Annual Safety Training For Safety Information and Resources, visit the Safety SharePoint - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Annual Safety TrainingSlide2

For Safety Information and Resources, visit the Safety SharePoint Site. Slide3

The purpose of this site is to provide safety-related information to all employees. The on-line Safety Data Sheet (

SDS

) system is accessed from the Safety SharePoint siteSlide4

Safety Management System

IN FY15 facilities across the country began implementation of a Safety Management System

The Safety Management System is

A formalized, systematic approach that utilizes interrelated processes to manage safety and health

hazardsac

SMSs facilitate each facility’s transition from a “reactive” to a “proactive” safety cultureThe system applies the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” model to

ensure

improvement

All Employees are responsible for adhering to the Safety Management System. Slide5

Safety management system

All Employees are responsible for adhering to the Safety Management System.

The SMS and additional information can by found in the General Safety section of the Safety SharePoint.

Here is the Link:Safety SharePoint - Safety Management SystemSlide6

Employee Responsibilities Slide7

Use Safe Work Practices:

Become familiar with written safety procedures.

Ask for help when lifting or moving patients or heavy loads.

Avoid doing things hurriedly.Use required safety and personal protective equipment.

Pay attention to your surroundings; many accidents are the result of inattention.Slide8

Report Unsafe Work Conditions and Accidents

Any unsafe condition should be reported to your supervisor. Other reporting methods include:

Staff Suggestion Box

Safety Office (ext. 56306 or 56307)

Safety Incident Report link on Safety SharePointReport all accidents to your immediate supervisor who should accompany you to Employee Health.

Enter all appropriate information into the ASISTS computer program. Be complete and accurateSlide9

Hazard Communication and Hazardous Material Management

Industrial Hygienist

Ext 56307Slide10

Employees have the need

and the right to know about the hazards and identities of the chemicals they may be exposed to when working.Slide11

Chemicals

A Hazardous Chemical poses a physical or health hazard, or both.

Physical Hazards include: flammables, combustibles, corrosives, compressed gases, oxidizers, explosives, and reactivity.

Health Hazards include: sensitizers, toxic substances, irritants, mutagens, teratogens, and carcinogens.Slide12

Chemicals

Routes of Entry are the ways that hazardous chemicals can enter the body.

Inhalation: through breathing (this is the most common and rapid way)

Absorption: through the skin or eyes

Ingestion: swallowing

Injection: penetrating the skinSlide13

chemicals

Safe work practices, engineering controls (e.g. ventilation) and personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g. gloves, safety glasses, etc.) are selected based on the chemical’s hazards and potential routes of entry.Slide14

chemicals

Employees will be trained on the hazards of chemicals and on safe working practices, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, and appropriate handling or storage procedures.Slide15

chemicals

All containers of chemicals must be labeled with the identity of the material and appropriate hazard warnings. Labels must be legible, and prominently displayed.

If it is the original container, leave the manufacturer’s label on the container.

If the chemical is transferred to an in-house container, this container must be labeled, tagged, or marked with the identity of the material and appropriate hazard warnings.Slide16

chemicals

An annual Chemical Inventory is conducted by each Service.

Safety

Data Sheets (SDSs) are information sheets on products that:

Tell what hazardous chemicals are in the products;

What the hazards of the chemicals are;How to protect yourself from the hazards (e.g. proper storage and work practices, PPE, spill response information).Slide17

chemicals

SDSs are available on-line and are accessed from the hospital home page. Select “Safety Information”, then click on the SDS On-Line System button. SDSs are also maintained by individual services for each hazardous material that is handled, used, or stored in their service.

Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) that is appropriate to the task.

Always ensure that chemicals are stored and used per established procedures.Slide18

Revised OSHA

Hazcom

Standard

The OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard was updated in 2012 with a 3-year

transition period

. Major changes include:Hazard classification: Chemical manufacturers/ importers determine the hazards of chemicals they produce/import. Updated standard provides specific criteria to address health & physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.Labels: Chemical manufacturers/importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement for each hazard class and category.Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

: New format requires 16 specific sections to ensure consistency of information.

