Legislation & The Vet Nurse

Question 1

Legislation?

Answer 1

Legislation?

.Refers to both Acts of Parliament and regulations.

.Parliament - is responsible for approving new laws (legislation).

.Government - introduces most plans for new laws or changes to existing laws, but they can originate from an MP, lord or even a member of the public or private group.

.Before they become law, both the house of commons and house of lord must debate and vote on the proposals and then it goes to the parliament committee before getting the Queen’s signature to make it law and placed in the statute book as an act of parliament

Question 2

Royal charter?

Answer 2

Royal charter?

.Created the RCVS in 1844 and was superseded by the supplementary charter of 1967.

.The royal charter came into force in 2014 and recognises RVNs as members of a regulated profession who are answerable for their professional conduct.

.RVNs have the formal status of associates of the RCVS

.The charter recognises the veterinary nurses’ council as the body that sets standards for training, education & conduct of RVNs.

Question 3

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966?

Answer 3

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966?

.This act of parliament controls the work of both veterinary surgeons & nurses.

Question 4

Veterinary surgery definition in VSA?

Answer 4

Veterinary surgery definition in VSA?

The art & science of veterinary surgery and medicine, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall be taken to include:

.The diagnosis of diseases in, and injuries to animals including tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes.

.The giving of advice based upon such diagnosis

.The medical or surgical treatment of animals

.The performance of surgical operations on animals.

Question 5

VSA schedule 3?

Answer 5

VSA schedule 3?

.First aid - Allows anyone to give first aid in an emergency for the purpose of preserving life & relieving suffering.

.Minor treatments - the owner of an animal or a member of the owner’s household or employee of the owner may give it minor medical treatment. Some exceptions to this rule e.g. farm animals.

.RVN - can administer medical treatment & perform minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) under the direction of a vet providing care for that animal and the vet is responsible & accountable for the RVNs actions. Not equine unless qualified.

.Amendment to paragraphs 6 & 7 of schedule 3 order 2002 clarifies the term veterinary nurse within the act as one whose name is entered on to the register of veterinary nurses maintained by the RCVS. It also makes provisions for the training of student veterinary nurses, allowing them to perform schedule 3 procedures with the supervision from a vet or vet nurse.

Question 6

VSA student vet nurse?

Answer 6

VSA student vet nurse?

.One who has been enrolled under the RCVS bylaws for the purposes of training as a veterinary nurse and who is employed at an approved training practice.

.Schedule 3 makes provisions for the training of student veterinary nurses, allowing them to perform schedule 3 procedures with the supervision from a vet or vet nurse.

Question 7

The health & safety commissions?

Answer 7

The health & safety commissions?

.Is the body which oversees and monitors health & safety, producing reports and advising the government on health & safety matters.

Question 8

Health & safety executive?

Answer 8

Health & safety executive?

.Is the enforcement body of the HSC and at present veterinary practises come under the jurisdiction of HSE inspectors.

.HSE inspectors can visit any practice at any time.

Question 9

Health & safety at work act 1974?

Answer 9

Health & safety at work act 1974?

Employer responsibilities include:

.Appointmenting a competent person to oversee health & safety.
.Carrying out risk assessments.
.Supplying health & safety information to employees and visitors.
.Providing health & safety training for employees.

Employee responsibilities include:

.Taking reasonable care of their own health & safety and that of others.
.Cooperating with the employer over health & safety matters.
.Using equipment and substances in accordance with health & safety training.
.Informing the employer of any health and safety risks or lack of protection.

Question 10

A health & safety policy?

Answer 10

A health & safety policy?

.Is required by any business that employees five or more people.

.This written policy contains information as to how employers will maintain the H&S of their employees.

Question 11

Management of health & safety at work regulations 1999?

Answer 11

Management of health & safety at work regulations 1999?

These regulations follow on from the H&S at work act 1974, redefining and reinforcing the requirements of the act to include:

.Planning 
.Organisation 
.Control
.Monitoring 
.Review

Question 12

Health & safety at work regulations 1992?

