LO7 SAFETY & WHMIS IN THE WORKPLACE
Components of WHMIS
1. material safety data sheets (MSDS), 2. labels, 3. worker education
2. Documentation of the Incident
An accurate written account of the incident ASAP; accident report form may be provided
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR)
Applies to info & regulations required for shipment of dangerous materials to/from the workplace (no overlap with WHMIS)
2. Fire Extinguishers
Designated according to TYPE (CO2, dry chemical, water), appropriate for 1+ classes of fire
3. Municipal Legislation
Fire codes; building codes; sanitation & waste disposal regulations
Controlled Products
Hazardous materials controlled under WHMIS legislation
Personal Safety
Many of the components of a good safety program are considered personal since the main responsibility rests with the individual employee
3. Exiting the Building
(after fire alarm activated, fire department notified, extinguisher used) now exit the building; (may need to help remove patients); close doors leaving work area, exit building by designated escape route (don't use the elevator!); if flames, fumes, or smoke prevent exit, stay in room with door closed, use wet towels to plug openings from smoke or fumes
Controlled Product MSDS Information Categories
1. Product Info -- name & address of manufacturer & supplier; name, synonyms, & formula of product 2. Hazardous Ingredients -- name of each hazardous ingredient in the product 3. Physical Data -- boiling & freezing point, evaporation rate, etc 4. Fire & Explosion Data -- conditions of flammability; means of extinction 5. Reactivity Data -- name or class of products with which the product is incompatible; hazardous decomposition products 6. Toxicology Data -- effects of chronic or acute exposure to the product; exposure limits; carcinogenicity 7. Preventative Measures -- personal protective material to be used; procedures to be followed in the event of exposure; shipping, storage, & handling procedures; waste disposal procedures 8. First Aid Procedures -- specific measures in case of exposure 9. Additional Information -- indicates who prepared the information on the sheet & how they may be contracted; date of preparation of the MSDS
Employee is Responsible for (WHMIS)
1. participating in worker education about WHMIS & controlled products (work with or exposed to) 2. inform employer when info is lacking (e.g. damaged or missing lables) 3. work with employer to implement safe handling program of controlled products
Operation of Fire Extinguishers
1. pull & turn the pin to break the seal; 2. aim the nozzle at the base of the fire; 3. squeeze the handle & sweep from side to side
Class D - Poisonous & Infectious Material
3 DIVISIONS for toxic & biohazardious materials
Legislation Affecting Safety
3 levels that impact safety regulations in health care facilities; 1. Federal, 2. Provincial, 3. Municipal
Classes of Fires (by NFPA)
4 CLASSES; most like to be encountered in health care facilities are A (combustibles), B (liquid fuels), & C (electrical); in a chemical or research lab (at a university) D (combustible metals) may be encountered
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
A federally legislated hazardous material info system (since 1988), legislated by provincial governments
Employee Responsibilities
Adhere to rules & regulations defined by employer; use safety equipment provided by employer; participate in educational activities involving safety; report accidents & unsafe conditions
Working Safely
Apply common sense to avoid accidents; open doors slowly; keep right when piloting carts/wheelchairs/beds to avoid collisions; clean up spills immediately (may require special cleanup procedures); be aware of 'accidents waiting to happen' & take corrective measures
a) Supplier Labels
Are placed on controlled products by the manufacturer, cross-hatched border 1. Product Identifier -- name of the product (trade, brand, common, chemical, generic) 2. Hazard Symbols -- surrounded by a solid round border; uses the symbols designed by WHMIS regulations 3. Risk Phrases -- indicates if toxic, flammable, etc 4. Precautionary Measures -- eg. store away from heat, tightly closed, use special precautions when handling 5. First Aid Measures -- eg. wash skin, induce vomiting 6. Supplier Identifier -- name & address of supplier 7. Reference to a MSDS -- indicates a MSDS was provided with product
4. Miscellaneous
Avoid putting items in the mouth at work; no chewing gum (unprofessional, contaminates hands with saliva & mouth bacteria)
The Healthy Back
Back injuries are a common type of workplace injury; loss of work, pain, & discomfort; cost to healthcare & workers' compensation
Ionizing Radiation
Background radiation from sun & soil environment; ionizing refers to ability of this type of radiation to form ions & free radicals in tissue which can (in sufficient quantity) cause chromosome changes & cell death; high level exposure to fetal tissue results in congenital defects; undetectable to human senses (even at high levels); x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, & beta particles
Precautions to Prevent Electrical Injuries
Be familiar with location of circuit breakers & fuse boxes (in case power needs to be shut off); avoid use of extension cords & multiple adaptors (to prevent overloaded circuits); use electrical outlets equipped with a grounding connection; remove electrical cords by pulling on plug (not cord!); if electrical equipment is wet, shut off power at circuit breaker/fuse box before unplugging/clean up; don't place electrical cords across walking areas (tripping hazard); electrical equipment that smells hot/emits smoke should be turned off immediately through circuit breaker/pull plug; use non-sparking electrical equipment in flammable atmosphere; use appropriate fire extinguisher for electrical fires