Note: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are now called Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).Slide19

Revised HazCom

Standard: Pictograms & HazardsSlide20

Revised Hazcom

standard: Sample label

Labels: Chemical manufacturers/ importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement for each hazard class and category. Supplier information is also included.Slide21

Revised HazCom

Standard: 16-Sections of SDSSlide22

For Chemical spills, Remember RAIN:

R

ecognize the hazard/threat;

Avoid the hazard/becoming contaminated or injured;Isolate the hazard area;

Notify the appropriate support.

You may clean up an incidental spill of chemicals in your work area if you are trained on the hazards of the chemical. An incidental spill is a release that does not pose a significant safety/health hazard nor does it have the potential to become an emergency within a short time frame.Slide23

Chemical Spills

If you spill a small quantity (< 1 gallon) of a chemical in your work area that you normally use, you should clean up the spill yourself:

Contain/isolate the area

Inform supervisor/other staff in the area

Wear proper PPE to clean up

Report the spill to the Industrial HygienistSlide24

Chemical spills

If you have a large chemical spill (>1 gallon of a low or moderately hazardous chemical) or a spill of an unknown or highly hazardous chemical:

Contain/isolate the spill. Evacuate the area, if necessary.

Inform supervisor/other staff in the area

From a safe area, call 3333 and report a “Code Yellow”, which is the code for a chemical spill.

Report the spill to the Industrial Hygienist

Assist employees in getting medical attention (eyewashes, treatment), if necessary, and look up the

SDS

.Slide25

Questions?

For additional information, visit the Safety SharePoint Site – Industrial Hygiene Section, Chemical Safety/Management topic.

Safety SharePoint is accessed from the Hospital Homepage by selecting “Safety Information” (left hand side of page).

Contact the Industrial Hygienist at x56307.Slide26

WHAT IS GEMS?

VHA GEMS (Green Environmental Management Systems)

In conducting its mission to serve our Nation’s Veterans, it is VA Policy to conduct business in a sustainable manner that protects human health and the environment, is economically and fiscally sound, and ensures continuous improvement. GEMS is the environmental oversight program within the V.A.

Areas addressed by VA Directive 0057:

Green Purchasing

Chemical Management and Pollution PreventionElectronics Stewardship

Environmental Compliance

Waste Prevention and Recycling

Environmental Management System (GEMS)Slide27

General Waste Management Guidelines

All waste must be properly managed and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.

Disposal of hazardous chemical waste in the garbage, down the sink or through evaporation is prohibited.

Follow established waste management procedures and/ or contact the GEMS Program

Manager at

x56297

For additional information, refer to HPM589A4- 350 Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) Policy and HPM589A4-51 Waste Management and Pollution Prevention Program.Slide28

Universal Wastes

Universal Wastes in MO include:

Batteries -

NiCd

, mercury, silver, lithium, and lead acid batteries (

All Rechargeable batteries fall in this category.) (Does Not Include, Alkaline Batteries. They may go In regular trash)

Pesticides – those that have been recalled or banned from use, are obsolete, have become damaged or are no longer needed due to changes in cropping patterns or other factors.

Thermostats, Mercury Switches, and Mercury Containing thermometers and manometers.

Mercury Containing Lamps – fluorescent, high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, metal halide, high intensity discharge (HID)Slide29

Universal Wastes

Universal Waste management requirements are less stringent than those for Hazardous Wastes, making them easier to manage.

Must not dispose of a UW into the environment.

Must not dilute or treat a UW or break or crush Hg-Containing lamps without a permit.

Must prevent releases to the environment.

Must label waste as a “Universal Waste”

Universal Waste – Batteries

Universal Waste – Fluorescent Light:

Bulbs/Lamps/Tubes

Universal Waste –

Mercury Thermostat

Label Must Have the accumulation start date. Labels

may

be

obtained from GEMS

Coord

. By calling x56297

May accumulate UW on-site for up to 1 year.

Must respond to spill/release and manage spill residue as a

Haz

WasteSlide30

Lamp (fluorescent light bulb) Management

Broken or leaking lamps must be immediately cleaned up and place in closed, structurally sound, non-leaking container.

Unbroken lamps stored in closed, non-leaking containers or packages that are structurally sound and adequate to prevent breakage.

Each lamp package labeled “Universal Waste – Lamps” Handled

By Facilities Management (FM) Electricians.

