Safety and Infection

Control Practices
Health Care
Science
Technology
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Objectives
Summarize the role of the
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) in the
health care workplace.
State how safety practices are
related to the safety of clients.
Summarize fire prevention and
fire safety practices.
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Objectives (cont.)
Demonstrate the appropriate
response to an emergency fire
situation.
Explain why good body
mechanics are necessary for
health care employees.
Identify the five factors that
affect microbial growth.
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Objectives (cont.)
List the methods used to
destroy microorganisms.
Label the parts of a
microscope.
Relate the characteristics of the
five types of microorganisms.
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Objectives (cont.)
Trace the chain of infection.
Identify common signs and
symptoms of infection.
Name standard and transmission-
based precaution guidelines.
Successfully complete 5 safety
procedures.
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Accidents and Injuries 3-1
Prevention
Governing Agencies
Preventing Accidents
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Accidents and Injuries
Safety means freedom from danger,
risks, and injury.
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Prevention
Injuries are
prevented by
preventing
accidents.
Report unsafe
practices to a
charge nurse
or supervisor.
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Governing Agencies
The Occupational Safety
and Health
Administration (OSHA) is
required to oversee
safety in the workplace.
OSHA requires that
material safety data
sheets (MSDS) be kept
on all chemicals handled
at a facility.
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Governing Agencies (cont.)
Manufacturers are required to
provide a copy of the MSDS for all
products they sell.
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The MSDS should contain:
Manufacturers name and address.
Safety exposure limits.
Chemical name.
Health hazards.
Flammability level.
Reactivity level.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) required
when handling the chemical.
Hazard rating for the chemical.
Governing Agencies (cont.)
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Governing Agencies (cont.)
Failure to maintain properly
labeled hazardous materials can
result in large fines.
A safety officer may be
appointed to oversee continuing
education regarding hazardous
materials.
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Governing Agencies (cont.)
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) has developed
standard safety precautions.
Other governing agencies include:
Individual states.
U.S. Department of Public Health.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA).
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Preventing Accidents
The best way to deal with workplace injuries
is to prevent them.
Education is the key to an accident-free
facility.
The two main categories of accidents are:
Accidents related to the physical
environment and equipment.Accidents
related to client care.
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Preventing Accidents (cont.)
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.
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Preventing Accidents (cont.)
Know the safety policies and procedures
for your facility.
Operate only the equipment you are
trained to use.
Report accidents, spills, and damaged or
malfunctioning equipment immediately.
Do not use frayed or damaged electrical
cords or ungrounded equipment.
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Preventing Accidents (cont.)
Never use any product that does not
have a readable label.
Read all labels at least 3 times before
using the product.
Read the MSDS for any product you will
be using.
Wear personal protective equipment
when handling hazardous or unknown
chemicals.
Never mix solutions or chemicals.
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Preventing Accidents (cont.)
Know how to report an accident or
obtain emergency assistance.
Use the right side of the hallway
and stop at intersections.
Allow others to exit before you
enter stairways, doorways, or
elevators.
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Preventing Accidents (cont.)
Guidelines for client safety:
Ensure that the client knows how to
operate call signals, emergency call
lights, handrails, safety rails, and
how to locate the bathroom.
Identify client and explain a
procedure before beginning.
Perform only those procedures for
which you have been trained.
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Preventing Accidents (cont.)
Report safety hazards, such as
spills, loose carpet, or extremely
hot food or drinks.
Be aware of any changes in the
client and report them to your
supervisor immediately.
Ensure the privacy, safety, and
comfort of your client.
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Section 3-1
Apply Your Knowledge
What agency enforces the
guidelines established by the
CDC?
Answer:
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
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Fire Safety 3-2
Fire Hazards and Prevention
Types of Extinguishers
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
When a Fire Emergency Occurs
Emergency Fire Rules
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Fire Hazards
Frayed electrical wires
Overloaded circuits
Plugs not properly grounded
Accumulated clutter
Improper protection during oxygen therapy
Misuse of matches
Smoking when oxygen in use
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Fire Prevention
Check electrical wires
Dont overload circuits
Use appropriate
electrical cord with
power load
Use three prong plugs
Report possible hazards
right away
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 patients

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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

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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
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Oxygen Precautions (cont.)

