Promotion of Safety

Objectives
Define the term body mechanics
Use Correct body mechanics while performing procedures in the lab or clinical area
Observe all safety standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), especially the Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Standard and the Bloodborne
Pathogen Standard
Observe all regulations for patient safety while performing procedures on a student partner in the lab or
clinical area or on a patient in any area
List the four main classes of fire extinguishers
Relate each class of fire extinguisher to the specific fire(s) for which it is used
Simulate the operation of a fire extinguisher by following the directions on the extinguisher and specific
measure for observing fire safety
Locate and describe the operation of the nearest fire alarm
Describe in detail the evacuation plan for the lab or clinical area according to established school policy
Define, pronounce, and spell all the key terms

Using Body Mechanics

Body Mechanics
The way the body moves and maintains balance
while making the most efficient use of all its parts

Why is it important to use good body mechanics

while working in the health care field?
Prevention of injury to yourself and others

Using Body Mechanics

Eight Rules of Good Body Mechanics
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Maintain a broad base of support

Bend from the hips and knees and keep your back straight
Use the strongest muscles to do the job
Use the weight of your body to help push or pull
Carry heavy objects close to the body
Avoid twisting your body as your work
Avoid bending for long periods of time
If too heavy, always get help

Using Body Mechanics: Rules

1. Maintain a broad base of support

Keep feet 8-10 inches apart

Place one foot slightly forward
Balance weight on both feet
Point toes in the direction of movement

2. Bend from the hips and knees

Keep your back straight
Get close to the object
Do not bend at the waist

Using Body Mechanics: Rules

3. Use the strongest muscles to do the job
Shoulders, upper arms, hips, thighs
Back muscles are weak

4. Use the weight of your body to help push or pull

Push, slide, or pull rather than lift

5. Carry heavy objects close to the body

. Stand close to the object or person being moved

Using Body Mechanics: Rules

6. Avoid twisting your body as you work
Turn with your feet and entire body when you change direction

7. Avoid bending for long periods of time

8. If patient or object too heavy to move alone, always
get help
Mechanical lifts, transfer belts, wheelchairs, other equipment

Preventing Accidents and Injuries

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Establishes and enforces safety standards for the workplace
Standards
The Occupational Exposure to hazardous Chemicals Standard
The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Preventing Accidents and Injuries

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
Standard
Employers must inform employees of all chemicals and
hazards in workplace
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Product identification information

Protection/precautions needed while handling chemical
Instructions for safe use of the chemical
Procedure for spills, clean up, disposal
Emergency first aid procedures if exposure

Preventing Accidents and Injuries

Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
Standard
Employers must train employees on:
Identifying the types and locations of all chemicals/hazards
Locating and using the MSDS manual
Reading and interpreting chemical labels and hazard signs
Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
Locating cleaning equipment and following correct methods
for managing spills and/or disposal of the chemicals
Reporting and documenting accidents or exposures

Preventing Accidents and Injuries

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Mandates that protect health care providers from diseases
cause by exposure to blood and body fluids
Blood and blood components, urine, stool, semen, vaginal
secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, mucus
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV

Equipment and Solutions

Do not use any equipment until you have been instructed in use
Read and follow the operating instructions
Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately
Do not use frayed or damaged electrical cords.
Read MSDS before using any hazardous chemical solution
Never use solutions from bottles that are not labeled
Read the labels of solution bottles at least three times to be sure you have
correct solution
Do not mix any solutions together
Use solutions only as directed
If you break any equipment or spill any solutions, report it to the instructor
immediately

Patient Safety
Do NOT perform any procedure on patients unless you
have been instructed to do so.
Follow instructions carefully
Ask questions if you do not understand
Use correct methods while performing a procedure

Provide privacy for all patients

Knock on door before entering
Speak to the patient and identify yourself
Ask for permission to enter before going behind pulled privacy
curtain
Close door/pull privacy curtain before beginning any

Patient Safety
Always identify your patient
Check the identification wristband
Ask open ended questions (Whats your name?)

Always explain the procedure so patient knows what will

be doing
Answer any questions
Make sure you have the patients consent

Observe patient closely during any procedure

Report any changes
Be alert to the patients condition at all times

Patient Safety
Frequently check the patient area for safety hazards
Report unsafe conditions or correct the safety hazard

Before leaving a patient in a bed

Make sure patient is in a comfortable position

Side rails up
Bed lowered
Wheels locked
Call bell within patients reach
Make sure no safety hazards are present

Personal Safety
It is your RESPONSIBILITY to PROTECT yourself and others from injury
Use correct body mechanics
Wear the required uniform
Walk DO NOT RUN
Report any personal injury or illness, no matter how minor
Report unsafe situations
Keep areas neat and clean
Wash or gel your hands frequently
Dry hands before handling electrical equipment
Wear safety glasses in appropriate situations
Avoid horseplay and practical jokes

Observing Fire Safety

Fire
Three things needed to start a fire:
1. Oxygen or air
2. Fuel
3. Heat

Major causes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Carelessness with smoking and with matches

Misuse of electricity
Defects in heating systems
Spontaneous ignition
Improper rubbish disposal
Arson

Observing Fire Safety

Fire Extinguishers
Class A:
Contains pressurized water
Used on combustibles (paper, cloth, wood)

Class B:
Contains carbon dioxide (CO2)
Used on gasoline, oil, paint, cooking fat fires
Leaves a powdery residue: dangerous if inhaled; skin/eye irritant

Class C:
Contains potassium bicarbonate or potassium chloride
Used on electrical fires

Class ABC or Combination:

Contains graphite-type chemical
Used on all fires

Observing Fire Safety

RACE
R = Rescue anyone in immediate danger
Move patients to safe area (walk, move bed, use bed sheets, etc)

A = Activate the alarm

C = Confine the fire
Close windows and doors; shut off electrical equipment and oxygen

E = Extinguish the fire

PASS
P = Pull the pin
A = Aim the extinguisher near edge and bottom of fire
S = Squeeze the handle

Observing Fire Safety

Prevention
Most health care facilities are smoke-free
Make sure no clutter blocks any fire exits
When oxygen in use, post No Smoking-Oxygen in Use sign