Chapter 14 Promotion of Safety

14:1 Using Body Mechanics Muscles work best when used correctly Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier Correct body mechanics prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain and saves energy

14:1 Using Body Mechanics Correct body mechanics prevents injury Maintain a broad base of support Bend from hips and knees to get close to an object Use the strongest muscles to do the job Use body weight to help push or pull an object

14:1 Using Body Mechanics Carry heavy objects close to the body Avoid twisting your body as you work Avoid bending for long periods of time Get help if a patient or object is too heavy to lift alone

14:1 Using Body Mechanics Back supports Required by some health care facilities May provide false sense of security Should be correct size in order to provide maximum benefit Should fit snugly when needed, can be loosened at other times

14:2 Preventing Accidents and Injuries Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Division of the Department of Labor Establishes and enforces safety standards in the workplace

14:2 Preventing Accidents and Injuries Two standards that affect health care workers: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Chemical Hazards Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard Requires employers to inform employees of all chemicals and hazards in workplace Training for employees on procedures and policies

Chemical Hazards All manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) with any hazardous product they sell Specific information has to be provided on the SDS related to protection, precautions, and procedures

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Contains mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids Diseases that can be contracted by exposure to body fluids include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and AIDS

Environmental Safety Ergonomics Applied science to promote safety and well-being of a person by adapting environment and using techniques to prevent injuries

Environmental Safety Ergonomics Correct placement of furniture and equipment Training in muscle movements Efforts to avoid repetitive motions Awareness of the environment to prevent injuries

Environmental Safety Concerns include Accident or injury Radiation or mercury exposure Contaminated wastes Health care workers have a legal responsibility to protect patients from harm and injury

Equipment and Solutions Safety Do not operate or use any equipment until you have been trained to use it Read and follow operating instructions Do not operate equipment without presence of instructor or supervisor Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment

Equipment and Solutions Safety Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands Store equipment properly Observe all safety precautions for equipment Read MSDSs for hazardous chemical solutions

Equipment and Solutions Safety Check NFPA codes Never use solutions that are from unlabeled bottles Read labels at least three times Do not mix solutions unless instructed

Equipment and Solutions Safety Avoid solution contact with eyes and skin Store chemicals in locked cabinet following manufacturers’ recommendations Dispose of chemical solutions according to SDS Report broken equipment or spilled solutions

Patient and Resident Safety Do not perform any procedure on patients unless instructed and authorized Provide privacy for all patients Identify your patient Explain the procedure

Patient and Resident Safety Observe patient closely during any procedure Check all areas for safety hazards Before leaving a patient, observe all safety checkpoints

Personal Safety Protect yourself and others from injury Use correct body mechanics Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) Walk; do not run Report any injury or accident

Personal Safety Report unsafe situations or safety violations Keep all areas neat and clean Wash hands frequently Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, hair Dry hands thoroughly before handling electrical equipment

Personal Safety Wear safety glasses when appropriate Observe all safety precautions If solution comes in contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with cool water and report If particle gets in eye, report immediately Do not try to remove or rub eye

14:3 Observing Fire Safety Fire requires Oxygen—found in the air Fuel—any material that will burn Heat—sparks, matches, flames Major cause of fires is carelessness with smoking and matches

Fire Extinguishers Classified and labeled according to kind of fire they extinguish Main classes Class A: for combustibles (paper, cloth, plastic, wood) Class B: for flammable or combustible liquids (gasoline, paint, grease, cooking fat)

Fire Extinguishers Main classes Refer to Figure 14-10 in text Class C: for electrical fires such as fuse boxes, appliances, wiring, and electrical outlets (the C stands for nonconductive) Class D: for burning or specific combustible metals Refer to Figure 14-10 in text Set text in lowercase

Fire Extinguishers The main types include Water Carbon dioxide Dry chemical Halon

Fire Emergency Plan Remain calm; do not panic RACE R: rescue anyone in immediate danger A: activate the alarm C: confine the fire E: extinguish the fire

Fire Emergency Plan Preventing fires Obey “No Smoking” signs Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and flammable items completely Dispose of all waste materials in proper containers

Fire Emergency Plan Preventing fires Handle electrical equipment carefully; check for damaged cords/improper grounding before use Store flammable materials in proper containers and in a safe area; immediately wipe up spills of flammable liquids

Fire Emergency Plan Preventing fires Do not allow clutter to accumulate When oxygen is in use, observe special precautions

Disaster Plans Disasters include tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, bomb threats Stay calm and follow health care facility procedures Provide for safety of self and patients Be familiar with disaster policies