Equipment Containing Mercury & Pesticides

Contact GEMS Coordinator for proper disposal instructions.Slide31

Battery Management

Stored in a manner to prevent releases to the environment (box, shrink wrapped pallet, container, etc.)

Damaged or leaking batteries kept in closed structurally sound containers.

Small batteries – place in plastic bag or tape terminals

Containers labeled as “Universal Waste – Batteries Handled by all throughout the facility. When Satellite containers are full or before they have accumulated for 1 Year take them to FM basement location (Same Hallway as

LockSmith) for recycling. Slide32

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Management Coordinator

Extension 52594

AST/DIR/SafetySlide33

The Hospital’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) (HPM 589A4-008) describes a general strategy for how the operating units will coordinate during emergencies. The EOP identifies various “key activities” (tasks common to emergency response) under the functional areas of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). Slide34

Incident Commander

Public Information Officer

Safety Officer

Liaison Officer

Medical / Technical Specialists

Operations Section Chief

Planning Section Chief

Logistics

Section Chief

Finance Section Chief

HICS structureSlide35

E

mergency

O

perations are linked in an on-going process of activities that occur in four phases:Preparedness

activities build individual and organizational ability to manage emergency situations;

Response activities minimize personal injury and property damage, and to control the effects of emergency situations;Recovery activities begin concurrently with response activities and is directed toward restoration of essential services and resumption of normal operations, ending with after-action reports designed to improve future mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery actions;

Mitigation

activities eliminate or reduce potential effects of emergencies.Slide36

To ensure familiarity with the emergency preparedness disaster plan, the hospital conducts two drills a year. Employees are responsible for knowing and understanding the Emergency Operations Plan and their role in the plan during a disaster.

External Disaster

- an event which requires our hospital to receive and care for causalities resulting from a disaster that produces no damage to our facility.

Internal Disaster - an event that causes physical damage or injury to our hospital, personnel, or patients.Slide37

What is your role in the Hospital’s Emergency Management Plan?

An “Emergency Quick Sheet” (Yellow Sheet) provides the initial and secondary response for various situations that may routinely occur to a Medical Facility.

Become familiar with the information on the card and remember the emergency number 3333 or 53333.

You should remain in your work area and continue normal operations unless directed otherwise by your supervisor. Slide38

Event

Initial Response

Second Response

Follow-up

Bomb Threat

Complete Bomb Threat Checklist

Report all information to Director’s Office

Remove all unnecessary people from area.

Fire

Rescue people in danger

Alarm – Call 3333

“Code Red”

Confine – Close doors and windows

Evacuate/Extinguish

Report damage to supervisor.

Hazardous Spill (Small and known)

Trained people will clean spill.

Appropriately dispose of materials

Report to the Safety Office.

Hazardous Spill (Uncontrolled or unknown)

Get victims to emergency eyewashes and showers. Take to Urgent Care.

Isolate the spill.

Call 3333

“Code Yellow”

Look up the MSDS.

Report to the Safety Office.

Tornado Watch

Monitor weather conditions.

Review procedures for Tornado Warning.

Maintain alert until watch is over.

Tornado Warning

Remove all people from window areas.

If patients can’t be moved, move away from window, close drapes and cover with blanket.

If damage is sustained, report to Emergency Operations Center.

Violent Person

Try to talk the person down.

Push Code Orange button or call 3333

“Code Orange”

Report to the Police.

Phone numbers:

Safety Office: ……………….56307/56306

Police…………………………56320 / 0

Telephone Operators

………

.0

Emergency Number………3333

Emergency Quick SheetSlide39

Severe weather

Severe Weather/Tornado Watch:

potential for thunderstorm/tornado – No action necessary, but be alert.

Severe Weather/Tornado Warning: thunderstorms or tornados have been reported and action should be taken to protect lives & property. Local sirens are sounded.Thunderstorm Warning: Blinds in patients rooms will be closed.

