BODY MECHANICS

The way in which the body moves and maintains balance with the most efficient use of

all its parts

Reasons for using correct body mechanics

Muscles work best when used correctly

Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, pushing easier

Prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain

Saves energy Prevents injury to self

Eight basic rules of good body mechanics Maintain broad base of

support Bend from hips & knees

to get close to object Keep back straight Use strongest muscles of

arms/legs Avoid twisting body while

working Avoid bending for long

periods Get help if object too

heavy Use equipment to help

lift & move pts

Back Supports Wear during

lifting or moving pts

Supposed to help prevent back injuries

Must be correct size

Must be snug

Transfer from bed to wheelchair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBVqxwggZ3U

Preventing Accidents & Injuries

OSHA-Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Establishes & enforces safety standards for workplace

Two main standards for health care: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous

Chemical Standard Bloodborn Pathogen Standard

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemical Standard Employers must inform employees of all

chemicals & hazards Must provided Material Safety Data

Sheets (MSDS) on all hazardous products Info about chemical Protection or precautions for handling Spills, clean up, & disposal procedures Emergency first aid procedures

All employers must train employees

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Protection of health care providers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids

Blood Urine & stool Semen & vaginal secretions CSF Saliva, mucus

Three disease can be contracted HBV HCV HIV

Equipment & Solutions Regulations Never use solutions from unlabeled

bottles Read labels of solutions at least 3 times

Read before using, during use, and after use Make sure you have correct solution

Do not mix solutions together unless instructed to do so

Avoid contact of solutions with skin or eyes

Equipment & Solutions Regulations

Do not operate equipment until instructed on how to use it

Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment-DO NOT USE

Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cord or if third prong of plug broken off

Patient Safety Regulations

Do not perform any procedures on patients unless you have been instructed and have proper authorization

Ask questions if you do not understand

Provide privacy for all patients

Patient Safety Regulations

Identify the patient Check identification wrist band Repeat the name at least twice Check the name on patient’s bed or

record Explain the procedure Observe patient closely during any

procedure

Patient Safety Regulations Check patient environment for safety

hazards Observe all safety checkpoints before

leaving patient in bed Patient in comfortable position Side rails elevated Bed lowest level to floor Wheels locked Call signal within easy reach Area neat and clean with no safety hazards

Personal Safety Regulations Use correct body mechanics Wear required uniform Walk in hallways-do not run Report any injury or accident Report any unsafe conditions Keep all areas neat and clean Wash hands frequently Wear PPE Avoid horseplay & jokes Solutions coming into contact with eyes or skin should

be flushed with water & reported Particle in eye-don’t try to remove; report to supervisor

Preventing Needle Sticks Be careful when handling-most sticks occur

from carelessness Dispose of all sharps in a puncture-

resistant sharps container Never recap, bend, or remove dirty needles Never carry sharps with tips toward others

or self Never hand sharps across a patient Immediately clean puncture wound and

cover Report incident to supervisor

Maintaining Client Safety

Injury due to falls is a major problem in health care

Health care providers must anticipate potential falls and take steps to avoid injuries

Categories of Falls Falls on same level:

tripping, bumping, slipping

Falls on different levels: misjudging a distance, overreaching, inadequate ambulation equipment, inadequate training or instructions

Reducing the Risk of Falls Provide handrails Keep floors clean & uncluttered Keep floors dry Remove excess equipment Clear electrical wiring & cables Provide gait belts for patients Be prepared to brake fall of client while

maintaining personal safety

Fire Safety

Three things needed to start a fire: Oxygen: found in the air Fuel: any material that will burn Heat: sparks, matches, flames

Fire Safety

Causes of fires: Smoking and matches: major cause Misuse of electricity Defects in heating systems Spontaneous ignition Improper rubbish disposal Arson

Fire Safety Preventing Fires:

Be alert to causes of fires Obey “NO Smoking” signs-most facilities now smoke

free Extinguish matches, cigarettes, flammables Dispose of all waste in proper containers Handle electrical equipment carefully Store flammable materials in proper containers and

in safety cabinets Get rid of clutter

Fire Safety Precautions when O2 in use

Post “No Smoking-Oxygen in Use” sign Remove all smoking materials, candles, matches

from room Avoid us of electrical equipment Do not use flammable liquids Avoid static electricity

Fire Safety Classes of Fire Extinguishers

Class A Contains pressurized water Used on paper, cloth, wood

Class B Contains carbon dioxide Used on flammable liquids

Class C Contains Potassium bicarbonate or chloride Used on electrical fires/burning liquids

Class ABC Contains graphite-type chemical Multipurpose-for all types of fires

R A C E

Rescue Alarm Contain Extinguish

Discharging the Extinguisher P

pull the pin A

aim S

squeeze S

Sweep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUojO1HvC8c

Fire rules in the Health Care Facility #1: Remain calm If your personal safety is endangered-get out Move all patients/personnel in immediate

danger Activate alarm Close all doors/windows Know location/use of extinguishers Shut off electrical equipment and oxygen Never use elevators

Evacuation of Health Care Facilities

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

=-UjKCTgeEQ8

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=_QtdX9XixlQ