Safety Practices

Let’s goooooo…

Using Body Mechanics

• Why use body mechanics?

• Body Mechanics The way in

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

Muscles work best when used

correctly

Correct use makes lifting, pulling and

pushing easier

Correct use prevents

unnecessary fatigue and strain

saves energy.

Correct body mechanics

prevents injury to self.

Good Body Mechanics Rules• 1. Use a broad base of

support.• 2. Don’t twist and lift.• 3. Don’t bend for long

periods of time.• 4. Get help if the load is

too heavy.• 5. Bend from the hips

and knees, not the waist.• 6. Use the strongest

muscles to do the job.• 7. Push or pull using the

weight of your body.• 8.Carry objects close to

the body.

Good or bad?

Observing Fire Safety

Fuel Oxygen

Heat

Three things needed to start

a fire

Observing Fire Safety

• Major causes of fires:• Carelessness with smoking and

matches• Misuse of electricity• Defects in heating systems• Spontaneous ignition• Improper rubbish disposal• Arson

Fire extinguishers

Class A• pressurized water• Use on combustibles.• For ordinary

materials such as paper, cloth, wood, and cardboard.

Fire extinguishers

• 2. Class B- • carbon dioxide CO2 • Use flammable or

combustible liquids.• For gasoline, oil, paint,

liquid, cooking fats, etc.– Leaves a powdery,

snowlike residue that irritates the skin and eyes.

– If water is used on these types of fires, it will spread.

Fire extinguishers

Class C• dry chemical-contains

potassium bicarbonate or potassium chloride

• Use on electrical fires.

• For energized electrical equipment such as power tools, appliances, and switches.– Water is particularly

dangerous because of the risk of electrical shock.

Fire extinguishers

Class ABC • graphite-type

chemical• Use on all fires.

Multipurpose 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.

In case of fire:

• Know your health facility’s fire safety plan

• Remove patients from harm• Sound the alarm• Close all doors and windows• Shut off electrical equipment and

oxygen• Do NOT use the elevators

Rules for Preventing Fires• Obey No Smoking signs• Extinguish matches,

cigarettes, and other flammable items completely

• Dispose of all waster materials in proper containers

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

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets.

• 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.

Restraints

• May be used only to protect patients from harming themselves or others

• Must have doctor’s order to use a restraint

Conditions that my require restraints:

• Irrational or confused patients

• Skin conditions• Paralysis or

limited muscular conditions

Types of restraints:

• Strap or safety belts

• Limb restraints• Leather cuffs or

locks• Restraint jackets

Restraints applied unnecessarily= false imprisonment

When using restraints

• Use only when other alternatives fail

• Allow patient to move as much as possible

• Reassure patient frequently

• Check circulation below limb restraints every 15 minutes

• All restraints must be removed every 2 hours and skin care given

Check circ q15 min.

Rem

ove q 2 hrs

Reassure patient

Allow pt. to move

Complications from restraints..• Physical and mental frustration• Impaired circulation• Decubitus ulcers• Loss of muscle tone; joint stiffness• Respiratory or breathing problems