Answer 12

Health & safety at work regulations 1992?

.Says it shall be the duty of every employer to ensure so far as is reasonable practicable the health, safety and welfare of all their employees.

.With this legislation came the requirement for employers to carry out risk assessments e.g. needles, animal bites, radiotherapy, fire, zoonosis

Question 13

Standard operating procedures?

Answer 13

Standard operating procedures?

.These are written documents designed to cover the full range of work performed within the practice.

Question 14

Control of substances hazardous to health regulations 2002 (COSHH)?

Answer 14

Control of substances hazardous to health regulations 2002 (COSHH)?

.Was introduced specifically to cover the management of risks associated with hazardous substances.

.This includes all pharmaceutical products and chemicals used in veterinary practice.

.COSHH data sheets for risk assessments.

.Clinical waste comes under COSHH.

Question 15

Hazardous waste (UK & Wales) regulations 2005?

Answer 15

Hazardous waste (UK & Wales) regulations 2005?

.Disposable of waste from the practice.

.Clinical waste is any waste which consists wholly or partly of human or animal tissue, blood or other bodily fluids, excretions, drugs or other pharmaceutical products, swabs or dressings or syringes, needles or other sharp instruments that may cause harm to anyone coming into contact with them.

.Hazardous waste - the premises must keep a waste register, use consignment notes and keep these records for 3 years.

Question 16

Hazardous waste containers?

Answer 16

Hazardous waste containers?

.Cytotoxic & cytostatic pharmaceuticals - purple or yellow containers, sharps into purple-lidded sharps bin e.g. glass containers, syringes, sharps, animal bedding, swabs and gloves for high temp incineration.

.Contaminated sharps - all sharps contaminated with blood or pharmaceuticals dispose in yellow lidded sharps bin.

.Non-contaminated sharps - dispose in orange-lidded containers for treatment such as autoclaving.

.Infectious waste - waste containing microorganisms like swabs, gloves and animal bedding from an infectious patient dispose in yellow containers or orange bags.

.Body parts - dispose of in red-lidded bins.

.Photographic chemicals - waste fixer and developer solutions. Dispose of by putting into seperate leak proof containers for each chemical and send to a permitted facility.

Question 17

Non-hazardous waste?

Answer 17

Non-hazardous waste?

.Controlled drugs - should be denatured before disposal in leak proof container with other pharmaceuticals e.g. prescription drugs, contaminated bottles, syringes & packaging but not cytotoxic or cytostatic drugs.

.Schedule 2 drugs - required denaturing in the presence of a police officer.

.Other pharmaceuticals - should be segregated into leak-proof containers and done without mixing them together and put into packaging for incineration at a permitted facility.

.Offensive waste - swabs, gloves and animal bedding that is not infectious and not containing bodily fluids. Dispose into yellow bags with a black strip.

.Non-infectious cadaver - any pet cadavers that are not infectious can be buried or cremated.

.Domestic waste - food, household waste dispose in black bags into the non-recycling bin.

Question 18

The health & safety (first aid) regulations 1981?

Answer 18

The health & safety (first aid) regulations 1981?

.This requires employers to provide adequate & appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they’re injured or ill at work.

.Vets are a medium-risk environment.

Minimum first aid provision at work is:

.A suitably stocked first-aid box.
.An appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements if under 20 employees.
.A trained first aider must be appointed if 20-50 employees.

Question 19

Manual handling regulations 1992?

Answer 19

Manual handling regulations 1992?

.Avoid hazardous manual handling as far as is reasonably practical and reduce injury by having a good lifting technique.

Question 20

Appointed person?

Answer 20

Appointed person?

.Someone who is appointed by management to take charge when someone is injured or ill e.g. calling ambulance

.Responsible for keeping the first aid book stocked and recording treatments given.

Question 21

First aider?

Answer 21

First aider?

.Someone who has undergone an HSE-approved training course in first aid at work and holds a certificate to prove this.

.Training should be repeated every 3 years

.All accidents at work must be recorded in an accident book approved by the HSE.

