1. Chapter 14
Promotion of Safety

2. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics

3. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics
The way in which the body moves & maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts
4 main reasons for using good body mechanics:
- muscles work best when used correctly
- makes lifting, pushing, & pulling easier
- prevents unnecessary fatigue & strain/saves energy
- prevents injury to self & others

4. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics (continued)
8 basic rules of good body mechanics:
Broad base of support
- feet 8-10 inches apart
- one foot slightly forward
- balance weight on both feet
-point toes in the direction of movement
Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object
- keep back straight / don’t bend at waist

5. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics (continued)
Use strongest muscles to do the job
- back muscles are weak
Use weight of your body to help push or pull object
- when possible push, slide, or pull rather than lift
Carry heavy objects close to the body
Avoid twisting your body as you work
-turn with feet & entire body
Avoid bending for long periods of time
Get help if a patient or object is too heavy to lift alone

6. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics (continued)
Good Posture is also essential:
- aligning the body correctly puts less stress on muscles &
prevents fatigue
- Basic principles of good posture include:
standing straight with stomach muscles pulled in, shoulders relaxed and pulled back, weight balanced equally
on each foot and aligned with the shoulders, & chest and
chin held up

7. 14:1 Using Body Mechanics (continued)
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

8. 14:2 Preventing Accidents & Injuries

9. 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

10. 14:2 Preventing Accidents and Injuries (continued)
Two standards that affect health care workers:
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

11. 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

12. Chemical Hazards (continued)
All manufacturers must provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) with any hazardous product they sell
Specific information has to be provided on MSDS:
- identification info about chemical
- protection/precautions while using
- instructions for safe use
- procedures for spills, cleanup, disposal of chemical
- emergency first aid procedures

13. Chemical Hazards (continued)
Chemicals must also be labeled with a hazardous category classification according to the National Fire Protection Association’s color code
- this code alerts user to health, fire, reactivity,
or other specific hazards of the chemical
Employers are responsible for training employees on proper procedures or policies to follow

14. NFPA label identifies specific hazards of chemicals:

15. Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Contains mandates to protect health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids such as:
-blood, urine, stool, semen, vaginal secretions,
cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, mucus, & other similar
fluids
Diseases that can be contracted by exposure to body fluids include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and AIDS

16. Environmental Safety Ergonomics
Applied science to promote safety and well-being of a person by adapting environment and using techniques to prevent injuries
Correct placement of furniture and equipment
Training in muscle movements
Efforts to avoid repetitive motions
Awareness of the environment to prevent injuries

17. Environmental Safety (continued)
Concerns include
Accident or injury
Radiation or mercury exposure
Contaminated wastes
Prevention of accidents & injury centers around people and the immediate environment
Health care workers have a legal responsibility to protect patients from harm and injury

18. Equipment and Solutions Safety
Basic Rules that must be followed when working with equipment & solutions:
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/supervisor
Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment
Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords

19. Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands
Store equipment properly
Observe all safety precautions for equipment
Read MSDSs for hazardous chemical solutions
Check NFPA codes
Never use solutions that are from unlabeled bottles
Read labels at least three times
Do not mix solutions unless instructed
Avoid solution contact with eyes/skin

20. Store chemicals in locked cabinet following manufacturers’ recommendations
Dispose of chemical solutions according to MSDS
Report broken equipment or spilled solutions

21. Patient/Resident Safety
Basic Rules to protect patients:
Do not perform any procedure on patients unless instructed and authorized
Provide privacy for all patients
Identify your patient
Explain the procedure
Observe patient closely during any procedure
Check all areas for safety hazards
Before leaving a patient, observe all safety checkpoints

22. Personal Safety Basic rules to protect yourself & others:
Protect yourself and others from injury
Use correct body mechanics
Walk; do not run
Report any injury or accident
Report unsafe situations or safety violations
Keep all areas neat and clean
Wash hands frequently
Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, hair

23. Personal Safety (continued)
Dry hands thoroughly before handling electrical equipment
Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Examples: gown, mask, gloves, eyewear
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

24. 14:3 Observing Fire Safety

25. 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

26. 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)
Class C: for electrical fires such as fuse boxes, appliances, wiring, and electrical outlets
Class D: for burning or specific combustible metals

27. Fire Extinguishers (continued)
Refer to Figure in Text (page 359)

28. Fire Extinguishers (continued)
The main types of extinguishers include:
Water
Carbon dioxide
Dry chemical
Halon

29. Fire & Electrical Hazards
Some extinguishers may be designed for multiple purposes
- example: ABC extinguisher used in the home
Fire extinguishers are also rated by the size of the fire that can be extinguished
When extinguishing a fire, aim the stream from the extinguisher at the BASE of the fire

32. 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

33. Fire Emergency Plan (continued)
Preventing fires
Obey “No Smoking” signs
Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and flammable items completely
Dispose of all waste materials in proper containers
Handle electrical equipment carefully; check for damaged cords/improper grounding before use

34. Fire Emergency Plan (continued)
Preventing fires (continued)
Store flammable materials in proper containers and in a safe area; immediately wipe up spills of flammable liquids
Do not allow clutter to accumulate
When oxygen is in use, observe special precautions

35. 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

37. Emergency Disaster Procedure
Personnel from all areas of health care are asked to assist the community during a natural disaster, severe weather, or bioterrorism
Department of Homeland Security has established the National Response Plan to be implemented, if necessary