1. Chapter 14
Promotion of Safety

2. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics Muscles work best when used correctly
Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier
Correct body mechanics prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain and saves energy

3. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics Correct body mechanics prevents injury
Maintain a broad base of support
Bend from hips and knees to get close to an object
Use the strongest muscles to do the job
Use body weight to help push or pull an object

4. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics Carry heavy objects close to the body
Avoid twisting your body as you work
Avoid bending for long periods of time
Get help if a patient or object is too heavy to lift alone

5. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics Back supports
Required by some health care facilities
May provide false sense of security
Should be correct size in order to provide maximum benefit
Should fit snugly when needed, can be loosened at other times

6. 14:2 Preventing Accidents and Injuries
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Division of the Department of Labor
Establishes and enforces safety standards in the workplace

7. 14:2 Preventing Accidents and Injuries
Two standards that affect health care workers:
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

8. Chemical Hazards Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard
Requires employers to inform employees of all chemicals and hazards in workplace
Training for employees on procedures and policies

9. Chemical Hazards
All manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) with any hazardous product they sell
Specific information has to be provided on the SDS related to protection, precautions, and procedures

10. Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Contains mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids
Diseases that can be contracted by exposure to body fluids include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and AIDS

11. Environmental Safety Ergonomics
Applied science to promote safety and well-being of a person by adapting environment and using techniques to prevent injuries

12. Environmental Safety Ergonomics
Correct placement of furniture and equipment
Training in muscle movements
Efforts to avoid repetitive motions
Awareness of the environment to prevent injuries

13. Environmental Safety Concerns include
Accident or injury
Radiation or mercury exposure
Contaminated wastes
Health care workers have a legal responsibility to protect patients from harm and injury

14. Equipment and Solutions Safety
Do not operate or use any equipment until you have been trained to use it
Read and follow operating instructions
Do not operate equipment without presence of instructor or supervisor
Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment

15. Equipment and Solutions Safety
Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords
Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands
Store equipment properly
Observe all safety precautions for equipment
Read MSDSs for hazardous chemical solutions

16. Equipment and Solutions Safety
Check NFPA codes
Never use solutions that are from unlabeled bottles
Read labels at least three times
Do not mix solutions unless instructed

17. Equipment and Solutions Safety
Avoid solution contact with eyes and skin
Store chemicals in locked cabinet following manufacturers’ recommendations
Dispose of chemical solutions according to SDS
Report broken equipment or spilled solutions

18. Patient and Resident Safety
Do not perform any procedure on patients unless instructed and authorized
Provide privacy for all patients
Identify your patient
Explain the procedure

19. Patient and Resident Safety
Observe patient closely during any procedure
Check all areas for safety hazards
Before leaving a patient, observe all safety checkpoints

20. Personal Safety Protect yourself and others from injury
Use correct body mechanics
Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Walk; do not run
Report any injury or accident

21. Personal Safety Report unsafe situations or safety violations
Keep all areas neat and clean
Wash hands frequently
Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, hair
Dry hands thoroughly before handling electrical equipment

22. Personal Safety Wear safety glasses when appropriate
Observe all safety precautions
If solution comes in contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with cool water and report
If particle gets in eye, report immediately
Do not try to remove or rub eye

23. 14:3 Observing Fire Safety
Fire requires
Oxygen—found in the air
Fuel—any material that will burn
Heat—sparks, matches, flames
Major cause of fires is carelessness with smoking and matches

24. Fire Extinguishers
Classified and labeled according to kind of fire they extinguish
Main classes
Class A: for combustibles (paper, cloth, plastic, wood)
Class B: for flammable or combustible liquids (gasoline, paint, grease, cooking fat)

25. Fire Extinguishers Main classes Refer to Figure 14-10 in text
Class C: for electrical fires such as fuse boxes, appliances, wiring, and electrical outlets (the C stands for nonconductive)
Class D: for burning or specific combustible metals
Refer to Figure in text
Set text in lowercase

26. Fire Extinguishers The main types include Water Carbon dioxide
Dry chemical
Halon

27. Fire Emergency Plan Remain calm; do not panic RACE
R: rescue anyone in immediate danger
A: activate the alarm
C: confine the fire
E: extinguish the fire

28. Fire Emergency Plan Preventing fires Obey “No Smoking” signs
Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and flammable items completely
Dispose of all waste materials in proper containers

29. Fire Emergency Plan Preventing fires
Handle electrical equipment carefully; check for damaged cords/improper grounding before use
Store flammable materials in proper containers and in a safe area; immediately wipe up spills of flammable liquids

30. Fire Emergency Plan Preventing fires
Do not allow clutter to accumulate
When oxygen is in use, observe special precautions

31. Disaster Plans
Disasters include tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, bomb threats
Stay calm and follow health care facility procedures
Provide for safety of self and patients
Be familiar with disaster policies