1. Environmental Safety 7.31 Safety in the workplace
7.41 Safety signs, symbols and labels
7.42 Hazardous materials

2. Correct Body Mechanics
4 reasons to use correct body mechanics
Muscles work best when used correctly
Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier
Prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain; saves energy
Prevents injury to self and others

3. 8 Rules of Good Body Mechanics
Maintain a broad base of support (feet 8-10” apart, placing one foot slightly forward)
Bend from hips and knees, keeping back straight. Do not bend at waist
Use larger and stronger muscles; shoulder, upper arms, hips, thighs (back muscles are weak)
Use weight of body to push or pull object. Whenever possible, push, pull, or slide rather than lift.

4. 8 Rules of Body Mechanics (cont’d)
Carry heavy objects close to the body. Stand close to any object or person being moved.
Avoid twisting your body when you work. Turn with your feet and entire body when you change direction of movement.
Avoid bending for long periods
If pt or object too heavy to lift alone, always get help (mechanical lift, transfer/gait belt, wheelchair, etc)

5. Ergonomics Promotes personal safety in the workplace.
Includes the correct placement and use of furniture and equipment.
Encourages workers to avoid repetitive motions.

6. Ergonomics
Healthcare workers should have an awareness of the environment to prevent injuries.
It is our responsibility to report unsafe situations.

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

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

9. Equipment and Solutions
DO NOT handle electrical equipment with wet hands or around water.
Store all equipment in its proper place.
Read Material Safety Data Sheets before using chemicals.

10. Equipment and Solutions
DO NOT use solutions in unlabeled bottles.
Read the label three times to assure you are using the correct solution.
DO NOT mix solutions unless done under proper supervision.

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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.
Side rails elevated.
The call bell is within reach.
Supplies are within easy reach.
Open privacy curtain if it was closed.
To leave the area neat and clean.

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

16. 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.

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

18. Personal Safety Wash hands: Before AND after any procedure
Anytime they become contaminated during a procedure
Before applying and immediately after removing gloves
Before and after handling specimens
After contact with soiled or contaminated items
After picking up items off the floor
After personal use of bathroom
After cough, sneeze, blow nose
Before and after any contact with your mouth or mucous membranes (eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip balm, inserting/removing contact lenses)

19. 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.

20. Signs and Symbols
Bio-hazard symbol

21. Signs and Symbols Standard precaution symbols for: Wash hands
Wear gloves
Wear mask
Wear eye protection
Wear gown

22. Safety Standards for the Workplace
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Division of Dept. of Labor
Establishes and enforces safety standards in the workplace
2 main standards affect healthcare workers:
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

23. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard
Requires employers to inform all employees of all chemicals and hazards in workplace
All manufacturers must provide MSDS
Also mandates employers to train employees on proper procedures and policies with regard to:
Reporting accidents or exposures and documenting any incidents

24. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemical Standard (cont’d)
Identifying types and locations of all hazards
Locating and using MSDS manual
Reading and interpreting chemical labels and hazard signs
Using PPE - Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, gown, mask, goggles)
Locating cleaning equipment and following correct methods for managing spills and disposing of chemicals

25. Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Has mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids
Examples of body fluids:
Blood, urine, stool, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, mucus, etc
3 diseases which can be contracted by exposure to body fluids: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, AIDS

26. Labels Use solutions only as directed on the label.
Follow manufacturers directions for storage of chemicals.
For breakage or spills, notify your supervisor immediately and follow disposal instructions on the label or MSDS.

27. Implications of Hazardous Materials
Manufacturers must provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous products.
The MSDS must provide:
Information about the chemical
Protection/precautions to be used
Instructions for safe use
Procedures for spills, cleanup and disposal
Emergency first aid if injury occurs

28. Fire Safety 3 things needed to start fire Oxygen – present in air
Fuel – any material that will burn
Heat – spark, matches, flames
Most common cause of fire is carelessness with smoking and matches

29. Fire Extinguishers Class A- paper, cloth, plastic, and wood
Class B – gasoline, oil, paint, grease, cooking fat fires
Class C – electrical fires
Class D – metals (magnesium, titanium)

30. Fire Emergency Plan Legally responsible to know facility’s plan
Remove all pts and employees from immediate danger
Activate alarm
Close all doors and windows to prevent spread
If possible, shut off electricity and oxygen
Never use elevator

31. RACE R = rescue anyone in immediate danger A = activate the alarm
C = Contain the fire
E = Extinguish the fire or evacuate area

32. Fire Prevention Rules Obey all “No Smoking” signs
When using electrical equipment, check for damaged cords or improper grounding
When oxygen in use, post a “No Smoking – Oxygen in Use” sign. Remove all candles, lighters, matches. Do not use flammable liquids such as alcohol.

33. PASS
P = pull the pin
A = aim the extinguisher at the near edge and bottom of the fire
S = squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher
S = sweep extinguisher from side to side at the base of the fire