Transcript 130557477X_532398

Chapter 11
Environmental Safety
Environmental Safety
• Identify and correct potential hazards
• Health care workers must understand and
follow policies and procedures
• OSHA
Health Care Hazards
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Chemical
Environmental
Ergonomic
Infectious
Physical
Psychosocial
Workplace violence
Question
• Inadequate equipment maintenance is what
type of hazard?
A. Chemical
B. Infectious
C. Environmental
Answer
• C. Environmental
• Environmental hazards
– Unsafe conditions in workplace
• E.g., inadequate maintenance of equipment
Answer
• C. Environmental
• Chemical hazards
– May have toxic effects through inhalation,
absorption, ingestion, or skin contact
• Infectious hazards
– May cause infection
Safety Guidelines
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Focus on prevention
Move safely
Dress for safety
Work safely with patients
Protect self and others
Report for safety
Increased Risk with Physical and
Mental Changes
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Changes in vision
Changes in hearing
Altered neurological function
Changes in blood vessels
(continued)
Increased Risk with Physical and
Mental Changes
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Slowed reflexes
Changes in mental function
Weakness from illness or injury
Taking of medications
Question
• Which of the following is the best approach
when asked to perform a procedure on a
patient that you are not trained to do?
A. Do the best you can
B. Have someone explain it to you
C. Do not agree to do it
Answer
• C. Do not agree to do it
• Do not perform any procedure on patients
until having received adequate training
Workplace Violence
• Health care professional risk
– Offensive or threatening language
– Psychological trauma
– Actual injuries
– Homicide
– Can result in negative organizational outcomes
Question
• A patient is very upset about the care she
received. She begins to escalate in volume
and curse at you. What should you do?
A. Take her to a private area to avoid disturbing
others
B. Acknowledge her feelings
C. Tell her to calm down, or you will call security
Answer
• B. Acknowledge her feelings
• When confronted with angry patients,
acknowledge feelings and avoid getting
defensive or matching hostility
Answer
• B. Acknowledge her feelings
• Avoid isolating yourself with potentially
violent people by taking them to a private
location
• Avoid giving orders and threatening them
with security
Prevent or Decrease Violence
• Environmental designs
• Administrative controls
• Behavior modification
Fire and Electrical Hazards
• Fire requires oxygen, item that will burn,
and source of heat
• Know location of fire alarms and
extinguishers
• Know emergency evacuation routes
Fire Triangle
Fire Procedures
• RACE
– Remove patients
– Activate alarm
– Contain the fire
– Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area
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
Four Types of Fires
• Class A
– Ordinary combustibles
• Class B
– Flammable and combustible liquids
(continued)
Four Types of Fires
• Class C
– Electrical fires
• Class D
– Burning metals
Question
• True or False:
– RACE is an acronym for putting out a fire with
a fire extinguisher.
Answer
• False
• PASS
– Acronym for putting out fire with fire extinguisher
• RACE
– Acronym for what to do when you discover fire
Chemical Hazards
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Numerous chemicals used in health care
Labeling and compatibility
Avoid contact
Wear PPE
Follow material safety data sheet (MSDS)
Clean up and treatment
Radiation Hazards
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X-rays and radiation therapy
Monitoring radiation exposure
Safety guidelines
Disposal of radioactive waste
Infectious Waste
• Any item or product with potential to
transmit disease
• Follow policies and procedures
• Report accidental exposures
Oxygen Precautions
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Post sign “Oxygen in Use”
Avoid all sources for sparks
Never use flammable liquids
Secure oxygen tank
Do not smoke
Do not use wool or synthetics
Question
• Which of the following is the best first step if
a chemical comes in contact with the skin?
A. Rinse under cool water for at least 5 minutes
B. Immediately go to the emergency department
C. Cover the area with antibiotic ointment and
dressing
Answer
• A. Rinse under cool water for at least 5
minutes
• First step to take when chemical comes in
contact with skin:
– Immediately rinse under cool water for at least
5 minutes
Bioterrorism
• Extends back in history to earliest human
records
• Biological exposure readiness plan
(continued)
Bioterrorism
• Most likely weapons:
– Anthrax
– Smallpox
– Botulism
– Plague
Emergency Code System
• Communication method for employees
• Prevents patients and visitors from
becoming overly concerned
Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Follow OSHA requirements
• Follow policies and procedures
• Remain calm
Triage System
• Guidelines to assess patients’ conditions
– Determine where they should be sent
– Determine what treatment they should receive
• Used during disasters
• Used daily in emergency departments