Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Environmental Safety
• Identifying and correcting potential
hazards
• Health care workers must understand and
follow policies and procedures
• OSHA
Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Safety Guidelines
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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.
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Increased Risk With Physical
and Mental Changes
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Changes in vision
Changes in hearing
Altered neurological function
Changes in blood vessels
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Increased Risk
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Slowed reflexes
Changes in mental function
Weakness from illness or injury
Taking medications
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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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Prevent or Decrease Violence
• Environmental designs
• Administrative controls
• Behavior modification
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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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Fire Triangle
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Fire Procedures
• RACE
– Remove patients
– Activate alarm
– Contain the fire
– Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area
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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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Four Types of Fires
• Class A
– Ordinary combustibles
• Class B
– Flammable and combustible liquids
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Types of Fires
• Class C
– Electrical fires
• Class D
– Burning metals
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Chemical Hazards
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Numerous chemicals used in health care
Labeling and compatibility
Avoid contact
Wear PPE
Follow MSDS
Clean up and treatment
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Radiation Hazards
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X-rays and radiation therapy
Monitoring radiation exposure
Safety guidelines
Disposal of radioactive waste
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Infectious Waste
• Any item or product with potential to
transmit disease
• Follow policies and procedures
• Report accidental exposures
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Oxygen Precautions
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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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Emergency Disaster Plan
• OSHA requirements
• Follow policies and procedures
• Remain calm
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Bioterrorism
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Increasing threat in the United States
Not new to our times
Biological Exposure Readiness Plan
Follow the policies and procedures
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Biological Threats
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Anthrax
Botulism
Plague
Smallpox
Transmission precautions
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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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