Environmental Safety 7.31 Safety in the workplace 7.41 Safety signs, symbols and labels 7.42 Hazardous materials

Correct Body Mechanics 4 reasons to use correct body mechanics Muscles work best when used correctly Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier Prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain; saves energy Prevents injury to self and others

8 Rules of Good Body Mechanics Maintain a broad base of support (feet 8-10” apart, placing one foot slightly forward) Bend from hips and knees, keeping back straight. Do not bend at waist Use larger and stronger muscles; shoulder, upper arms, hips, thighs (back muscles are weak) Use weight of body to push or pull object. Whenever possible, push, pull, or slide rather than lift.

8 Rules of Body Mechanics (cont’d) Carry heavy objects close to the body. Stand close to any object or person being moved. Avoid twisting your body when you work. Turn with your feet and entire body when you change direction of movement. Avoid bending for long periods If pt or object too heavy to lift alone, always get help (mechanical lift, transfer/gait belt, wheelchair, etc)

Ergonomics Promotes personal safety in the workplace. Includes the correct placement and use of furniture and equipment. Encourages workers to avoid repetitive motions.

Ergonomics Healthcare workers should have an awareness of the environment to prevent injuries. It is our responsibility to report unsafe situations.

Equipment and Solutions DO NOT operate equipment until you are instructed on its proper use. Read and follow operating instructions. Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately.

Equipment and Solutions Use lockout tags/devices following agency procedures. DO NOT use frayed or damaged electrical cords, or a plug with a broken prong. x

Equipment and Solutions DO NOT handle electrical equipment with wet hands or around water. Store all equipment in its proper place. Read Material Safety Data Sheets before using chemicals.

Equipment and Solutions DO NOT use solutions in unlabeled bottles. Read the label three times to assure you are using the correct solution. DO NOT mix solutions unless done under proper supervision.

Patient and Resident Safety DO NOT perform procedures unless instructed to do so. Use only correct and approved methods, never shortcuts.

Patient and Resident Safety Provide patient privacy: Knock before entering the room. Speak to the patient and identify yourself. Ask for permission to go around a privacy curtain. Provide privacy before beginning a procedure.

Patient and Resident Safety Identify the patient. Check the ID band. Ask the patient to state his or her name. Address the patient by his or her name at least twice. Explain what you are going to do. Never perform a procedure if the patient refuses.

Patient and Resident Safety Be alert to the patient’s condition at all times, and report any changes. Be alert to environmental safety hazards. Before leaving a patient, be sure: The bed is at its lowest level, wheels locked. Side rails elevated. The call bell is within reach. Supplies are within easy reach. Open privacy curtain if it was closed. To leave the area neat and clean.

Personal Safety Protect yourself and others from injury. Use correct body mechanics. Wear the required uniform. Walk – DO NOT run!

Personal Safety Immediately report personal injury to your supervisor. Report unsafe situations to your supervisor. Keep areas clean and neat with everything in the proper place. Wash hands frequently.

Personal Safety Keep hands away from face, eyes and mouth. Dry hands before touching equipment. Use safety glasses when needed.

Personal Safety Wash hands: Before AND after any procedure Anytime they become contaminated during a procedure Before applying and immediately after removing gloves Before and after handling specimens After contact with soiled or contaminated items After picking up items off the floor After personal use of bathroom After cough, sneeze, blow nose Before and after any contact with your mouth or mucous membranes (eating, drinking, smoking, applying lip balm, inserting/removing contact lenses)

Personal Safety Avoid horseplay and practical jokes. If solutions get in your eyes, flush with water and inform your supervisor. If a particle gets in your eye – inform your supervisor and DON’T rub it or try to remove the particle.

Signs and Symbols Bio-hazard symbol

Signs and Symbols Standard precaution symbols for: Wash hands Wear gloves Wear mask Wear eye protection Wear gown

Safety Standards for the Workplace OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration Division of Dept. of Labor Establishes and enforces safety standards in the workplace 2 main standards affect healthcare workers: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard Requires employers to inform all employees of all chemicals and hazards in workplace All manufacturers must provide MSDS Also mandates employers to train employees on proper procedures and policies with regard to: Reporting accidents or exposures and documenting any incidents

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemical Standard (cont’d) Identifying types and locations of all hazards Locating and using MSDS manual Reading and interpreting chemical labels and hazard signs Using PPE - Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, gown, mask, goggles) Locating cleaning equipment and following correct methods for managing spills and disposing of chemicals

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Has mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids Examples of body fluids: Blood, urine, stool, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, mucus, etc 3 diseases which can be contracted by exposure to body fluids: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, AIDS

Labels Use solutions only as directed on the label. Follow manufacturers directions for storage of chemicals. For breakage or spills, notify your supervisor immediately and follow disposal instructions on the label or MSDS.

Implications of Hazardous Materials Manufacturers must provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous products. The MSDS must provide: Information about the chemical Protection/precautions to be used Instructions for safe use Procedures for spills, cleanup and disposal Emergency first aid if injury occurs

Fire Safety 3 things needed to start fire Oxygen – present in air Fuel – any material that will burn Heat – spark, matches, flames Most common cause of fire is carelessness with smoking and matches

Fire Extinguishers Class A- paper, cloth, plastic, and wood Class B – gasoline, oil, paint, grease, cooking fat fires Class C – electrical fires Class D – metals (magnesium, titanium)

Fire Emergency Plan Legally responsible to know facility’s plan Remove all pts and employees from immediate danger Activate alarm Close all doors and windows to prevent spread If possible, shut off electricity and oxygen Never use elevator

RACE R = rescue anyone in immediate danger A = activate the alarm C = Contain the fire E = Extinguish the fire or evacuate area

Fire Prevention Rules Obey all “No Smoking” signs When using electrical equipment, check for damaged cords or improper grounding When oxygen in use, post a “No Smoking – Oxygen in Use” sign. Remove all candles, lighters, matches. Do not use flammable liquids such as alcohol.

PASS P = pull the pin A = aim the extinguisher at the near edge and bottom of the fire S = squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher S = sweep extinguisher from side to side at the base of the fire