint, liquid, and cooking fat 3. Class C: potassium dry chemical-for electrical 4. Class ABC/Combination: graphite-type chemical – for all fire types

14. D. Fire Prevention 1. Obey “NO SMOKING” signs, especially around oxygen and flammable liquids (gas, alcohol, etc.). 2. Extinguish flammable items completely and in appropriate containers. 3. Check for damaged electrical cords and do not overload electrical outlets. 4. Store flammable materials in appropriate containers in a safe area. 5. Declutter.

15. Fire Safety E. Procedures 1. Stay calm! 2. Evacuate using the facility’s emergency plan. 3. R – A – C – E ! R = Rescue…anyone in immediate danger and Remove…patients to a safe place. A = Activate…the fire alarm. C = Confine…the fire and close windows/doors to prevent drafts. Turn off O2 and electrical equipment if your safety is not endangered. E = Extinguish…the fire using the appropriate fire extinguisher.