Health & Safety Flashcards
Hazard (workplace safety)
AGENT with potential for harm
Any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone
E.g. material, substance, behaviour, process, practice, energy source, environmental condition
Risk (workplace safety)
CHANCE someone/something will be harmed if exposed to a hazard; probability
Factors affecting risk (3)
Nature of exposure (amount of exposure = once a 1yr)
Manner of exposure (skin contact)
Severity of effect (skin irritation)
Hazard identification
Process of evaluating if any particular item has the potential to cause harm
Find and record potential hazards in workplace
Risk assessment
Full process:
Identify hazards
Analyze and evaluate risk
Determine appropriate ways to eliminate hazard or reduce risk
Risk control
Determine ways to control risk when hazard cannot be eliminated
When to do hazard identification (5)
During design and implementation (new process)
Before tasks are started (checking equipment)
While tasks are being done (sudden changes in working conditions)
During inspections (formal or informal)
After incidents, near misses, minor events (greater risk)
Hazard types (4)
Biological, chemical,
Ergonomically, physical,
Psychosocial,
Safety
Sources of information aiding hazard identification (3)
MSDS sheets (material safety data sheets)
manuals or operating instructions
Safety organizations, government agencies, other reputable organizations
Results from previous safety inspections
PPE
Equipment worn to minimize exposure to specific hazards - REDUCE RISK
Personal protective equipment = barrier
One element in a hazard control program
does not reduce hazard or guarantee protection
When is PPE used (4)
Hazard cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled
During maintenance, repair, or clean up
Emergency situation
Interim measure while controls are implemented
Hierarchy of control
Elimination / substitution
Engineering controls (design/modifications)
Administrative controls (procedure, practices)
PPE
Equipment safety: important readings
ALWAYS read manual for EQUIPMENT
Facilities may also have standard operating procedures, training manuals, other docs
Above readings take precedence over general guidelines
General Safety: grinders (4)
VISUAL, Grinder is securely fastened
OFF, barrel/wheel moves freely, all electrical cables intact
PPE (eye/ear protection)
Work slowly, even and gradual pressure, only pressure needed to complete task
General Safety: sharp blades or edges (4)
VISUAL inspection for sharpness
RIGHT tool for right job (limitations of tool)
Secure surface, well lit space, PPE
Cut away from body using stronger hand, firm/even pressure
General Safety: powered hand tools (4)
VISUAL inspect, cords, switches
PPE (eye/ear protection)
Clamps/vice/other to support and hold material
Minimum force applied (no speed or unintended materials)
General Safety: band saw (5)
VISUAL, cords, switches, guards
PPE (ear/eye protection), secure loose items
Hold work firmly against table, keep hands clear of cut line, use brush to clear dust/debris
Minimum force applied (no speed or unintended materials)
POWER OFF and STOPPED RUNNING when not using
Factors contributing to risk of violence when working alone with ptnts (5)
Isolated environment
Patient anxiety/nervousness
Public access to work environment (early AM and late PM greater risk)
Availability of drugs/valuables at workplace
Off-site locations (e.g. home)
Strategies for reducing risk when working alone with ptnt (clinic) (5)
Communication = open and respectful
Explanation = everything, clear, thorough
Avoid working alone; use a check-in system with a colleague if alone
If ptnt hostile = stop immediately, determine next steps
If you feel threatened = stop immediately, call for help
Strategies for reducing risk when working alone with ptnt (house) (4)
Check-in system with colleague, supervisor, trusted contact
Identify risks in geographic area, be aware of surroundings at all times
Communication = positive body language and verbal communication
Day time appointments only
Information source for public health measures, updates, recommendations
Local public health unit
3 Key components when implementing and following public health measures
Communication - everyone knows, understands measures to be adhered to, changes
PPE and NMM (masks)
Cleaning and disinfecting - guidelines from public health agency of Canada
Is a NMM (mask) considered a PPE
No
5 Steps for sanitation and infection control
Procedures = set by employer/facility/organization
Products = instructions, PPE, WHMIS
Clean and then sanitize (don’t mix unless instructions permit)
Hand washing
Body fluids = disposable gloves/towels, local regulations for disposal of cleaning materials
Handwashing
Single most effective way to prevent spread of infections
Lather at least 20 seconds, all surfaces of hands, nails, wrists
Paper towel to turn off
Alt. 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Who is responsible for health and safety
Everyone
