SAFETY

Body mechanics refers to the way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts. Muscles work best when used correctly Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier. Good body mechanics prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain. Good body mechanics prevents injury to yourself and others. There are 4 main reasons for using good body mechanics:

Base of Support Maintain a broad stance (feet 8-10 inches apart) balancing weight on both feet. Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object and keep your back straight. Use the strongest muscles to do the job. Use the weight of your body to help push or pull and object. If possible always push or pull rather than lift. 8 basic rules of good body mechanics include:

Carry heavy objects close to the body. Also, stand close to the object or person being moved. Avoid twisting your body as you work. Turn with your feet and entire body when you change direction of movement Avoid bending for long periods of time. If a patient or object is too heavy for you to lift alone, always get help.

OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is a division of the Department of Labor and establishes and enforces safety standards for the workplace. Two main standards that affect health care workers are: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard This requires that employers inform employees of all chemicals and hazards in the workplace. Also, all manufacturers must Material Safety Data Sheets provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) (MSDSs) with any hazardous products.

MSDSs must provide: 5 P’s Product identification information about the chemical. Protection or precautions that should be used while handling the chemical. Proper Instructions for the safe use of the chemical. Procedures for handling spills, clean-up, and disposal of the product. Procedures for first aid/emergencies if injury occurs.

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Bloodborne Pathogen Standard has mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids.

Examples of body fluids include: »Blood »Urine »Stool »Semen »Vaginal secretions »Cerebrospinal fluid »Saliva »Mucus Three Diseases that can be contracted by exposure to body fluids include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or AIDS.

Safety Rules - Solutions Do not mix solutions Never use solutions from unlabeled bottles Check solution labels 3 times Wear appropriate protective gear Report spill immediately

Equipment and Solutions Do not operate or use any equipment until you have been instructed on how to use it. Read and follow the operating instructions. Do NOT operate an equipment if your instructor is not in the room. Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately. Do not used frayed or damaged electrical cords. When handling equipment, observe all safety precautions

Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) before using any hazardous chemical solutions. Never use solutions from bottles that are not labeled. Read the labels of solution bottles at least 3 times during use to be sure you have the correct solution. Do NOT mix any solutions together unless instructed to do so by your instructor. Avoid contact with solution and your eyes and skin. If you break any equipment or spill any solution report it to your supervisor.

Safety – Patient Care Do not perform procedures on patients unless directed to do so Provide privacy Identify patients properly Explain procedures completely Be aware of hazards as they develop Check safety check points before leaving room

Safety Rules - Electrical Do not operate equipment until you have been trained to use it Check electrical cords for fraying and grounding prongs

Safety - Personal Protect yourself and others Use correct body mechanics Wear proper uniform Walk – do not run, and keep to the right Report injury or accident promptly Report unsafe conditions immediately Keep all areas clean and neat

Safety - Personal Wash hands frequently Wear protective gear when needed Dry hands before handling electrical equipment Flush areas that come in contact with solutions immediately

Fires need 3 things in order to start 1. Oxygen or air 2. Fuel (anything that will burn) 3. Heat (sparks, matches, flames) Major cause of fires: smoking and matches

Safety – Fire Extinguishers Class A (Water) – paper, cloth, wood Class B (CO2) – gas and oil Class C (Dry Chemical) – electrical Class ABC (Graphite Chemical) – anything

Safety – Fire RACE R – Rescue A – Activate alarm C – Confine fire E – Extinguish fire

Safety – Fire PASS P – Pull pin A – Aim nozzle S – Squeeze handle S – Sweep base of fire

Ergonomics Ergonomics is an applied science used to promote the safety and well-being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries.

Ergonomic Examples Correct furniture and equipment placement Efforts to avoid repetitive motions Training in required muscle movements Awareness of the environment to prevent injury

Patient/Resident Safety Do NOT perform any procedure on patients unless you have been instructed to do so Provide privacy for all patients. Always identify your patient. Always explain the procedure so the patient knows what you are going to do. Observe the patient closely during any procedure. Frequently check the patient area, waiting room, office rooms, bed areas, or home environment for safety hazards

Before leaving a patient in a bed, observe all safety checkpoints. Always wash your hands before and after patient care.

Personal Safety It is your responsibility to protect yourself and others from injury. Use correct body mechanics. Wear the required uniform. Walk —do not run—in the lab area or clinical area. Report any personal injury or accident. Report any unsafe practice or violation to your instructor.

Keep all areas clean. Wash your hands frequently. Dry your hands thoroughly. Wear safety glasses when instructed to do so. Immediately flush any area solutions come into contact with such as eyes or skin. If a particle gets in your eye, inform your instructor.