Chapter 3 CENG Safety in Healthcare Institutions Flashcards
What are some main sources of safety threat to patients and staffs?
10 in total.
- Natural Elements (i.e. earth, air, fire and water).
- Chemicals and Drugs
- Microorganisms and Vermin
- Waste
- Sound and Radiation
- Electricity
- Natural and Unnatural Disasters
- Surroundings
- Gravity and Mechanical Stress
- People
What is the purpose of The Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC)?
Sets the occupational safety and health standards to protect individuals in the workplace
What are the standards that are commonly practiced in the hospitals of Singapore? 5 in total.
- Hazard evaluation.
- Labels and other forms of warning.
- Materials safety datasheet (MSDS).
- Employee training.
- Written hazard communication program.
What is hazard evaluation?
- Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate chemicals produced or imported to determine if they are hazardous.
- Any substance that presents a reactive, flammable or health hazard is considered regulated.
What is the purpose of labels and other forms of warning?
Purpose is to warn about potential danger or significant risk.
What are the 4 product identifiers in a Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)?
Health, flammability, reactivity and PPE (0-4)
What are some health hazards? 8 in total.
Carcinogenic (cancer causing), Mutagenic (affects gene), Hepatotoxin (affects liver), Nephrotoxin (affects kidneys), Neurotoxin (nerve poison), Sensitizer, Corrosive, Irritant
What are some reactive hazards?
Unstable (reactive)
Compressed gas
Water-reactive
Organic compounds
Inorganic compounds
Corrosive
What are the hazards and use of asbestos?
Hazards:
-Highly toxic and cancer causing
-When disintegrate into dust, can be inhaled
Use:
-Ceiling materials
-Floor coverings
-Around pipes
-Insulation and fire retardant
What are the hazards and use of Ethylene oxide?
Hazards:
-It is an irritant
-Can cause blisters and burns
Uses:
-Sterilizing agent for heat-sensitive medical equipment such as flexible fibre-optic endoscopes
What is MSDS?
Material safety datasheet
When must MSDS be provided for all distributors and employers?
During the initial shipment of chemicals and 1st shipment after an MSDS update.
Must MSDS be available to employees during each work shift?
Yes
What is employee training and when must it be conducted?
- Employers must establish a training and information program for all
employees routinely exposed to hazardous chemicals in their workplace. - This training must be provided at the time of initial assignment and
whenever a new hazard is introduced
Why is general hospital safety important?
-Patients are in a physically weakened condition and are more
susceptible to infection.
-Hospital staff are exposed to a variety of bacteria and virus in the
hospital. They may also come in contact with patient waste and there is
the general aerial spread of infection from patients.