Tornado Warning: Move away from windows. Use inner corridors or rooms. Move patient beds away from windows. Cover patients staying in rooms with blankets and close blinds.Slide40

earthquake

Indicated by:

A low or loud rumbling noise

A sudden violent joltA shaking or moving of objectsAny combination of the aboveThe following may occur, depending on severity of the quake:

Ruptured water linesLoss of suction/vacuum

Loss of Electric Power (back-up power may not function)Fire and chemical spillsStructural damage to walls, ceiling and floorNon-structural damage to light fixtures, shelves & windowsLoss of telephone serviceSlide41

earthquake

What to do immediately:

Protect yourself

Move away from large windows & objects that may fall. Drop to the floor and cover the back of your neck with your hands. If you are able, get under a heavy table or desk.Slide42

earthquake

What to do when the shaking stops:

Assess the area for immediate danger (fire, spills, flooding)

Assess others for injury. Clear away debrisPut all telephone receivers back on their hooksCheck for others who may be trapped

Remain calm and stay in intact roomsPrepare to evacuate when order is given or remove yourself if you perceive imminent danger

If you smell gas, do not flick switchesPrepare for aftershocksSlide43

Fire Safety

Occupational Safety and Health Manager

Ext. 56306

AST/DIR/SafetySlide44

In the event of a fire, it is necessary to remember

R.A.C.E.

Rescue

any person in immediate danger. Protect life.

Alarm by pulling the manual pull station, calling out “Code Red,” and dialing ext. 3333 to report the fire.Confine the fire; close doors and windows. Nurse Managers shut off oxygen valves depending on fire conditions.Evacuate patients (only if necessary)\

E

xtinguish

the fire (small fires).Slide45

Only extinguish small fires when you have a clear escape route. When using a fire extinguisher, remember

P.A.S.S.

P

ull

the pin between the handles.A

im the nozzle at the base of the fire.Squeeze the handles together.Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is completely out.Slide46

When the manual pull station or smoke detector is activated the following occurs:

Columbia Fire Department is notified.

Fire doors close.

Ventilation dampers close and air handling systems shut down.

Local alarm is activated.Slide47

Employee responsibilities

Know the reporting procedures and

R.A.C.E.

Know locations of manual pull stations

in your work area.Know

fire extinguisher locations in your work area and how to use them.Know your work area evacuation plan.Fire wall drawing can be obtained from the Safety OfficeSlide48

Fire Prevention

All personnel are responsible for:

Eliminating fire hazards,

C

ontrolling smoking,

Properly using electrical equipment

C

omplying with fire prevention requirements as well as special service line requirements

.Slide49

Fire Prevention

Smoking is prohibited in the hospital. A smoking shelter is provided in the rear of the hospital outside the grounds shop at the southeast exit from the hospital.

Doors equipped with closing devices should be closed when not in use. Using wood wedges or other items to hold doors open is prohibited.

Electrical Devices: Using extension cords to provide electrical power to permanent equipment is prohibited.Slide50

Fire prevention

Storage:

Compressed gas cylinders will be stored in approved storage rooms. Oxygen cylinders will not be stored with combustible materials or flammable gases.

There will be a minimum of 18 inches clearance between sprinkler heads and the top of storage,

Flammable liquids will be stored in approved flammable liquid storage cabinets.

Storage is not permitted in corridors, stairwells, or any areas that blocks exiting.Slide51

Body Mechanics/ERgonomics

Always use good body mechanics when sitting or standing and when lifting, carrying, or moving loads.

Information about body mechanics can be found on the Safety SharePoint under General Safety

Information regarding ergonomics and how to properly adjust your work area can be found on the Safety SharePoint under Ergonomics.Slide52

Equipment Safety

All

electrical equipment brought into the hospital including equipment that is purchased, rented or owned by the hospital as well as patient and employee owned electrical equipment is

required

to be inspected by Biomedical Engineering Section of Facilities Management

prior to operation. BiomedExt. 56213Slide53

Equipment safety

User Responsibilities:

Perform an electrical safety check of your equipment before using. Inspect the cord, plug, case, and condition of the instrument.

Ensure equipment has a current inspection (the sticker is not out-dated). If the equipment doesn’t have an inspection sticker or the sticker is outdated, you should NOT use the equipment. Contact Biomedical Engineering.

All personally owned equipment must be inspected

prior to use (HPM589A4-084), Use of Personally owned property) .Slide54

Equipment safety

User Responsibilities (Cont.)

