Safety Applications in the Healthcare Classroom / Laboratory / Clinics HS – IHS – 2: Students will maintain a safe work environment and prevent accidents by using safety precautions and/or practices including adherence to hazardous labeling requirements and compliance with safety signs, symbols, and labels.
Safety Applications in the Healthcare Classroom / Laboratory / Clinics a. Analyze the role and the responsibilities of the healthcare provider (student) in the classroom, laboratory, and various workplace settings in an emergency situation.
Use correct body mechanics while performing any procedure. Wear the required uniform. Walk – do not run- in lab, clinical area, hallways, or stairs. Report any injury or accidents, no matter how minor. If you see a unsafe situation-report it immediately.
Keep all areas clean and neat with the equipment in the proper locations. WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY- before and after every patient and when they become contaminated. Dry hands thoroughly before handling any electrical equipment. If a particle gets in your eye ◦ Do not rub your eye to remove it ◦ Notify supervisor ◦ wear safety glasses when needed. If a solution comes in contact with skin or eyes ◦ Immediately flush the area with water. ◦ Notify supervisor.
Do not perform any procedure on patients unless you have been instructed to do so. Provide privacy for all patients. ◦ Knock on the door before entering any room. ◦ Speak to the patient and identify yourself. ◦ Ask permission to go behind privacy curtains. ◦ Close the door and draw privacy curtains before starting any procedures.
Method to Explaining the Procedure ◦ Tell the patient what your are doing ◦ Answer any questions ◦ Make sure you have the patient’s consent ◦ Again, NEVER do a procedure if the patient refuses. Observe the patient closely during any procedure. ◦ If you notice any changes report them immediately ◦ Be alert to patient’s condition at all times.
Before leaving a patient in bed ◦ Make sure the patient is positioned in a comfortable position. ◦ Make sure side rails are up and the bed is in the lowest level to the floor. ◦ Call light is within easy reach of the patient. ◦ Leave the area neat and make sure that there are no safety hazards present.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ◦ establishes and enforces safety standards in the health industry. Two main standards that affect the HCW ◦ Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemical Standard which requires that employers inform employees of all chemicals and hazards in the workplace. ◦ Blood borne Pathogen Standard which contains mandates that protect HCW from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard ◦ Provide employees with information about chemicals and hazards in workplace MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet ◦ Includes identification information ◦ Protection or precautions that should be used while handling the chemical (use of PPE such as gowns, gloves, masks, etc) ◦ Procedures for handling spills, clean-up and disposal of the product ◦ Emergency first aid procedures if injury occurs and correct reporting of the injuries.
Regulations that protect HCW from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids Examples of body fluids ◦ Blood ◦ Urine ◦ Stool ◦ Semen and vaginal secretions ◦ Cerebral spinal fluid ◦ Saliva, mucus, etc.
Three diseases that can be contracted by exposure to body fluids ◦ Hepatitis B ◦ Hepatitis C ◦ HIV
AAn applied science used to promote the safety and well being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries. Components Include: ◦c◦correct placement of furniture and equipment ◦t◦training in required muscle movements ◦e◦efforts to avoid repetitive motions ◦a◦an awareness of the environment to prevent injuries AAlways remember that a HCW has a legal responsibility to protect the patient from harm and injury.
Do not operate or use any equipment until you have been instructed on how to use it. ◦ Observe all safety rules taught with handling of equipment Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately and do not use it. Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords. ◦ Don’t use a plug if third prong is broken off (third prong is used for grounding).
Never use solutions from bottles that are not labeled. Read the labels of solution bottles at least 3 times during used to be sure you have the correct solution. Some chemical can be poisonous- avoid contact with skin and eyes. ◦ If you break any equipment or spill any solution tell supervisor immediately ◦ Supervisor will tell you how to dispose of or clean up the spill
Always identify your patient. ◦ Be ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that you have the correct patient Method’s to identify patient ◦ Check wristband ◦ Repeat the pt’s name at least twice ◦ Check the name on the pt.’s bed or record. Always explain the procedure so the patient knows what you are going to do. Never perform a procedure if a patient refuses to allow you to do so.