Use cotton blankets/gowns for patients
Wear cotton uniforms and nonwool sweaters
when providing care
Be certain no lighters, cigarettes, or matches
in room
Dont use petroleum based lipsticks or glosses
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Types of Extinguishers
5 types are available, with ABC
being the most common.
Table 3-1 Fire Extinguishers
Class
A (Water)
B (Carbon dioxide)
C (K bicarbonate)
D
ABC (Chemical)
Common combustibles
Flammable liquids
Electrical
Combustible metals (magnesium)
All ABC fires
Application
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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
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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.
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When a Fire Emergency Occurs
Remember the key word RACE:
R = Rescue.
A = Alarm. Assign someone to
pull the alarm.
C = Contain. Close the windows
and doors.
E = Evacuate.
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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
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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.
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Section 3-2
Apply Your Knowledge
How should you operate a fire
extinguisher?
Answer:
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.
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Body Mechanics 3-3
Principles of Body Mechanics
Body Mechanics Failure
Key Components of Body Mechanics
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Principles of Body Mechanics
Body alignment
depends on the
correct positioning
of the head, back,
and limbs.
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Body Mechanics Failure
Causes back problems
including acute
strains, sprains, disc
strain and bulge, disc
herniation, and
fatigue.
Prevention is the best
cure for back pain. WEAR A BACK
SUPPORT!
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Key Components of Body
Mechanics
Keep feet a shoulder-width apart.
Always use 2 hands to move someone or
something.
Face the direction in which you intend to move.
Never twist.
Avoid unnecessary reaching.
Keep your chin up and look straight ahead.
Keep your shoulders back.
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Key Components of Body
Mechanics (cont.)
Bend at the hips and knees.
Keep your back straight.
Keep the object you are lifting
close to your body.
Exhale when you are lifting or
exerting force.
Tighten your abdominal
muscles.
Lift with your legs, not your
back.
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Key Components of Body
Mechanics (cont.)
Push, pull, or slide instead of lifting.
Pushing is the best technique for moving
something large.
Use the weight of your body to help you
push or pull.
Always ask for help whenever needed.
Tell the client what you are going to do
and ask for the clients help.
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Section 3-3
Apply Your Knowledge
What is the most common cause
of back pain?
Answer:
Failure to use proper body mechanics
which causes:
Acute strains and sprains
Disc strains and bulge
Disc herniation
Fatigue
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Basic Microbiology 3-4
Nature of Microorganisms
Factors That Influence Microbial
Growth
Methods That Destroy
Microorganisms
Types of Microorganisms
Microscopes
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Nature of Microorganisms
Pathogens are microorganisms that
cause disease.
Non-pathogens are microorganisms
that do not cause disease.
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Factors That Influence Microbial
Growth
Following factors influence microbial
growth:
Temperature.
pH, or the values used in chemistry to express
the degrees of acidity of a substance.
Food.
Moisture.
Oxygen.
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Factors That Influence Microbial
Growth (cont.)
Aerobic microbes live only in
the presence of oxygen.
Anaerobic microbes grow
best in the absence of oxygen.
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Methods That Destroy
Microorganisms
Antiseptics solutions applied
directly to the skin that prevent or
inhibit the growth of pathogens.
Disinfection using strong
chemicals, such as bleach to destroy
pathogens, usually on objects, not
skin.
Sterilization the most effective way
to destroy all microorganisms.
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Types of Microorganisms
Bacteria
One-celled microorganisms
that are classified according
to their shape and
arrangement.
Cause diseases such as
strep throat, pneumonia, and
tuberculosis. (Table 3-4)
Some bacteria produce
spores, which help them
reproduce.
A.
B.
C. D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Name the microorganisms A to I . Click HERE to see answers.
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Types of Microorganisms (cont.)
Fungi
A plantlike organism that lives on
dead matter.
Cause conditions such as ringworm,
athletes foot, yeast infections, and
thrush.
Protozoa
Tiny animals found in contaminated
water.
Cause diseases such as malaria,
trichomoniasis, and amebic
dysentery.
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Types of Microorganisms (cont.)
Rickettsiae
Parasites that live inside the cells of
other living organisms.
Transmitted to humans by fleas, lice,
and ticks.
Cause diseases such as Rocky
Mountain spotted fever.
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Viruses
Smallest of all microorganisms.
Live inside cells.
Spread by contact with blood and
other body fluids.
Difficult to destroy.
Associated with diseases such as the
common cold, chicken pox, herpes,
hepatitis B, and acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Types of Microorganisms (cont.)
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Microscopes
Parts of a Microscope
Lens. Magnifies objects and is located in the
eyepiece.
Objective. Attached to the revolving nosepiece and
yields a different magnifying capability.
Base. Contains the light source.
Mechanical stage. Holds slides.
Iris diaphragm. Controls the light.
Coarse adjustment knob. Brings specimens into
view.
Fine adjustment knob. Provides clearer focus.
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Eyepieces
Nosepiece
Objectives
Slide Clips
Stage
Condenser
Iris
Light Source
Fine Adjustment
Coarse Adjustment
Base
Arm
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
2.
3.
4.
1.
Name the parts of this MICROSCOPE.
Click the Page Down button to see answers.
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Microscopes (cont.)
Care of the Microscope
Use lens paper to clean the objectives
and eyepieces.
Clean oil immersion objective
immediately after use to prevent oil
buildup.
Store covered in a safe place, with the
shortest objective in the lowest
position.
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Section 3-4
Apply Your Knowledge
How should a microscope be
stored?
Answer:
Covered in a safe location, with the
shortest objective in the lowest
position.
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Principles of Infection 3-5
Chain of Infection
Signs and Symptoms of Infection
Nosocomial Infections
Asepsis
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Chain of Infection
Chain of infection
contains 6
elements. If broken,
infection will not
occur.