If a piece of equipment is involved in a patient’s injury, remove the equipment from service and complete a Patient Incident Report on line including the EE #.

It is the Service Line Director’s responsibility to ensure that equipment users receive orientation on new equipment and annual refresher training on equipment included in the program. If you have any questions on how to operate a piece of equipment, contact your supervisor. Slide55

Utility Systems

Facilities Management

Ext. 56370Slide56

The “Systems Failure and Basic Staff Response” quick sheet provides guidelines and contacts for dealing with utility system failures. Refer to it in the event of a utility emergency. (Yellow and Blue sheets)

The hospital has emergency power generators to provide emergency power for certain operations and areas. Emergency power is identified and can be obtained from red outlets with red cover plates.

How to report utility failures and/or problems

Work Orders - routine requests through service line designee

Emergencies - During normal duty hours (Ext. 56370/ 52396) / During off-duty hours (Ext. 52433)Slide57
Slide58

Security

VA Police strive to provide a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff by attempting to reduce the incidence of crime and property loss.

Chief of Police

Ext. 56321Slide59

Police

To reduce the risk of crimes occurring at the facility,

ALL

security incidents or potential security incidents should be reported immediately (i.e. burned-out lights, unsecured areas, threatening people).

To prevent people from becoming violent, all employees should treat everyone with respect. Inform patients and visitors of wait times, procedures, etc. Safely store all objects that can be used as a weapon. Also, trust your instincts; they can be important warning signs.

 Slide60

police

Warning signs someone might be losing control include jaw or fist clenching, pounding on objects, pacing or restlessness, and shouting.

If someone should become violent, take immediate action to protect yourself. Leave the area and call for help (“Code Orange”). Give the person what they want and try to keep them calm until Police arrive.

All employees should wear their nametags consistently (exceptions exist only where there is an infection control concern).Slide61

police

Definition of an Active Threat Event:

The event is described as an emergency situation involving a person or persons who are actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area by acts of either random or systematic violence.

The overriding objective appears to be that of mass murder, rather than criminal conduct such as robbery, kidnapping, etc.

Active Threat Events include any assault with a deadly weapon (guns, knives, explosives, etc) with one objective in mind; causing as many deaths as possible.Slide62

police

EXPLAIN THE NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES IN

THE EVENT OF AN ACTIVE THREAT EVENT:

While mode or delivery of an Active Threat Event may vary by facility (Giant Voice, phone internet or all the above), it is vital that the alert/notification be sounded as quickly as possible.

Plain English identifying an “Active Threat” is in progress with location, if known can be used throughout the VA.When an Active Threat Event is announced it should be immediately followed by the location, i.e., “Active Threat Firearms”, Bldg. #XYZ, 3rd Floor or Ward XYZ.Slide63

police

IMPORTANT NUMBERS/CODES

BLUE (Cardiac Arrest) Dial 53333 RED (Fire) Dial 53333 ORANGE (Behavior Emergency) Press Alt- Alt on keyboard Dial 53333 YELLOW (Hazardous Spill) Dial 53333

GREEN (Missing Patient) Dial 53333 SILVER (Active Shooter) Dial 53333

BLACK (Bomb Threat) Dial 53333 POLICE(NON-EMERGENCY) Dial 56320Slide64

Infection Control

Infection Control Practitioner

Rm 422

Ext 54061Slide65

Hand Hygiene

Is the MOST effective way to prevent the spread of infection.

Hand Hygiene can be completed in two ways

Soap and WaterAlcohol based hand sanitizer

Slide66

Hand Hygiene

Soap and Water

Must be used when hands are visibly soiled

After using the restroom

Before eating

When patients have C. Diff

Scrub hands vigorously for 15 seconds using warm water

Pay close attention to the areas between fingers, around

nailbeds

and under nails.

Dry hands and use towel to turn off faucetSlide67

Hand Hygiene

Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizer

Can be used in all situations except those outlined previously

Start with dry hands

Use enough product that it takes about 20-30 seconds to dry

Rub vigorously until hands are completely dry paying close attention to the areas between fingers, around nailbeds and under nails

CANNOT BE USED WHEN CARING FOR C. DIFF PATIENTSSlide68

Hand Hygiene

You must perform hand hygiene whenever there is contact with the patient or the patient’s environmentSlide69

Hand Hygiene

Gloves are not a substitute for Hand Hygiene

Nails should be kept short and natural for all hands on patient care givers and SPS workers

Less than ¼ inch in length

No wraps, overlays, tips, gels, shellac. Nothing that can’t be removed with normal nail polish remover.

