Chapter 14 Promotion of Safety

14:1 Using Body Mechanics

14:1 Using Body Mechanics The way in which the body moves & maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts 4 main reasons for using good body mechanics: - muscles work best when used correctly - makes lifting, pushing, & pulling easier - prevents unnecessary fatigue & strain/saves energy - prevents injury to self & others

14:1 Using Body Mechanics (continued) 8 basic rules of good body mechanics: Broad base of support - feet 8-10 inches apart - one foot slightly forward - balance weight on both feet -point toes in the direction of movement Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object - keep back straight / don’t bend at waist

14:1 Using Body Mechanics (continued) Use strongest muscles to do the job - back muscles are weak Use weight of your body to help push or pull object - when possible push, slide, or pull rather than lift Carry heavy objects close to the body Avoid twisting your body as you work -turn with feet & entire body 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 (continued) Good Posture is also essential: - aligning the body correctly puts less stress on muscles & prevents fatigue - Basic principles of good posture include: standing straight with stomach muscles pulled in, shoulders relaxed and pulled back, weight balanced equally on each foot and aligned with the shoulders, & chest and chin held up

14:1 Using Body Mechanics (continued) 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 & Injuries

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 (continued) 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 (continued) All manufacturers must provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) with any hazardous product they sell Specific information has to be provided on MSDS: - identification info about chemical - protection/precautions while using - instructions for safe use - procedures for spills, cleanup, disposal of chemical - emergency first aid procedures

Chemical Hazards (continued) Chemicals must also be labeled with a hazardous category classification according to the National Fire Protection Association’s color code - this code alerts user to health, fire, reactivity, or other specific hazards of the chemical Employers are responsible for training employees on proper procedures or policies to follow

NFPA label identifies specific hazards of chemicals:

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Contains mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids such as: -blood, urine, stool, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, mucus, & other similar 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 Correct placement of furniture and equipment Training in muscle movements Efforts to avoid repetitive motions Awareness of the environment to prevent injuries

Environmental Safety (continued) Concerns include Accident or injury Radiation or mercury exposure Contaminated wastes Prevention of accidents & injury centers around people and the immediate environment Health care workers have a legal responsibility to protect patients from harm and injury

Equipment and Solutions Safety Basic Rules that must be followed when working with equipment & solutions: 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/supervisor Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment 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 Check NFPA codes Never use solutions that are from unlabeled bottles Read labels at least three times Do not mix solutions unless instructed Avoid solution contact with eyes/skin

Store chemicals in locked cabinet following manufacturers’ recommendations Dispose of chemical solutions according to MSDS Report broken equipment or spilled solutions

Patient/Resident Safety Basic Rules to protect patients: Do not perform any procedure on patients unless instructed and authorized Provide privacy for all patients Identify your patient Explain the procedure Observe patient closely during any procedure Check all areas for safety hazards Before leaving a patient, observe all safety checkpoints

Personal Safety Basic rules to protect yourself & others: Protect yourself and others from injury Use correct body mechanics Walk; do not run Report any injury or accident Report unsafe situations or safety violations Keep all areas neat and clean Wash hands frequently Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, hair

Personal Safety (continued) Dry hands thoroughly before handling electrical equipment Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) Examples: gown, mask, gloves, eyewear 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

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) Class C: for electrical fires such as fuse boxes, appliances, wiring, and electrical outlets Class D: for burning or specific combustible metals

Fire Extinguishers (continued) Refer to Figure 14-10 in Text (page 359)

Fire Extinguishers (continued) The main types of extinguishers include: Water Carbon dioxide Dry chemical Halon

Fire & Electrical Hazards Some extinguishers may be designed for multiple purposes - example: ABC extinguisher used in the home Fire extinguishers are also rated by the size of the fire that can be extinguished When extinguishing a fire, aim the stream from the extinguisher at the BASE of the fire

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 (continued) Preventing fires Obey “No Smoking” signs Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and flammable items completely Dispose of all waste materials in proper containers Handle electrical equipment carefully; check for damaged cords/improper grounding before use

Fire Emergency Plan (continued) Preventing fires (continued) Store flammable materials in proper containers and in a safe area; immediately wipe up spills of flammable liquids 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

Emergency Disaster Procedure Personnel from all areas of health care are asked to assist the community during a natural disaster, severe weather, or bioterrorism Department of Homeland Security has established the National Response Plan to be implemented, if necessary