Promotion of Safety

Unit Objectives
After completing this unit of
study, you should be able to:
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3
Unit Objectives
Define body mechanics and demonstrate
proper key components in clinical area
Summarize all safety standards established
by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
Follow safety regulations while performing
in the lab area or job site
Relate each class of fire extinguisher to
specific fire (s) and simulate operation




Body Mechanics
The way in which the body moves
and maintains balance with the most
efficient use of all its parts
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5
Using Body Mechanics
Good body mechanics prevents strain
Muscles work best when they are
always used correctly
Correct use of muscles makes lifting,
pulling, and pushing easier
Prevents unnecessary fatigue and
strain and saves energy
Prevents injury to self and others
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6
Body Mechanics Failure
Causes common
back problems
such as acute
sprains and
strains, disc
strains and
bulge, disc
herniation, and
fatigue

Best cure for back pain is
Prevention!
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 8
Rules of Good Body Mechanics
Maintain a broad base of
support; keep feet a
shoulder-width apart
Bend from the hips and
knees to get close
to an object
Always use the strongest
muscles to do
the job
Use the weight of your
body to help push
or pull an object
Carry heavy objects close
to the body
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 9
Rules of Good Body Mechanics
(continued)
Avoid twisting your body as you work
Avoid bending for long periods of time
Get help if a patient or object is too
heavy to lift alone
Tell the client what you are going to do
and ask for the clients help
Use assistive equipment when needed
(e.g., mechanical lifts, transfer [gait]
belts, wheelchairs)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 10
Back Supports
Required by many health
care facilities
To be worn when lifting or
moving to prevent injuries
Effectiveness is
controversial, but it does
remind wearer to use body
mechanics
Should be correct size in
order to provide
the maximum benefit
It should fit snugly when
needed and can be
loosened at other times

WEAR A BACK SUPPORT!
Preventing Accidents and
Injuries
Safety
Freedom from danger, risks, and
injury
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 13
Preventing Accidents
The best way to deal with
workplace injuries is to prevent
them
Education is the key to an
accident-free facility
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 14
Preventing Accidents
(continued)
The two main categories of
accidents are related to:

physical environment
(surroundings) and equipment

client care



Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 15
Preventing Accidents
(continued)
Guidelines for preventing and reacting
to accidents and emergencies:
Know the environment, including
the location of exits, stairs, fire
alarms and extinguishers, call
signals, paging systems, and
emergency lights.

Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 16
Preventing Accidents
(continued)
Prevention of accident and injury
centers around:
people (you and your client)
immediate environment (exercise care
with equipment/solutions)
Health care worker must follow
safety regulations
Remember, health care workers have
a legal responsibility to protect the
patient from harm and injury
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 17
Preventing Accidents and
Injuries
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
Division of the Department of Labor
Establishes and enforces safety standards
in the workplace
Two main standards that affect health care:
The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
Standard
The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 18
Preventing Accidents and
Injuries
(continued)
Two standards that affect health
care workers:
The Occupational Exposure to
Hazardous
Chemicals Standard
The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 19
Occupational Exposure to
Hazardous Chemicals
The Standard requires employers to
inform employees of all chemicals and
hazards in workplace
All manufacturers must provide Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) with any
hazardous product they sell
Specific information regarding the
chemical has to be provided on the MSDS
Training for employees
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 20
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Contains mandates to protect health care
providers from diseases caused by
exposure to body fluids
Examples of body fluids: blood, urine,
stool, semen, vaginal secretions,
cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, mucus, and
other similar fluids
Diseases that can be contracted by
exposure to body fluids include hepatitis B,
hepatitis C, and AIDS
Ergonomics
Applied science to promote the safety
and well-being of a person by
adapting the environment and using
techniques to prevent injuries
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 22
Components of Ergonomics
Correct placement of furniture and
equipment
Training in muscle movements
Efforts to avoid repetitive motions
An awareness of the environment to
prevent injuries
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 23
Equipment and Solutions
Regulations
Do not operate or use any equipment until
you have been trained on how to use it
Read and follow operating instructions
Report any damaged or malfunctioning
equipment immediately
Do not use frayed or damaged electrical
cords
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 24
Equipment and Solutions
Regulations (continued)
Observe all safety rules
Read MSDSs
Never use solutions that are from
unlabeled bottles
Read labels at least three times
Do not mix solutions together
unless instructed to do so
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 25
Patient/Resident Safety
Regulations
Do not perform any procedures on
patients unless instructed and
properly authorized
Provide privacy for all patients
Identify your patient
Explain the procedure
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 26
Patient/Resident Safety
Regulations
(continued)
Observe patient closely during any
procedures
Check all areas for safety hazards
Observe all safety checkpoints
Patient in comfortable position
Side rails elevated if necessary
Bed lowest position to the floor
Wheels on bed locked
Call light within reach
Area neat and clean/privacy curtains open

Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 27
Personal Safety Regulations
Responsible to protect yourself and
others from injury
Use correct body mechanics
Wear the required uniform
Walk; do not run
Report any injury or accident
Unsafe situations need to be reported
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 28
Personal Safety Regulations
(continued)
Keep all areas neat and clean
Wash hands frequently
Dry hands thoroughly before
handling electrical equipment
Wear safety glasses when
appropriate
Observe all safety precautions
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 29
Personal Safety Regulations
(continued)
If any solution comes in contact
with skin or eyes, flush immediately
with cool water and report
If particle gets in eyes, report
immediately, do not try to remove
or rub eye
Observing Fire Safety
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 31
Three Elements for a Fire Risk
Fire requires:
Oxygenfound in the air
Fuelany material that will
burn
Heatsparks, matches, flames
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 32
Major Causes of Fires
Most common cause is carelessness with
smoking and matches
Misuse of electricity: overloaded circuits,
frayed electrical wires, improperly
grounded wires
Defects in heating systems
Spontaneous ignition
Improper garbage disposal
Improper protection during oxygen therapy
Arson



Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 33
Classes of Fire Extinguishers
Classified and labeled according to
kind of fire they extinguish
Main classes: A, B, C, D, and ABC
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 34
Classes of Fire Extinguishers

Class A: water; combustibles such as
paper, cloth, plastic, or wood
Class B: carbon dioxide (snow-like
residue) for flammable or combustible
liquids which include gasoline, paint,
grease, or cooking fat

Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 35
Classes of Fire Extinguishers
(continued)
Class C: Potassium Carbonate; for
electrical fires such as fuse boxes,
appliances, wiring, and electrical outlets
(the C stands for non-conductive)
Class D: for burning or specific
combustible metals
Class ABC: contains graphite-type
chemical; multipurpose extinguishers
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 36
Basic Extinguisher Use
Check for correct type
Hold in upright position
Stand 6-10 feet from the edge of fire
Discharge extinguisher using side-to-side
motion, spraying near the edge and bottom
of fire; do not spray into the center or top
of fire
Avoid chemical residues from
extinguishers
Recharge used extinguishers

Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 37
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Remember the key word
PASS:
P = Pull the pin.
A = Aim at the base of the
fire.
S = Squeeze handle.
S = Sweep nozzle from side
to side to displace oxygen
away from the fire.
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 38
Rules in Case of Fire
Main Rule is:
Remain calm; do not panic
RACE
R: rescue anyone in immediate danger
A: activate the alarm
C: confine the fire
E: extinguish the fire/evacuate
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 39
Emergency Fire Rules
Be prepared! Know your
responsibilities.
Know when and how to
evacuate.
Know where the fire
alarms are located and
how to activate them.
Keep fire extinguishers
in plain view and readily
accessible.
3
rd
Floor Plan
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 40
Emergency Fire Rules (cont.)
Keep areas uncluttered
Evacuate ambulatory clients first,
then the wheel-chair bound, then
the bed-bound
If possible, never leave a client
alone in a fire emergency
Never use an elevator in a fire
situation
Never open windows
Never open a door that feels hot.
Along with smoke, panic kills
more people than fire itself!
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 42
Oxygen Precautions
Oxygen is a prescription like a medication
Use correct adaptor and plug for unit
Cylinder is kept in upright position
If suspect leaking, remove patient from
room, close door; report and dont attempt
to remove
Bed linen can absorb oxygen; avoid
sparks-watch static electricity

Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 43
Oxygen Precautions
Never permit smoking
Dont use flammable liquids i.e. oils,
alcohol, aftershaves, lotions,
perfumes, hair spray
Dont use electrical equipment i.e.
razors, radios, heating pads, toys, cell
phones
Post signs indicating oxygen is in use
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 44
Oxygen Precautions (cont.)
Use cotton blankets/gowns for
patients
Wear cotton uniforms and non-wool
sweaters when providing care
Be certain no lighters, cigarettes, or
matches in room
Dont use petroleum based lipsticks
or glosses
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 45
Fire Prevention
Be alert to causes of fires
Correct situations that lead to fires
Obey no smoking signs
Extinguish matches, cigarettes, and
any flammable items completely
Dispose of all waste materials in
proper containers
(continues)
Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 46
Fire Prevention
Check electrical wires
Handle electrical
equipment carefully
Dont overload circuits
Use appropriate
electrical cord with
power load
Use three prong plugs
Report possible
hazards right away
When oxygen is in
use, observe
special precautions


Dont allow clutter;
empty waste baskets
Dont store oily rags or
paint rags
Report smoke
Know/practice fire
drills
Dont let visitors give
cigarettes to patient
Store flammable
liquids in safe area,
proper containers

Copyright 2004 by Thompson Delmar
Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 47
Summary
Health care workers are legally
responsible for familiarizing themselves
with disaster policies
Preventing fires is everyones concern
Be alert to causes of fires and take
measures to prevent them
Know policies to follow in case of fire