Responsibility for Safety
Both employer & employee are responsible for safety
Class C - Oxidizing Material
Can cause other materials to burn or explode by providing oxygen
1. Grooming
Certain components of grooming can impact safety Hair must be neat & tidy (does not obscure vision or fall onto patient); loose hairs or dandruff should not fall onto equipment, food, or open wound of patient Clothing should be comfortable to not restrict/hamper movement; readily cleanable; protective clothing for work areas should not be worn outside that area Shoes must be comfortable; closed type shoes are required for areas where equipment, chemicals, or other items may impact the foot; shoes are clean & dedicated for workplace use
WHMIS Class & Division Symbols
Class A - F, with symbols associated with each
c) Water
Class of fire is A (combustibles); may be used for combustibles as long as electrical equipment not involved; water damage
d) Dry Chemical Class D
Class of fire is D (combustible metals); designed for fires involving combustible metals, not available in most health care facilities
b) Dry Chemical A-B-C
Classes of fire are A, B, & C (combustibles, liquid fuels, electrical); most versatile as can be used for most fires in health care settings; leaves a mildly corrosive powder that will need to be cleaned up
a) Carbon Dioxide
Classes of fire are B & C (liquid fuels & electrical); dissipates quickly & fire may flash again, ineffective for class A fires
1. Fire Prevention/In Case of Fire
Closest fire alarm, how is it activated; procedure to notify fire department; notify in-house authority/security to where fire is located
Division 3 - Class D - Biohazardous Infectious Material
Contact with microorganisms & their toxins may cause illness or death
Electrical Safety
Electricity can cause injury when misused; severity depends on: duration of contact, current & voltage, point of entry into the body, moisture on skin, & susceptibility of individual; responsible for: igniting a fire, burning human tissue, abnormal muscle contraction, death
Ergonomics for Safety
Ergonomics is the science that studies the physical & mental capabilities & limitations of workers; promotes physical comfort, productivity, & reduce risk of injuries due to fatigue & stress; accomplished by designing or adapting work space & equipment to meet these goals
Class B - Flammable & Combustible Materials
Flammable burns readily at room temp Combustible burns when heated
3. Food
Food items must be stored in areas where there is no risk of contamination; do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area
Class A - Compressed Gas
Gas inside a cylinder under pressure; oxygen is most common compressed gas used in health care
Categories of Waste
Health care facility waste is assigned to a category: general, kitchen, human, broken glass, infectious materials, clinical plastic, sharps, chemical & pharmaceutical, & radioactive material wastse
2. Labels
In the form of supplier or workplace labels
Education Involves
Instruction -- delivery of info Training -- teaching specific work procedures for each controlled product (e.g. gas mask use) Provision of Info -- product info, MSDS, updates, & procedure changes (available to all workers)
Radiation Safety
Ionizing radiation is frequently used in health care (not dangerously high); used in departments: radiology, medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, & dental offices; procedures that utilize low levels include: routine chest, skeletal, or dental imaging, fluoroscopy, mammography, CT scans, & contrast medium techniques (barium swallow or barium enema); shield with a lead apron & lead gloves to reduce exposure; pregnant women should not assist; awareness, caution, & common sense make the hazards with occupational radiation exposure practically nonexistent
Class F - Dangerously Reactive Material
May be unstable & react when jarred, compressed, heated, or exposed to light; may burn or explode when mixed with incompatible materials
Division 2 - Class D - Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
May cause death or injury following repeated or long term exposure; may irritate eyes, skin, lung tissue, liver, kidney, etc
Division 1 - Class D - Materials Causing Immediate & Serious Toxic Effects
May cause immediate death or serious injury if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin
3. Education (WHMIS)
Most important component of WHMIS; employer responsibility to educate & ensure understanding of WHMIS; includes instruction, training, & providing info on WHMIS requirements & specifics of each controlled product (that employee works with or may be exposed to)
Radioactive Material
Not covered by WHMIS legislation; storage, shipping, & use of radioactive materials are controlled by Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) of Canada
Fire Safety
Orientation to fire prevention specific to job site; includes: in case of fire, fire extinguishers, exiting the building, & fire drills
4. Fire Drills
Periodic fire drills, to follow designated procedures; follow up critique to observe errors
Employer Responsibilities