Infectious
Agent
Portal of Exit
Reservoir
Mode of
Transmission
Portal of Entry
Susceptible
Host
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Chain of Infection (cont.)
Infectious Agent. Microorganisms that
normally reside on the skin.
Reservoir. Residence of microorganisms.
Fomites are nonliving materials that house
microorganisms.
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Chain of Infection (cont.)
Portal of Exit.
Respiratory tract.
Skin.
Blood.
Gastrointestinal tract.
Mucous membrane.
Mode of Transmission.
How a pathogen is transmitted.
Can be through direct contact or airborne droplet.
Hand washing is one of the most effective means
of preventing the spread of pathogens.
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Chain of Infection (cont.)
Portal of Entry.
Respiratory tract, mucous membranes, and
gastrointestinal tract are common.
Damaged skin.
Susceptible Host.
One that is capable of being infected.
Microorganisms must be present in large
enough quantity to be virulent.
The host must be susceptible.
Individuals with an immunity to certain
pathogens will not be susceptible.
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Signs and Symptoms of Infection
Redness
Swelling
Tenderness
Warmth
Drainage
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Nosocomial Infections
Infections acquired at the health care
facility.

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Asepsis
Medical asepsis
Called clean technique.
Includes hand washing, personal
protective barriers, and routine cleaning
of the environment.
Surgical asepsis
Called sterile technique.
Only sterile objects can come in contact
with sterile objects. Otherwise, they
must be considered contaminated.
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Section 3-5
Apply Your Knowledge
List 5 signs of an infection.
Answers:
Redness
Swelling
Tenderness
Warmth
Drainage
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Standard and Transmission-Based
Precautions 3-6
Standard Precautions
Transmission-Based Precautions
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Standard Precautions
All blood and body fluids are considered
contaminated.
Guidelines established by OSHA.
Hand washing is vital.
Personal protective equipment is necessary.
Equipment and procedures depend upon
the disease and how it is spread.
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Transmission-Based Precautions
Prevent spread of highly infectious
diseases.
Three types of precautions:
Airborne. Used for diseases such as
tuberculosis, which is spread by airborne
droplets.
Droplet. Used for diseases such as whooping
cough, which is spread by a cough or sneeze.
Contact. Used for skin and wound infections,
which are transmitted by direct or indirect
contact.
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Section 3-6
Apply Your Knowledge
Name 3 types of transmission-based
precautions.
Answer:
Airborne
Droplet
Contact
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Procedures in Student Text
3A Using a Fire Extinguisher
3B Practicing Proper Body Mechanics
3C Operating a Microscope
3D Hand Washing
3E Donning and Removing Personal
Protective Equipment
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Chapter 3 Credits
Slide 8 Lou Bopp Photography
Slide 15 David Young-Wolff/Photo Edit
Slide 30 Aaron Haupt
Slide 31 Lou Bopp Photography
Slide 33 Aaron Haupt
Slide 43 Dr. P. Marazzi/SPL/Photo Researchers