Chapter 11 Environmental Safety

Identify and correct potential hazards Health care workers must understand and follow policies and procedures OSHA

Health Care Hazards Chemical Environmental Ergonomic Infectious Physical Psychosocial Workplace violence

Question Inadequate equipment maintenance is what type of hazard? A.Chemical B.Infectious C.Environmental

Answer C. Environmental Environmental hazards –Unsafe conditions in workplace E.g., inadequate maintenance of equipment

Answer C. Environmental Chemical hazards –May have toxic effects through inhalation, absorption, ingestion, or skin contact Infectious hazards –May cause infection

Safety Guidelines Focus on prevention Move safely Dress for safety Work safely with patients Protect self and others Report for safety

Increased Risk with Physical and Mental Changes Changes in vision Changes in hearing Altered neurological function Changes in blood vessels (continued)

Increased Risk with Physical and Mental Changes Slowed reflexes Changes in mental function Weakness from illness or injury Taking of medications

Question Which of the following is the best approach when asked to perform a procedure on a patient that you are not trained to do? A.Do the best you can B.Have someone explain it to you C.Do not agree to do it

Answer C. Do not agree to do it Do not perform any procedure on patients until having received adequate training

Workplace Violence Health care professional risk –Offensive or threatening language –Psychological trauma –Actual injuries –Homicide –Can result in negative organizational outcomes

Question A patient is very upset about the care she received. She begins to escalate in volume and curse at you. What should you do? A.Take her to a private area to avoid disturbing others B.Acknowledge her feelings C.Tell her to calm down, or you will call security

Answer B. Acknowledge her feelings When confronted with angry patients, acknowledge feelings and avoid getting defensive or matching hostility

Answer B. Acknowledge her feelings Avoid isolating yourself with potentially violent people by taking them to a private location Avoid giving orders and threatening them with security

Prevent or Decrease Violence Environmental designs Administrative controls Behavior modification

Fire and Electrical Hazards Fire requires oxygen, item that will burn, and source of heat Know location of fire alarms and extinguishers Know emergency evacuation routes

Fire Triangle

Fire Procedures RACE –Remove patients –Activate alarm –Contain the fire –Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area

Fire Extinguisher Usage PASS –Pull the pin –Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire –Squeeze the handle –Sweep back and forth along the base of the fire

Four Types of Fires Class A –Ordinary combustibles Class B –Flammable and combustible liquids (continued)

Four Types of Fires Class C –Electrical fires Class D –Burning metals

Question True or False: –RACE is an acronym for putting out a fire with a fire extinguisher.

Answer False PASS –Acronym for putting out fire with fire extinguisher RACE –Acronym for what to do when you discover fire

Chemical Hazards Numerous chemicals used in health care Labeling and compatibility Avoid contact Wear PPE Follow material safety data sheet (MSDS) Clean up and treatment

Radiation Hazards X-rays and radiation therapy Monitoring radiation exposure Safety guidelines Disposal of radioactive waste

Infectious Waste Any item or product with potential to transmit disease Follow policies and procedures Report accidental exposures

Oxygen Precautions Post sign “Oxygen in Use” Avoid all sources for sparks Never use flammable liquids Secure oxygen tank Do not smoke Do not use wool or synthetics

Question Which of the following is the best first step if a chemical comes in contact with the skin? A.Rinse under cool water for at least 5 minutes B.Immediately go to the emergency department C.Cover the area with antibiotic ointment and dressing

Answer A. Rinse under cool water for at least 5 minutes First step to take when chemical comes in contact with skin: –Immediately rinse under cool water for at least 5 minutes

Bioterrorism Extends back in history to earliest human records Biological exposure readiness plan (continued)

Bioterrorism Most likely weapons: –Anthrax –Smallpox –Botulism –Plague

Emergency Code System Communication method for employees Prevents patients and visitors from becoming overly concerned

Emergency Preparedness Plan Follow OSHA requirements Follow policies and procedures Remain calm

Triage System Guidelines to assess patients’ conditions –Determine where they should be sent –Determine what treatment they should receive Used during disasters Used daily in emergency departments