Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Hospitals (PF lesson #4)

Dosimetry Badge

A badge worn by health care employees that monitors radiation exposure over time

Formalin

A carcinogenic chemical that is often used to preserve biopsy specimens

: Ethylene Oxide

A carcinogenic chemical that may be used for sterilization in some hospitals

Hospital Safety Manual

A document that contains all of the safety-related policies for an individual hospital

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document that contains safety information for a chemical, including precautions, instructions, and first-aid information

"Right To Know" Law

A law that requires employees to be informed of all chemicals that they may be exposed to while doing their job

Cutaneous Larval Migrans

A skin condition caused by hookworms, a zoonotic parasite

Ringworm

A skin infection caused by the zoonotic fungus Microsporum

Rabies

A usually fatal viral infection that can affect any mammal, typically transmitted through bite wounds

Toxoplasmosis

A zoonotic protozoal infection spread in the feces of infected cats

Sarcoptic Mange

A zoonotic skin mite of animals that causes itching in people

Lyme Disease

A zoonotic, tick-borne disease that causes flu-like symptoms and joint pain in humans

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

An article or piece of clothing worn by the user to prevent injury, typically by creating a physical barrier between the wearer and the hazard

Zoonotic Disease

An infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans

Hazardous Chemical

Any chemical or chemical product that may present a physical or health hazard

Which bacteria is commonly found in the mouths of animals? a. Escherichia coli b. Borrelia burgdorferi c. Pasteurella multocida d. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

C. Pasteurella multocida Explanation: Pasteurella multocida is commonly found in the mouths of animals.

Visceral Larval Migrans

Cyst-like growths in the internal organs caused by roundworms, a zoonotic parasite

Back injuries due to lifting are very common in veterinary practice. What is the maximum weight that you should attempt to lift without assistance? a. 80 pounds b. 20 pounds c. 30 pounds d. 40 pounds

D. 40 pounds Explanation: In order to avoid back injuries, get help when lifting patients weighing more than about 40 pounds.

Which of the following is appropriate footwear for a small-animal veterinary clinic? a. Sandals b. High heels c. Dress shoes with a slippery sole d. A comfortable pair of sneakers

D. A comfortable pair of sneakers Explanation: Wear sturdy shoes that cover your whole foot, with nonslip soles.

What safety information is an employee entitled to know about their workplace? a. Private information about other staff members b. Costs associated with treating another staff member's injury c. Cost the owner pays for worker's compensation insurance d. A summary of work-related injuries and illnesses

D. A summary of work-related injuries and illnesses Explanation: Employees are entitled to see data relevant to their safety, such as the nature and types of accidents that have occurred in their workplace.

When should you wear your radiation dosimetry badge? a. Only when outdoors b. When taking multiple radiographs in one day c. Never - it should remain in a desk drawer d. Any time you are taking radiographs

D. Any time you are taking radiographs Explanation: A dosimetry badge should be worn any time you are taking radiographs.

How many functioning, unlocked exits should a veterinary practice have? a. At least four b. None, the doors should remain locked at all times c. One d. At least two

D. At least two Explanation: If you work in a building where security warrants that the doors must be locked, make sure you have at least two clear exits from the building.

Which of the following is the most common cause of injuries in a veterinary clinic? a. Equipment b. Medication c. Lifting heavy animals d. Bite wounds from animals

D. Bite wounds from animals Explanation: Animal-related accidents are the most common type of injury among workers in veterinary-related jobs

Which of the following is the very first thing you should do if you get a medicated dip in your eyes while bathing a pet? a. Rub your eyes to remove the material b. Try to find the eye wash c. Use the tub spray attachment to rinse your eyes d. Call out for help

D. Call out for help Explanation: The first step after getting something in your eyes is to call a coworker for help. Do not rub your eyes.

What's the primary health risk associated with ethylene oxide? a. Liver damage b. Diabetes c. Kidney failure d. Cancer

D. Cancer Explanation: Ethylene oxide is thought to be a human carcinogen.

What adjustment is used to decrease the size of the beam in order to minimize scatter radiation when taking radiographs? a. Exposure b. Focus c. Technique d. Collimation

D. Collimation Explanation: The collimator restricts the primary beam in size, minimizing scatter radiation.

If you bring a safety complaint to your employer and they don't address this complaint, despite repeated conversations, what should your next step be? a. Band together with your coworkers, refusing to work until the situation is addressed b. Contact the media c. Quit your job d. Contact your regional OSHA office

D. Contact your regional OSHA office Explanation: If a complaint isn't addressed by the employer, the employee has the right to bring the issue to the attention of the regional OSHA office.

