Module 7 Summary Flashcards
Legislation - Federal OH&S
-outines general rights and responsibilites of the employer, supervisor, and worker
Legislation - Provincial Occupational Healh and Safety At (OHSA)
-outlines provincial legislation
Occupational Health & Safety Code
-details of the act
-Health care associated legislation is found in part 35 of the code
Responsibility for Safety in the Workplace: Employer
-make it safe and educate workers
-provide safe workplace
-adhere to safety legislation
-provide equipment safe for work
-educate staff
-provide accident reporting mechanism
Responsibility for Safety in the Workplace: Employee
-honour safety regulations
-adhere to safety regulations
-use safety equipment provided
-participate in safety education programs
-report accident; unsafe conditions
Safety Regulations
3 levels: federal, provincial, municipal
-WHMIS: federal; provincial
-Fire: Municipal
-Waste Disposal: provincial; municipal
Occupational Health and Safety Department (OHS) of Health Care Facility: (May be combined with IPC Department)
-may not be one on site, if facility is small - find location and organization for your workplace safety education
-accident reports
-safety inspections
-immunization
-work with Workers’ Compenssation in case of staff injury
Accident Reports
-responsibilty of employee to file
-report accident to supervisor and fill out accident report form, no matter how minor incident seems
-if no accident report form, white out detailed account
-do ASAP; failure to do so may jepordize compensation
-keep copies of everything in your personal life
Personal Safety (your responsibility)
Grooming:
-hair out of way
-clothing unrestrictive “cleanable”
-shoes comfortable, no open toe shoes, best if liquid resistant, Closed shoes recommended by Health Canada
-Minimal jewellery
-Nails short, no coloured polish or artificial nails
Eye Protection:
-prescription glasses are your responsibility, consider plastic side protectors
-goggles, face shields > supplied by employer
-Check re: Contact lenses
Food:
-dont eat, drink, smoke in work area
-keep food in separate fridge from biological specimens
Medical Sharps and Safety Engineered Devices:
-dispose of in puncture resistant containers - do not overfill
-activate needle guards before disposal
Miscellaneous workplace safety guidelines - check protocol in your workplace
-Keep pens/pencils out of mouth
-Do not lick envelopes
-Do not chew gum (may touch hands to mouth).. some patients may think that is not professional “casual”
-No smoking
-Open doors carefully, keep right in halls
-Clean up/report spills
Emergency Codes
During emergency situations, colour codes or numbers are often announced over the public address system. Familarize yourself iwth the codes used where you work. Common codes include Red for fire; Code blue for cardiac arrest
Ergonomics
-promotes work environment that provides physical comfort, reduces stress and fatigue; safer work enviroment
-eg. computer owkr station - designed to prevent injury to back, neck wrist, arm and avoid eye straint
-back care
*when lifting, bend knees; use legs, not back
-learn and practice exercises for healthy back
Electrical Safety
-know where circuit breakers are
-avoid extension cords with multiple adaptors
-use 3 pronged outlets (grounded); dont pull ground pin from 3-pronged plug
-if equipment wet > shut off power at source, then unplug
-keep cords out of traffic path
-if equipment smells hot, unplug immediately
-if fire, use C02 or dry chemical fire extinguisher
Fire Safety
find out:
-where closest fire alarm is and how to activate
-do you notify fire department directly, or call in-house authority
-location of fire extinguishers, what type, hen each type used
-how to exit building in case of fire
3 classes of fire:
-A - combustibles
-B - liquid fuels
-C - electrical
3 types of fire extinguishers:
-C02: for B & C
-dry chemical: for A, B, & C
-H20: for A
-practice using fire extinguisher before need arises
“PASS”
-Pull pin
-Aim low
-Squeze Handle
-Sweep Side to Side
-Clothing on fire - Stop, Drop, Roll… running adds oxygen and intensifies fire
-use fire extinguisher only if minimal personal risk
-fire drills: necessary even in January; should be followed by critique
Radiation Safety (Ionizing)
ionizing radiation:
-able to form ions and free radicals in tissues; most harmful type of radiation
-xrays are this type
-overexposure can cause cancer, congenital defects and cell death
-found in radiology, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, dental offices, anywhere mobile x-ray equipment found
-MRI, ultrasound and lasers not this type of radiation
-avoid unnecessary exposure: use caution when entering areas displaying radiation hazard symbol; do not enter room when x-rays being taken with mobile x-ray unit; wear protective clothing (lead apron and gloves) if assisting with immobilization or holding patient being xrayed; do not assist if pregnant
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
WHMIS uses the Globally Harmonized System of Classification for labeling chemicals (GHS) in Canadian Workplaces.
