1. Promotion of Safety Unit 12 Using Body Mechanics
Preventing Accidents & Injuries
Fire Safety
Lab Safety

2. 12:1 Using Body Mechanics
Body Mechanics: refers to the way the body moves and maintains balance while efficiently using all body parts

3. Reasons to Use Good Body Mechanics
Muscles work best when used correctly
Correct use of muscles make lifting, pushing and pulling easier
Prevents unnecessary fatigue , strain, and
saves energy
Prevents injury to self and others

4. Good Body Mechanics PREVENTS INJURY
What principles of good
body mechanics are being
used?

5. 8 Basic Rules
1. Maintain a broad base of support by keeping feet 8 to 10 inches apart
a. Place one foot slightly forward
b. Point toes in direction of movement

6. Basic Rules of Body Mechanics
2. Bend from the hips & knees to get close to an object. Keep back straight. DO NOT bend at the waist.

7. Basic Rules of Body Mechanics
3. Use STRONGEST
MUSCLES –
shoulders
upper arms
hips
thighs
Back muscles are WEAK.
Example of POOR body mechanics

8. Basic Rules of Body Mechanics
4. Use the weight of your body to help push or pull an object. Try to push, slide, or pull rather than lift.

9. Basic Rules of Body Mechanics
5. Carry heavy objects close to the body. Stand close to the object or person being moved.

10. Basic Rules of Body Mechanics
6. Avoid twisting your body. Turn with your feet and entire body when you change directions.

11. Basic Rules of Body Mechanics
7. Avoid bending for long periods
8. If patient or object is TOO heavy, get help.
You can also use mechanical lift, wheelchair, or transfer belt.

12. Preventing Accidents
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes safety standards for the workplace.
1. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard
2. Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

13. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard
Employees must be informed of all chemicals and hazards in the workplace.

14. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Sheet of paper that provides information about hazardous products in the workplace.
Product ID info about the chemical
Protection or precautions needed
Instructions for safe use of chemical
How to handle spills, clean-up, & disposal
Emergency first aid procedures if exposed

15. MSDS

16. Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Provides mandates that protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids
What body fluids are infectious???

17. PPE = Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves
Gowns
Masks
Goggles & face masks
Breathing barriers

18. Biohazard bags for proper disposal of infectious waste.

19. Ergonomics
An applied science used to promote safety and well-being by adapting the environment & using techniques to prevent injuries.

20. Patient Safety
Do NOT perform any procedure on patients unless you have been instructed to do so.
Ask questions if you do not understand.
Follow instructions carefully.

21. Patient Safety - continued
Provide privacy
Knock on door before entering
Speak to patient and identify yourself
Close doors and draw curtains

22. Patient Safety Identify your patient 1. Check wristband
2. Repeat name 2x
3. Check name on
patient’s bed and
chart

23. Patient Safety
Explain the procedure to the patient. Answer any questions and make sure you have consent.
Remember: The patient has the right to refuse any treatment!

24. Patient Safety Before leaving a patient in bed: 1. Check comfort
2. Check bed
3. Check call bell
4. Arrange supplies
so they are within
reach

25. Lab & Classroom Safety Clean up spills at once
Drink only plain water in plastic bottles to avoid spills

26. Lab & Classroom Safety
Keep long hair pulled back when working with equipment or in lab
Avoid hoop earrings especially when working with stethoscope

27. Lab & Classroom Safety
Report any injuries to teacher at once

28. Lab & Classroom Safety
Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately!
Damaged electrical equipment must be turned off & unplugged.

29. Lab & Classroom Safety No open-toed shoes, ESPECIALLY FLIP FLOPS.
Feet must be covered – no CHINESE SLIPPERS.

30. Lab & Classroom Safety No EATING in lab.
No EATING or DRINKING near computers

31. Lab & Classroom Safety
Clean-up is EVERYONE’S responsibility

32. Lab & Classroom Safety
Accidents can be prevented by following directions.
Observe safety precautions.

33. Lab & Classroom Safety
Make sure your hands are dry when handling anything electric.
When removing an electric plug from the socket, pull the plug itself.

34. Lab & Classroom Safety
Eye protection (SAFETY GLASSES) are required for some lab procedures.
Eyeglasses are NOT as effective as safety glasses, face-shield, or splash-proof glasses.

35. Eye Protection

36. Lab & Classroom Safety Before starting a lab activity---
Read all the instructions.

37. Lab & Classroom Safety
Keep classroom aisles clear to allow for safe exit.

38. Lab & Classroom Safety Cabinet doors and drawers must be kept closed.
Who should close them??

39. Lab & Classroom Safety Fire must be reported immediately!
Prepare to evacuate!

40. Observing Fire Safety Fires need three things to start:
1. Oxygen (air)
2. Fuel (any flammable material)
3. Heat (sparks, matches, flames)

41. Major Cause of Fires
Carelessness with smoking and matches

42. In Case of Fire… ALWAYS REMAIN CALM Then remember R – A – C – E
R = Rescue anyone in immediate danger
A = Activate the alarm
C = Confine the fire
E = Extinguish the fire
Prepare to evacuate

43. Oxygen Precautions Post “No Smoking – Oxygen in Use” sign
Remove all smoking materials, candles, lighters, & matches
Avoid use of electrical equipment
Do not use flammable liquids (alcohol & nail polish)
Avoid static electricity by using cotton

44. Preventing Fires in Hospitals

45. Other Types of Disasters
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Earthquakes
Floods
Bomb threats

46. Responding to Disasters
Remain calm
Follow the policy of the facility
Provide for your safety and the safety of your patients

47. Be prepared at home. . . Assemble a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
See handout
Assemble a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

48. Be Prepared for an Emergency
Get a kit
Make a plan
Be informed
Listen to the information provided by the American Red Cross

49. Identifying Emergency Symbols
New Emergency Management Symbols

50. Other Emergency Area Symbols
Maltese Cross
represents Fire Dept
Star of Life represents EMS

51. Other Important Symbols
Hospital
First Aid

52. More Emergency Signs

53. Complete Unit 12 Worksheets