Which of the following pieces of safety equipment is recommended when working in a kennel area? a. Gown b. Mask c. Goggles d. Ear plugs

D. Ear plugs Explanation: Noise levels in kennels can cause hearing damage, so you should wear hearing protection.

What PPE, if any, should you wear when transferring formalin from one container to another? a. Gloves only b. Gloves, mask, gown c. No PPE required d. Gloves and goggles

D. Gloves and goggles Explanation: PPE for formalin should include gloves and goggles.

Where should dog shampoos be stored? a. In a cabinet, above eye level b. On a shelf above the bathtub c. Outdoors d. In a cabinet, at or below eye level

D. In a cabinet, at or below eye level Explanation: Shampoos and dips should be stored at or below eye level to prevent eye damage in case of spills.

What's the safest way to move a compressed air cylinder? a. Roll it on the floor b. Drag it across the floor c. Have a coworker help you carry it d. On a hand truck, securely strapped in place

D. On a hand truck, securely strapped in place Explanation: Compressed air cylinders should be moved using a hand truck, not rolled or dragged.

What's the safest way to recap a used needle? a. Using two hands b. Place the cap in your mouth and insert the needle c. Have a coworker cap the needle as you hold it steady d. One-handed technique

D. One-handed technique Explanation: The safest way to recap a needle is the one-handed technique.

Which of the following is the safest way to make a solution from a concentrate? a. Start with the correct amount of concentrate, then add water. b. Measure each ingredient and pour them both into a bucket together, at the same time. c. Alternate adding small amounts of each substance. d. Start with the correct amount of water, then add the concentrate

D. Start with the correct amount of water, then add the concentrate. Explanation: When making a concentrate, you should start with the correct amount of water and then add the concentrate to minimize splashes.

Which insect is responsible for spreading Lyme disease? a. Mosquito b. Fly c. Bees d. Tick

D. Tick Explanation: Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks.

Which of the following zoonotic infections can be spread in the feces of cats? a. Rabies b. Lyme disease c. Ringworm d. Toxoplasmosis

D. Toxoplasmosis Explanation: Toxoplasmosis is spread in cat feces.

How should compressed air cylinders be stored? a. Horizontally, laying on the floor b. Strapped to a water heater c. In sunlight, outdoors d. Upright, secured with a chain or strap

D. Upright, secured with a chain or strap Explanation: Compressed air cylinders should be stored upright, away from heat sources, and secured with a chain or strap.

Waste Anesthetic Gas (WAG)

Gas used in inhalation anesthetic machines that isn't metabolized by the patient and is given off in respiration

What PPE should be worn when performing dental cleanings?

Gloves, goggles, a mask, and a long-sleeved jacket

What's the safest way to recap a needle? Describe.

Needles should be recapped using a one-handed technique. Holding the syringe/needle in your dominant hand, you use the needle to scoop the cap off the table.

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Describe the correct way to use a fire extinguisher

P - Pull the pin. (Most fire extinguishers have a pin. Others may have a latch or lever. Check your extinguisher.) A - Aim low, at the base of the fire. S - Squeeze the handle. S - Sweep from side to side, at the base of the fire.

What's the appropriate PPE to wear when bathing a dog?

Protective glasses or goggles, gloves, apron

How can rabies be transmitted from an animal to a human?

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through a bite wound, but can also be transmitted if saliva or other bodily fluids contact open wounds or mucous membranesRabies is most commonly transmitted through a bite wound, but can also be transmitted if saliva or other bodily fluids contact open wounds or mucous membranes

As an employee, what are your rights and responsibilities regarding workplace safety?

Rights: bring safety concerns to your supervisor and receive an appropriate response, see data that has been collected about your workplace's safety (radiation exposure reports, collected data regarding workplace injuries). Responsibilities: following all safety rules that have been established by your practice, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by your practice, reporting hazardous conditions to your supervisor, and reporting job-related injuries

What does SDS stand for and what information is contained in that document?

Safety Data Sheet: This document contains important information about the chemical's identification, health risks, first-aid measures to take in case of exposure, and specific guidelines associated with handling, storage, transport, and disposal.

Hazard Statement

Statement found on a product label that describes the hazards of a chemical

Hazardous Materials Plan

Written plan prepared by an employer that informs employees of warning, training, and safe use procedures for hazardous chemicals in the workplace