Safety in Healthcare

Body MechanicsIs the way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts

Four reasons for using proper body mechanics1. Muscles work best when used

correctly

2. Correct use makes lifting, pulling and pushing easier

3. Correct use prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain

4. Correct use saves energy.

Rule #1Maintain a broad base of support keep feet 8-10 inches apart, place one foot slightly forward, balance weight on both feet, and point toes in the directions of movement

Rule #2Always bend from the hips and knees; keep your back straight

Do NOT bend at the waist.

Rule #3Use the strongest muscles to do the job.

The larger and stronger muscles are located in the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs.

BACK MUSCLES ARE WEAK!

Rule #4Whenever possible, push, slide, or pull rather than lift an object

Use the weight of your body to help push or pull an object

Rule #5Carry heavy objects close to the body.

Also, stand close to any object or person being moved.

Rule #6Avoid twisting your body as your work.

Turn with your feet and entire body when you change direction of movement.

Rule #7Don’t bend for long periods of time.

Rule # 8If a patient or object is too heavy for you to lift alone,

……ALWAYS GET HELP!

Mechanical lifts, transfer or gait belts, wheelchairs and other types of equipment are available to help lift and move patients.

Examples: Gait Belt, Hoyer Lift

Back SupportsRequired by many health care facilities

Health care workers must wear back support when lifting or moving

Should fit snugly when performing strenuous task, but at other times it should be loosened to decrease abdominal pressure

Should be correct size in order to provide maximum benefit

Effectiveness is controversial; At the very least back support reminds wearer to use proper body mechanics

ErgonomicsAn applied science where the objective is to promote the safety and well being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries.

Components of Ergonomics*Adjusting computer and chair to proper height

*Arranging furniture and equipment in proper placement

*Training in safe muscle movement

*Avoiding repetitive motions

OSHAOccupational Safety & Health

Administration

A division of the Department of Labor

Created by Congress in 1971 by Congress

The government agency that is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety standards in the work place

OSHA regulations for healthcare facilities

Safety standards that effect the health care work place are:

1. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard

2. The Blood Borne Pathogen Standard

3. Needle Stick Safety and Prevention

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard of 1990The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard applies to all employers using hazardous chemicals. Mandates that employers are required to:

1. Inform employees of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace;

2. Educate employees about safe handling of hazardous chemicals;

3. Provide PPE (personal protective equipment) for all employees;

4. Keep MSDS (material safety data sheets) on hand for all hazardous chemicals on site

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Provides detailed data about the chemical such as:

Name of manufacturerIngredients of product Proper storage Type of protection to be worn Emergency first aid measuresFire fighting measuresClean up and disposal

Employees must be informed of the location of MSDS and how to use them

Blood Borne Pathogen Standard of 1991The Blood Borne Pathogen Standard applies to all employers whose workers can anticipate contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Employers must provide employees with equipment and education that will help protect them from diseases such as: Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Malaria, Syphilis, Mad Cow Disease

These diseases are transmitted through bodily fluids such as: blood, saliva, mucus, semen, vaginal discharge, urine, feces

Also regulates items such as housekeeping guidelines, providing hepatitis B vaccinations, post-exposure procedures and reporting or recordkeeping policies.

Needle Stick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000Exposure to blood borne pathogens from accidental sharps

injuries in healthcare settings continued to be a big problem, so Congress felt that a modification to the Blood borne Pathogens Standard was needed to make employers identify, evaluate, and implement safer medical devices.

The Act also required that employers had to begin keeping a log of all sharps injuries and that non-managerial healthcare workers were involved in evaluating and choosing preventative devices.

Standard Precautions

Standard precautions - a set of basic steps care providers use to protect their patients and themselves from infection. These basic steps include: 1) Using appropriate hand hygiene before and after contact with a

patient, after contact with the surfaces or objects around the patient and after removing gloves.

2) Wearing disposable gloves when the care provider may have contact with blood, feces, urine, or any other body fluids.

3) Wearing a gown to prevent contamination of the provider’s clothing with blood or body fluids.

4) Using a face mask, face shield, and/or goggles if splashing of blood or body fluids might occur.

5) Cleaning of care equipment between patients. Additional components that should be considered include: handling of linens and waste, prevention of injury from sharp objects and respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette.

Fire Safety

Fires need 3 things:1.Oxygen: present in the air

2.Fuel: any material that will burn

3.Heat: sparks, matches, flames

Fire SafetyMajor causes of fires:

Carelessness with smoking and matches

Misuse of electricity

Defects in heating systems

Spontaneous ignition

Improper rubbish disposal

Arson

Fire extinguishers: Classes

Classified according to kind of fire they extinguish

Class A (pressurized water): for combustibles such as paper, cloth, plastic, cardboard , or wood

Class B (carbon dioxide): for flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, paint, lighter fluid. If water is used on these types of fires, it will spread. Leave powdery residue that will irritate eyes and skin.

