FIRES NEED 3 THINGS TO START Oxygen (Air) Fuel (any material that will burn) Heat (sparks, matches, flames)

Major Causes of Fires Carelessness with smoking and matches Misuse of electricity (overloading a circuit or overuse of extension cords) Improper storage of flammables (such as gasoline) Arson Faulty Equipment /Faulty Use

EQUIPMENT Clean lint and grease from laundry and cooking equipment, ventilator hoods, filters, and ducts on a regular basis. Check for and report any cracked or split cords or plugs on the equipment used.

EXTENSION CORDS Avoid using extension cords whenever possible Do not exceed specified amperage DO not plug one extension cord into another and never plug more than one extension cord into an outlet

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY  Keep combustibles away from heat producing devices.  Prevent sparks in patient areas where oxygen is used.  Cap and store combustible liquids properly.

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY  Keep maintenance and storage areas clean and free of trash, sawdust, oily rags, etc.  Keep halls and stairways clear.  Be sure that EXIT signs are always lighted and that emergency lighting is in working order.

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY  Never prop open emergency doors. Fire doors not only let people out, they keep fire from spreading.

In the event of a fire, stay calm and RACE… R-rescue any patient in immediate danger A-pull the alarm and notify other employees of the location and type of fire C-contain the fire by closing doors and windows E-extinguish the fire or evacuate the area

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Pressurized water extinguishers (Class A fires only) Dry Chemical extinguishers (ABC or BC) Carbon dioxide extinguishers (Class B and C) Foam (or AFFF and FFFP) extinguishers Class D extinguishers

Using a portable fire extinguisher: PASS Keep your back to the exit and stand feet away from the fire P-Pull the pin A-Aim low S-Squeeze from side to side

Universal (Standard) Precautions and Accident Prevention

Universal (Standard) Precautions “Precautions to protect against exposure. It is assumed that all bodily fluids have the potential to transmit disease” The Universal Precaution Rule: Treat all human blood, bodily fluids and other potentially infectious materials as if they are infectious.

Blood-borne Pathogens (BBP) Blood-borne pathogens (BBP) are specific microorganisms transmitted in human blood or bodily fluids, which can cause disease in people. There are three major BBPs: Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HCV) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Other Potentially Infectious Materials Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) found in the academic and research laboratory settings: Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites, Viruses Recombinant DNA from infectious agents Cell or tissue cultures of human origin

Routes of exposure Blood-borne Pathogens are transmitted through contact with human blood and bodily fluids. Contacts include: “sharps” exposures in occupational settings sexual activity sharing of needles mother-to-child exposures at birth breast feeding

Routes of Exposure Unbroken skin is a good barrier against BBPs. However, infectious materials can enter your system through skin openings such as: Open sores Cuts Abrasions Acne Sunburn Blisters

Routes of Exposure Con’t BBPs may also be transmitted through mucous membranes of the: Eyes Nose Mouth

Other routes of exposure Other types of potentially infectious material (OPIM) can be transmitted by the following routes: Inhalation/aerosol exposures Ingestion, especially of contaminated food or drink Vector-borne transmission, by mosquito or other biting insects

Exposure control Exposure Controls consist of those policies and practices that prevent occupational exposures to infectious materials, including: Universal (Standard) Precautions Exposure control plan (ECP) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Engineering Controls (HVAC, bio-safety cabinets, self- sheathing needles, safer medical devices, and needleless systems)

Exposure control plan (ECP) The OSHA BBP Standard requires employers to develop written documents to explain how they will implement the standard, provide training to employees, and to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens to protect the health and safety of their workers. The ECP must be tailored to the specific requirements of the institution; plans must be accessible to all employees, either on-line or in an area where they are available for review on all shifts.

Exposure control plan (ECP) The ECP includes: Determination of employee exposure and Implementation of various methods of exposure control, including: Universal (Standard) precautions Engineering and work practice controls Personal protective equipment Waste segregation, treatment and disposal, including sharps Hepatitis B vaccination Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up Communication of hazards to employees and training Recordkeeping: Training records, employee health records, exposure/incident records Procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding exposure incidents

Exposure control plan (ECP) cont… Sharps Precautions You must exercise care when using needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices. Follow these rules of thumb when handling sharps: Do not recap, bend, break, or otherwise manipulate used needles by hand. Do not remove used needles from disposable syringes. Place used sharps in labeled or color-coded puncture- resistant, leak-proof, closable, sharps containers for disposal. Do not overfill sharps containers.

Exposure control plan (ECP) cont… Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Whenever you may be exposed to infectious materials you must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. PPE places a barrier between you and potentially infectious material. Basic rules to follow: PPE should be readily accessible Remove PPE before leaving the work area Dispose of contaminated PPE properly-in biohazard containers

Exposure control plan (ECP) cont… Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves Protective clothing such as, but not limited to, gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments Eye protection devices, such as masks, goggles or glasses with solid side shields, or chin-length face shields

Exposure control plan (ECP) cont… Hand Hygiene Most common mode of transmission of pathogens is via hands! Employees must wash their hands with soap and water: immediately, or as soon as feasible, after removal of gloves or other PPE. whenever they leave the work area, go on break, or before eating. following contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Exposure control plan (ECP) cont… Engineering Controls Needle stick Prevention: Sharps disposal containers, Self-sheathing needles

Accidents and Injuries If you are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious or hazardous materials, follow these steps: If you experience a needle stick or sharps injury, immediately wash needle sticks or cuts with soap and water. Splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin should be flushed with water. Irrigate eyes using eyewash, for 10 to 15 minutes. Report the incident to your supervisor. Immediately Seek Medical Treatment!