Safety

Safety Hazards in the Health Care setting

• Fire, Electrical, Chemical • Infectious disease related• Medication related• Physical Injury due to moving

patients or supplies

SAFETY LABELS

Fire Safety!

• Prevent: – Monitor electrical outlets and

equipment for damage– Keep flammable objects away

for sources of heat or electricity– Take extra care near

concentrated oxygen supplies

Fire Safety!

• Prepare: – Know the fire drill procedure– Locate fire exits– Locate oxygen shut of valves– Locate fire alarms– Know the contact info for site

safety, security

Fire Safety!

• Act:• RACE

– Rescue patients – Alarm – Contain the fire– Extinguish or Escape

• PASS (fire extinguisher)– Pull pin, Aim, Squeeze, Spread

Electrical Safety

• Fire Hazard – use with care. • Inspect for damage regularly• Ensure the cords and non-

waterproof items are not exposed to water.

Chemical Hazards

• Only use when necessary and when you have been properly instructed.

• Follow label precautions. • Keep secure when not in use • Dispose of properly

Infectious Disease

• Stay home when sick• Use proper hand hygiene• Use proper precautions with

biohazardous waste – NEVER recap a needle that has

been used• Use appropriate PPE (personal

protection equipment)

PPE’s: Personal Protection Devices

• Barriers that are used when an employee will come in contact with body fluids:

• Gloves: any contact with patient during procedures

• Goggles: splashing, droplet's• Gowns: splashing, droplets, blood• Masks: respiratory protection,

splashing• Paper hats/Shoes: Use in surgery

Medication Safety

• Confirm the 5 Rights– Right Patient– Right Medication– Right Time– Right Dose– Right Route

• Waste leftover medications properly, and secure all medication when unattended

Correct Body Mechanics

Eight Basic Rules of Body Mechanics:1. Bend from the hips and knees when lifting an object from the floor

2. Maintain a broad base of support feet 8 -10 inches apart one foot slightly forward balance weight on both feet, pointing toes in direction of movement

3.Use the strongest muscles to do the job (legs)

4. Use the weight of your body to push or pull

PreparednessEmergency

EMERGENCY CODES:

• Are used to alert staff /employees of danger and a need for response

• Examples:• Fire• Inclement weather• Tornado• Pt out of Control• Hurricane• Cardiac Arrest• Bomb Threat• Intruder/Kidnapping• Sniper

Sometimes Colors are used:Code Blue: Cardiac Arrest(Code)Code Red: FireCode Yellow: BombCode Pink: Infant/Child abductionCode Green: Evacuation

Codes are different in each hospital. It is necessary to learn the codes in your work place .Disaster plans for each code have been written and are located in a disaster policy manual in your work area.All employees must know their role in a disaster should one occur.

Letters or Signals:T: train casualty F: Fire D:Disaster

Disaster Plans

• Tell you: – who to call– where to be– what your to be doing– who is in charge (who you

answer to)– how to handle patient– how to handle situation– what to do at end of situation

At home and in the community

Emergencies

Types of Emergencies

• Natural– Tornados, hurricanes, severe

storms, floods, wildfire, winter storms, earthquake, volcano, etc.

– Pandemic• Manmade

– Accidental: toxic spills, industrial accidents

– Terrorism and War activity

Preparing

• Have an emergency plan and supplies for you and your family

• Establish skills that will help you, your family, and the community

• Consider being a part of CERT• Review resources to help you prepare:

– American Red Cross– Dept. Homeland Security– Etc.