Provide a safe environment for workers; adhere to rules & regulations set by federal, provincial, & municipal governments; provide info & equipment necessary to work in a safe manner; provide education regarding safety procedures; provide a procedure for reporting & dealing with unsafe incidents
Radioactive Material Waste
Regulated by the Atomic Energy Control Board
1. Reporting the Incident
Report to immediate supervisor; report to Occupational Health as requested by supervisor or if supervisor is unavailable; carry out appropriate procedures, including formal accident report (if neither available)
Accident or Injury Reports
Reporting system for job related accidents or injuries; employer is responsible for informing staff members of the procedure to be following, employee's responsibility to be familiar with the procedure & to report all injuries; components include: reporting & documentation of the incident
Occupational Health & Safety
Responsible for: staff education & training in safety matters; processing accident & incident reports; workplace inspections; immunization procedures; measuring & monitoring workplace hazards Works with Workers' Compensation Board in cases of staff injury
Safety/Components of Workplace Safety
Safety is defined as free from damage & danger, being secure, having escaped injury, unharmed, giving protection, trustworthy, prudent, cautious; the workplace must be free of danger allowing health care workers to perform their duties in an environment that protects them from injury; the health care facility must be a safe place for patients, visitors, & others who may enter the building
Dosimeter
Small piece of thermoluminescent material in a maroon or grey holder that measures the possible exposure of each individual working with ionizing radiation; from Radiation Protection Bureau of Health & Welfare Canada, submitted regularly for testing to verify legal dose limit is not exceeded
Class D
Source is COMBUSTIBLE METALS; sodium, phosphorus
Class A
Source is COMBUSTIBLES; wood, paper, cloth
Class C
Source is ELECTRICAL; fuse boxes, motors
Class B
Source is LIQUID FUELS; solvents, oil, gasoline
Waste Disposal in Health Care Facilities
Standard disposal procedures for categories of waste
Symbols for Personal Protection Equipment
Universal symbols may be used to indicate the personal protective equipment that is required in handling WHMIS controlled products; these symbols are used on the workplace label; includes: safety goggles, face shield, gloves, apron, dust mask, self contained air respirator, vapor respirator, boots, & full protection suit
2. Eye Protection
Used where there is a chance of splashes of body fluids or secretions
b) Workplace Labels
WHMIS guidelines are used to design the workplace label 1. Product Identifier -- name must correspond to MSDS 2. Safe Handling Information -- precautions the worker must observe to minimize the risks of exposure & adverse health effect; symbols for personal protection equipment used to indicate precautions 3. Where MSDS available -- statement to indicate a MSDS is available
1. Federal Legislation
WHMIS; Transport of Dangerous Goods; Canada Labour Code regulations; Atomic Energy Control Act
2. Provincial Legislation
WHMIS; occupational health & safety laws; environmental regulations; sanitation & waste disposal regulations
Class E - Corrosive Material
Will burn eyes & skin on contact; will burn respiratory tissue if inhaled
Clinical Plastic Waste
e.g. IV admin sets, urinary drainage bags, catheters, empty blood transfusion bags, used surgical gloves, & other materials contaminated with blood Disposal: collected in yellow containers with red WHMIS biohazard label, & disposed of same as infectious waste, usually by incineration
Broken Glass Waste
e.g. broken glass that is not contaminated Disposal: collected in a special puncture proof container & included in regular garbage
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Waste
e.g. chemicals regulated by WHMIS, & drugs Disposal: can't be dumped down sink or flushed; disposal is regulated by legislation, all products are labelled & removed from the site by a company licensed in chemical disposal
Kitchen Waste
e.g. food, food packages, disposable dishes, etc. Disposal: most leftover foods into garbage grinder; solid waste, cans, bottles, & plastics go into regular garbage to landfill; fats & oils from cooking may go to a recycling plant
Infectious Waste
e.g. human tissue, blood & bloody fluids, lab cultures Disposal: collected in yellow containers with red WHMIS biohazard label; materials may be autoclaved & sent to landfill or incinerated ('in house' or 'off site'); can be formed into dry mulch after sterilization, fragmentation, & dehydration
Sharps Waste
e.g. needles & other sharp instruments Disposal: collected in a special rigid, puncture-proof container, yellow with red biohazard label; disposed the same as for infectious waste
General Waste
e.g. paper, diapers, glass, plastics, metal cans, etc. Disposal: paper may be recycled, confidential records shredded; soiled diapers in regular garbage to landfill; glass, cans, & plastics may be recycled
Human Waste
e.g. urine, feces, sputum, body secretions Disposal: flushed away
1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
~2000 hazardous materials listed & controlled by WHMIS legislation (controlled products); manufacturer/supplier of a controlled product must provide MSDS (by law) with the product, includes 9 categories of info; employer must make MSDS accessible; employees handling WHMIS controlled products must have access to MSDS during work hours, must know location of MSDS; individual job site application of MSDS is part of WHMIS training