Hand Hygiene compliance is monitored in all units and reported through the Infection Control CommitteeSlide70

Standard (Universal) Precautions

Applies to all patients regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infectious status.

Requires employees take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to all blood and body fluids through the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Slide71

Standard (universal) precautions

PPE should be worn whenever the employee can reasonably anticipate exposure to blood or body fluids.

Standard Precautions apply to 1) blood; 2) all body fluids, secretions, and excretions (

except sweat),

regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood; 3) non-intact skin; and 4) mucous membranes. Slide72

PPE ~Personal Protective equipment

Equipment that the employee wears to protect against exposure to blood or body fluids.

This includes the use of gowns, gloves, facemasks, shoe and head covers and eye protection. Slide73

PPE ~ Factors Influencing Selection

Category of expanded precautions

such as Contact or Droplet

Durability and appropriateness for task

For example – don’t use exam gloves to clean up a chemo spill

Type of exposure anticipatedSlash/spray ~ Touch ~ Droplet ~ Airborne particles

Fit

Always use appropriately fitting PPE. PPE that is too large or too small my leave you unprotectedSlide74

PPE – Respiratory Protection Program

Staff that may be exposed to airborne organisms, such as TB, are required to participate in the

Respiratory Protection Program

The Respiratory Protection program includes

Medical evaluationN-95 fit testing or Positive Air Pressure Respirator (PAPR) training

Training on use and storageRemember – PAPRs require annual training. N95’s require annual training and annual fit testing. Contact Industrial Hygienist x56307 for fit testing.Slide75

PPE ~ Final Thoughts

PPE is available to protect you from exposure to infectious agents in the healthcare workplace

USE IT!

It only takes a couple seconds to protect yourself!Know what type of PPE is necessary for the duties you perform and use it correctly

Gloves are not a substitute for Hand Hygiene – you must perform Hand Hygiene whenever you put on or remove gloves. Slide76

Influenza

Spread by droplets from the nose and mouth

Can be spread for up to a day before symptoms start so it is important to keep yourself from getting it.

Flu shots are free to staff

Usually start mid-October

Get one in Employee Health

Mobile flu shot clinics

*

*

*

*

*

GET YOUR FLU SHOT!

*

*

*

*

*Slide77

Tuberculosis

All employees are tested for TB prior to starting work

Based on the Annual TB Risk Assessment, staff are not required to get an annual TB Skin Test.

If you would like an annual skin test, you may get one in Employee Health

Signs and symptoms of TB include

Night sweats

Cough lasting longer than 3 weeks

Fever

Fatigue

Loss of appetite/unexplained weight loss

Coughing up bloodSlide78

Environmental Management

Inform Facilities Management if you notice a Housekeeping issue by calling 56370

Keep food and drinks in appropriate areas

Clean up spills

High touch surfaces should be cleaned frequently

Phones

keyboards

door handles

Bed rails

Faucets

Drinking fountains

Toilet flush handles

Hand rails in hallways

Light switchesSlide79

Bloodborne Pathogens

All blood and body fluids must be treated as if they are infectious.

Following any contact with blood, bodily fluids, mucous membranes or non-intact skin:

Wash hands and any other exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible.

Exposed mucous membranes are to be flushed with water.

Soiled clothing should be changed as soon as possible

If someone else’s blood, bodily fluid, non-intact skin or mucous membrane comes in contact with your non-intact skin or mucous membrane, Report the exposure IMMEDIATELY to your supervisor and Employee Health or the ED if after hours. Slide80

Bloodborne Pathogens

The most commonly spread

bloodborne

pathogens are hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis include:

Fever

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Nausea/Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Clay-colored bowel movement

Joint pain

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Signs and Symptoms of HIV vary and may take years to show up Slide81

Bloodborne

Pathogens

All sharps are to be placed in a rigid, non-permeable, designated sharps containers immediately, or as soon as possible, after use.

