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