Chapter 7 Flashcards
a nonprofit organization launched a campaign aimed at saving 100,000 lives by reducing fatalities in health care institutions
Institute for Health-care Improvement (IHI)
A national initiative to protect patients from 5 million potential medical harm incidents in U.S. hospitals between December 2006 and December 2008
5 Million Lives Campaign
-identify patients correctly
-improve staff communications
-use medicines safely
-use alarms safely
-prevent infection
-identify patient safety risks
-prevent mistakes in surgery
National Patient Safety Goals
A federal agency governing safety in the workplace provides guidelines to ensure a high level of safety for hospital workers, and these guidelines are a required part of the safety procedures in all hospitals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What 3 components must be present for a fire to burn or happen?
- a flammable substance (fuel)
- oxygen
-heat
The principle used to fight a fire
Adding water (lowering the temperature) or by smothering it (removing oxygen)
Most hospital fires are caused by:
-Spontaneous combustion
-open flames
-cigarette smokers
-electricity
Supports combustion
Oxygen
Occurs when a chemical reaction in or near a flammable material causes sufficient heat to generate a fire.
Spontaneous combustion
- Keep flammable substances a safe distance from the flame.
- Use strict standards of cleanliness in kitchen areas.
- Never leave open flames unattended.
- Never burn candles.
Precautions to prevent fires caused by open flames
- Turn off the electricity at the main power source.
- Call for qualified assistance.
- Stand by with the proper fire extinguisher.
What to do for a fire hazard from an electrical malfunction
should be aware of the locations of fire extinguishers and instructed in their use.
All radiographers
Burn out of control. usually occurs in kitchens or laboratories where open burners are used
Open flames
It does not burn by itself, but it does support combustion
Oxygen
Responsible for initiating fire safety programs
Head of the maintenance department or the chief engineer
Know the fire plan of your
facility.
Know evacuation route
and alternative route.
Locate fire alarms,
extinguishers, and fire
doors.
Be prepared
According to professional fire marshals, the most frequent infractions of fire safety rules include:
- Blocking fire doors to prevent them from closing.
- Storing equipment in corridors, which hinders evacuation.
- Improperly storing flammable items.
- Using extension cords not approved for hospital use.
Be prepared for a fire by knowing the locations of the following items:
- Evacuation route maps
- Fire doors
- Fire alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Main electrical power shut-off for your area
In case of a fire remember the acronym RACE
R - Rescue
A - Alarm
C - Contain
E - Extinguish/Evacuate
Coordinate with nursing staff and remove patients from danger by moving them past at least two fire doors within the facility. For larger fires, follow the instructions of coordinating personnel.
Rescue
- Activate the alarm system directly or use the hospital call code for fire.
- Make sure that all personnel in the area are aware of the fire, being careful not to alarm patients.
Alarm
- Close any open doors to limit the oxygen supply to the fire and to prevent the spread of smoke and heat.
- Ensure that electrical circuit breakers are turned off.
- Close the doors to patient rooms. If a patient is still in a room, place the room’s trashcan in front of the door.
Contain
- For small fires, use the available fire extinguisher to put out the fire or smother the fire with a blanket.
- For larger fires, evacuate the area and wait for fire personnel.
Extinguish/Evacuate
The different types of fire extinguishers
-Class A
-Class B
-Class C
-Class D
-Class K
involve solid common combustibles, such as paper or wood.
Class A fires
involve flammable liquids or gases.
Class B fires
involve electrical equipment or wiring.
Class C fires
involve certain combustible solids, such as metal alloys.
Class D fires
involve cooking media, for example, oils and animal fats.
Class K
Fire extinguishers types often found in hospitals and other public buildings
Classes A, B, and C
To use the fire extinguisher correctly remember the acronym PASS:
-Pull the pin
-Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
-Squeeze the handle
-Sweep Use a sweeping motion from side to side to prevent the fire from spreading.
When a fire extinguisher has been used
It must be replaced immediately with a fresh unit and then sent to the maintenance department to be recharged
All electrical equipment and appliances must be
approved for hospital use.
Follow equipment manufacturers’ instructions.
Equipment used on or near patients or near water
must have grounded plugs.
Inspect equipment regularly, paying attention to
cords and plugs. Arrange for repairs as needed.
Electrical Safety Rules
Do not overload circuits by connecting too
many devices to a single outlet or outlet
group.
Unplug or turn off electrical equipment before
exposing internal parts.
Do not attempt to repair equipment unless
you are trained to do so.
Use only extension cords approved for the
intended purpose.
In case of electrical fire, use a class C or
carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.
Electrical Safety Rules
Precautions taken increase safety for patients and
personnel.
Do not park equipment near corners.
Do not store heavy items on upper shelves.
Stack stored items neatly and carefully.
Do not string electrical cords across doorways or
other traffic patterns.
Falls and Collisions
What does the spill kit consist of?
-kitty litter
-heavy plasticcs bags
-broom
-dustpan
-nitrile
a special material that is impervious to many hazardous chemicals
Nitrile
Document required by OSHA for all hazardous chemicals, specifying the required equipment and procedure for safe handling in the event of a spill
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
The following steps to help ensure safety when a spill occurs:
- Limit access to the area.
- Evaluate the risks involved.
- Determine whether you have both the equipment and the expertise to clean up the spill safely.
- If you can proceed safely, clean up the spill immediately.
- If you lack the necessary skill or equipment, call your supervisor or the appropriate department.
When a chemical eye splash occurs
flood the eye with running water for a full 5 minutes.
first aid station for chemical eye splashes that sprays water into the eye from a convenient height
An eyewash station
the study of the human body in relation to the working environment for the purpose of preventing injuries.
Ergonomics
The principles of proper body alignment, movement, and balance are referred to as
Body mechanics
This is the portion of the body in contact with the floor or other horizontal surface. It may be represented by a horizontal line linking the points of contact, such as between the feet when the body is erect. A broad base of support provides stability for body position and movement.
Base of Support
This is the point around which body weight is balanced. It is usually located in the midportion of the pelvis or lower abdomen, but the location can vary somewhat depending on build. Any object you hold adds to the weight on the base of support; therefore, the size and position of a load affect the location of your center of gravity. The body is most stable when the center of gravity is nearest the center of the base of support.
Center of Gravity (Center of Body Weight)
This is an imaginary vertical line passing through the center of gravity. The body is most stable when the line of gravity bisects the base of support.
Line of Gravity
Rules of body mechanics
- Provide a broad base of support.
- Work at a comfortable height.
- When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight
- Keep your load well balanced and close to your body
- Roll or push a heavy object. Avoid pulling or lifting
Bending and twisting the back while lifting is a common cause of
Back strain
Among the strongest in your body
thigh muscles
