1. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

3. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Environmental Safety
Identifying and correcting potential hazards
Health care workers must understand and follow policies and procedures
OSHA
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4. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Safety Guidelines
Focus on prevention
Moving safely
Dressing for safety
Working safely with patients
Protecting yourself and others
Reporting for safety
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

5. Increased Risk With Physical and Mental Changes
Changes in vision
Changes in hearing
Altered neurological function
Changes in blood vessels
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6. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Increased Risk
Slowed reflexes
Changes in mental function
Weakness from illness or injury
Taking medications
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7. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Workplace Violence
Health care worker risk
Ranges from offensive or threatening language to homicide
Actual injuries and psychological trauma
Can result in negative organizational outcomes
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8. Prevent or Decrease Violence
Environmental designs
Administrative controls
Behavior modification
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9. Fire and Electrical Hazards
Fire requires oxygen, an item that will burn, and a source of heat
Know location of fire alarms and extinguishers
Know emergency evacuation routes
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10. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Fire Triangle
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11. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Fire Procedures
RACE
Remove patients
Activate alarm
Contain the fire
Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

12. Fire Extinguisher Usage
PASS
Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep back and forth along the base of the fire
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13. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Four Types of Fires
Class A
Ordinary combustibles
Class B
Flammable and combustible liquids
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14. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Types of Fires
Class C
Electrical fires
Class D
Burning metals
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15. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Chemical Hazards
Numerous chemicals used in health care
Labeling and compatibility
Avoid contact
Wear PPE
Follow MSDS
Clean up and treatment
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16. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Radiation Hazards
X-rays and radiation therapy
Monitoring radiation exposure
Safety guidelines
Disposal of radioactive waste
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17. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Infectious Waste
Any item or product with potential to transmit disease
Follow policies and procedures
Report accidental exposures
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18. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Oxygen Precautions
Post sign “Oxygen in Use”
Avoid all sources for sparks
Never use flammable liquids
Secure oxygen tank
No smoking
Do not use wool or synthetics
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19. Emergency Disaster Plan
OSHA requirements
Follow policies and procedures
Remain calm
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20. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Bioterrorism
Increasing threat in the United States
Not new to our times
Biological Exposure Readiness Plan
Follow the policies and procedures
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21. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Biological Threats
Anthrax
Botulism
Plague
Smallpox
Transmission precautions
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22. Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Triage
Triage system
Guidelines to assess patients’ conditions
Determine where they should be sent
Determine what treatment they should receive
Disasters
Daily use in emergency rooms
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