Fire extinguishers: Classes (cont’d)

Class C (dry chemicals or halon gas): for electrical fires such as fuse boxes, appliances, wiring and electrical outlets.Water is particularly dangerous because of the risk of electrical shock

Class D: for flammable or combustible metals. Example would be steel mill or automotive factory fire

Class K: Kitchen fire (cooking grease)

Class ABC: Multi-purpose extinguisher

In Case of Fire:

Remain calm!!!If your safety is in danger, evacuate the area and sound

the alarm.

If the fire is small (and you are not in danger) determine what type of fire it is and use the proper extinguisher.

Know your health facility’s fire safety plan

Do NOT use the elevators

Fire Emergency Plan

R-Rescue or remove anyone in immediate danger

A- Activate the alarm. Give the location.

C- Contain the fire. Close windows/doors to prevent drafts. Shut off oxygen & electrical equipment

E- Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area

P-A-S-S Procedure:

P – Pull the pin

A – Aim the extinguisher at the near edge and bottom of the fire

S – Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher

S – Sweep the extinguisher from side to side at the base of the fire

Oklahoma State University Environmental Health & Safety Dept.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Pull the pin…

This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher

Oklahoma State University Environmental Health & Safety Dept.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Aim at the base of the fireHit the fuel!

If you aim at the flames... … the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good

Oklahoma State University Environmental Health & Safety Dept.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Squeeze the top handle…

This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.

Oklahoma State University Environmental Health & Safety Dept.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Sweep from side to side…

.. until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then slowly move forward.

Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

Rules for Preventing FiresObey No Smoking signs

Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and other flammable items completely

Dispose of all waste materials in proper containers

Before using electrical equipment, check for damaged cords or improper grounding.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets.

Rules forPreventing Fires (cont’d)

Store flammable materials in proper containers and in safe areas. If you spill a flammable liquid, wipe it up immediately.

Do not allow clutter to accumulate in rooms, closets, doorways or traffic areas. Make sure nothing is blocking fire exits.

When oxygen is in use, post a No-Smoking – Oxygen in Use sign. Remove all smoking materials from the room.

Signs and SymbolsWash hands

Wear eye protection

Wear mask

Biological Hazard

Wear gown

Wear gloves Radiation Hazard

Types of Hazardsbiological - bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds,

animals, and humans, etc.,

chemical - depends on the physical, chemical and toxic properties of the chemical.

ergonomic - repetitive movements, improper set up of workstation, etc.,

physical - radiation, magnetic fields, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum), noise, etc,

psychosocial - stress, violence, etc.,

safety - slipping/tripping hazards, inappropriate machine guarding, equipment malfunctions or breakdowns

General Safety Rules:

The first step is to report a problem immediately. (Such as a piece of damaged equipment, an injury, a spill, a violation or an unsafe situation report it immediately)

Always inspect equipment first before using it

Do not use if third (ground) prong has been broken off plug or it has a frayed electrical cord.

Do NOT operate or use any equipment until you have been instructed on how to use it and make sure your instructor is in the room!

General Safety Rules: (cont’d)

Store all equipment in its proper place. Unused equipment should not be left in a patient’s room, a hallway, or a doorway

Never use solutions from bottles that are not labeled

Read the labels on solution bottles at least 3 times to be sure you have the correct solution.

Do not mix any solutions together unless instructed to do so by your superior or you verify they are compatible

General Safety Rules: (cont’d)

Store and dispose of all chemical solutions according to MSDS guidelines.

Avoid any contact with any chemicals.

Healthcare workers are legally responsible for familiarizing themselves with disaster policies.

General Safety Rules: (cont’d)Wash your hands frequently.

BEFORE/AFTER/CONTAMINATED

Keep your hands away from your face, mouth, eyes, and hair

If any solutions come into contact with eyes or skin, immediately flush the area with cool water and report!

Do NOT try to remove any object/particle from eye!

Personal Safety:PPE (personal protective equipment) Know

what you should wear for each procedure. Gloves should be worn almost all of the time. Safety glasses are only required for some procedures.

Walk- do NOT run; watch intersections; keep to the right. If someone calls for help, walk to assess the situation.

Patient/ Resident Safety:

Provide privacy for all patients. Knock before entering , Identify yourself, Ask permission to enter, Close the door and/or close curtains for privacy.

Always identify your patient! Check ID wristband, ask their name, AND ask their birthdate. REPEAT!

Always explain procedures and answer any questions before performing. Never perform a procedure if a patient refuses.

Patient Safety:(cont’d)Observe the patient closely, if you notice any

change, immediately report! Be alert at all times!

Before leaving, observe all checkpoints. Make sure they are in a comfortable position. Check that side rails are elevated, bed is in lowest position, and wheels are locked. Place the call bell, telephone, tissues, remote control, water, and/or other supplies within reach. Leave area neat. Check for and report safety hazards.