Unit E: Safety PracticesClient Safety

Body Mechanics

Fire Safety

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

Four main reasons for using proper body mechanics:

1. Muscles work best when used correctly.

2. Correct use makes lifting, pulling and pushing easier.

3. Correct use prevents unnecessary fatigue and strain saves energy.

4. 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?

What muscles do you use when picking up heavy object?

• Quadriceps femoris

Large Patients

• If a large pt. is unable to help transfer himself or herself, seek help from other healthcare workers.

Refusal of Services

• If patients have company in room and don’t want you to perform services i.e. VS

• You should do what????

Solutions

• Never use solutions from bottles that are not labeled

Students….

Students should not …

• Diagnose

• Pick up medication with their car

• Leave the building without permission

• Smoke in uniform

• Wear dangly jewelry

If Curtain is pulled…

• Call pt. name out before going behind curtain.

Carrying Water

• If carrying a basin of water, hold it close to the body.

If student get in an accident

they should????

• Report it to their instructor immediately……………

Observing Fire Safety

Fuel

Oxygen

Heat

3 things

needed

to start a

fire

Major causes of fires:

• 1.Carelessness with smoking and matches2.Misuse of electricity3.Defects in heating systems4.Spontaneous ignition5.Improper rubbish disposal6.Arson

Fire extinguishers

• 1. Class A- (pressurized water)

• Use on combustibles.

• For ordinary materials such as paper, cloth, wood, and cardboard.

• When using a fire extinguisher you should release the lock pin and discharge extinguisher using a side-to-side motion.

Fire extinguishers

• 2. Class B- (carbon dioxide CO2 )

• Use flammable or combustible liquids.

• For gasoline, oil, paint, liquid, cooking fats, etc.

– Leaves a powdery, snow like residue that irritates the skin and eyes.

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

Fire extinguishers

3. 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

• 4. Class ABC –(graphite-type chemical)

• Use on all fires. Multipurpose extinguisher.

In case of fire:

1. Remain calm

2. 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

• Remove patients from harm

• Sound the alarm

• Close all doors and windows

To prevent drafts that cause the fire to spread more rapidly.

• 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.

Rules for Preventing Fires

• 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.