Contaminated needles and sharps are not to be bent, recapped or removed unless:

It can be demonstrated there is no other feasible alternative.

The action is required by a specific medical procedure.

If REQUIRED, the recapping or needle removal is to be accomplished by use of a medical device, e.g., hemostat or forceps. A one hand scooping technique may also be used.Slide82

Bloodborne

Pathogens

Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses is prohibited in work areas where there is potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Food and drink are not kept in refrigerators, freezers, on counter tops, or in other storage areas where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present.Slide83

Bloodborne Pathogens

Specimens of blood or other materials are placed in designated leak-proof containers with a biohazard symbol

If the outside of a specimen container is contaminated, it is to be placed in a second leak-proof container, and appropriately labeled with a biohazard symbol

If the specimen can puncture the primary container, the secondary container must be puncture resistant.Slide84

Bloodborne

Pathogens

If equipment needs to be sent to Biomed for repair, it should be decontaminated per manufacturer’s instructions prior servicing, shipping or use on other patients

If the equipment can’t be decontaminated

An appropriate biohazard-warning label is attached identifying the contaminated portions. 

Information regarding the remaining contamination is conveyed to all affected employees, the equipment manufacturer, and the equipment service representative prior to handling, servicing, or shipping.Slide85
Slide86

Regulated Medical (

Red Bag

) Waste

*

Wring – Fling – Sling

*Waste that is contained and will not leak can be disposed of in the regular trashBulk infective waste must be bagged in red or biohazard labeled bags and placed in biohazard containers

Regulated Infective Waste: Bulk blood, suctioned fluids, excretions, and secretions may be carefully poured down a drain connected to a sanitary sewer.

Blood and bodily fluids that cannot be contained or tissue must be disposed of in Red Bag waste.Slide87

Preventing the Spread of Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs)

MDRO

Prevention Coordinator

Ext 54060Slide88

MDRO Definition

MDROs are organisms that are resistant to 2 or more classes of antibiotics.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common MDROs. Slide89

Why Should We Be Concerned?

Patients who are carriers of MDROs are at greater risk for getting infections with MDROs.

Each year in the United States many patients die as a result of healthcare acquired infections.

Infections have other negative consequences such as pain, extended hospitalization, loss of income and increased healthcare costs

. Slide90

What Policies has the VA implemented to Prevent the Spread of

MDROs

After receiving information about MRSA and screening, acute care inpatients are asked for permission to test them for MRSA.

2)

All patients with MRSA , VRE, C diff and other MDROs are placed in contact isolation.Slide91

VA Policies, cont.

3)

A red tape line is placed on the floor of all contact isolation rooms to separate clean from dirty. All staff entering contact isolation rooms must gown & glove prior to crossing the red line to prevent contaminating themselves as a result of touching the patient or environment.Slide92

VA Policies, cont.

Every time a new MDRO is identified, a warning note is placed in the patient record. This information can then be found by clicking on the “Postings” box in the right upper hand corner of the record. Staff check the posting for each admission to identify patients who need to be placed back on isolation

.

HAND HYGIENE!! It is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection Slide93

Have these Policies Helped Prevent the Spread of MRSA?

YES! Both national and local data show a significant decrease in healthcare associated infections due to MRSA. Slide94

MRI Safety

Check

with the MRI technologist before bringing anything into the MRI scanner room.  Patients are screened for non-MRI safe implants prior to starting the scan

.Only equipment  that has been tested and approved for use during MRI scans can be brought into the MRI area (e.g. fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks, physiologic monitors). 

Slide95

Mri safety

To avoid accidents, only staff that have been properly trained and authorized are able to escort patients into the MRI.Slide96

Radiation Postings

The radiation symbol is used to warn people that radioactive materials are used or stored in the area.

Radiation workers have specialized training that covers the risks and hazards of radioactive materials.

Do not enter these posted areas without escort by trained radiation workers.Slide97

If you have any questions, please contact:

General Safety

56306Emergency Management 52594 Industrial Hygiene 56307

Radiation Safety 52590GEMS/Hazardous Waste 56297

Infection Control 54061MDRO Prevention 54060Chief of Police 56321