Question 22

Reporting of injuries, diseases & dangerous occurrences regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)?

Answer 22

Reporting of injuries, diseases & dangerous occurrences regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)?

Legislate for reporting of serious events directly to the HSE like:

.Fracture .Loss of sight
.Amputation
.Anything that means you’re admitted to hospital as an inpatient but not for observation.
.Explosion .Release of substances e.g. radiation

.Must be reported asap by telephone then letter within 7 days using HSE form F2508.

Question 23

Good lifting technique?

Answer 23

Good lifting technique?

1) Check suitable clothing & asses load. Heaviest side to body.
2) Place feet apart. Bend knees. Straight back.
3) Firm grip-close to body.
4) Back straight. Lift smoothly to knee level and then waist level.
5) With clear visibility move forward without twisting.
6) Set load down at waist level or to knee level and then floor.

Question 24

Health & safety display screen equipment regulations 1992?

Answer 24

Health & safety display screen equipment regulations 1992?

.This legislation requires the way in which workstations are used to be regularly assessed.

.Workstation itself should be adequately lit with appropriate room and leg space with an adjustable chair and foot rest if required.

.Monitors should be adjustable & keyboards should be legible with a wrist rest provided if needed.

Question 25

Noise at work regulations 1989?

Answer 25

Noise at work regulations 1989?

.These regulations state that the employer must asses the level of noise to which employees are exposed and take any necessary action to eliminate, control or reduce exposure.

.If noise levels are ‘above the first action noise level’ of 85 decibels e.g. dogs barking then hearing protection must be provided.

Question 26

The working time regulations 1998?

Answer 26

The working time regulations 1998?

.These set out entitlement for rest periods, night work and annual leave in line with the hours worked.

.The average working times are limited to 48 hours during a 7 day period.

.There must be a minimum of 11 hours rest in any 24 hour period.

.There must be a minimum rest period of 24 hours in each 7 day period & for under 18 it is 48 hours.

.A minimum rest break of 20 mins is working over 6 hours & under 18 get 30 mins break if over 4.5 hours.

.If working at least 3 hours between 11pm & 6am, they are limited to 8 hours every 24 hour period.

.All employees get 4 weeks paid annual leave.

.Employees can sign away the right to abide with this.

.Student veterinary nurses will have their own working time agreements to complete their course.

Question 27

Electricity at work regulations 1989?

Answer 27

Electricity at work regulations 1989?

.Portable appliance testing (PAT) - label python device when tested usually every 6 months to 2 years.

.Electrical circuits & circuit breakers - Every electrical circuit should have a fuse in it, which is a simple safety device.

.A fuse - is a thin wire through which the current of electricity flows. If a fault occurs in the circuit it usually causes an increase in the electrical current. This results in the wire melting, which breaks the circuit.

.Very important to use the correct fuse within a circuit. If a fuse has too low a value, the fuse will constantly blow. If too high a value a fault may result in the risk of fire or electrocution.

Question 28

Plug wires?

Answer 28

Plug wires?

.LIVE WIRE = BROWN OR RED

.Neural wire = blue or black

.Earth wire = green & yellow

Question 29

Circuit breaker?

Answer 29

Circuit breaker?

.A devise used to protect against short-circuits and is found on the main fuse board.

.These electromagnetic devices switch off the current if a fault occurs. A trip switch or RCD (residual current device) can be plugged into a socket to give added protection for a portable appliance.

.They are reset by either pressing a button or by switching them back on.

Question 30

Waste container colours?

Answer 30

Waste container colours?

.Yellow = infectious waste which requires disposal by incineration.

.Orange = infectious waste which required treating to render it safe or it is incinerated.

.Purple = cytotoxic or cytostatic waste

.Yellow & black = offensive or hygiene waste

.Black = domestic waste

Question 31

The regulatory reform (fire safety) order 2005?

Answer 31

The regulatory reform (fire safety) order 2005?

This legislation came into force in October 2006 and requires the following to be under taken:

.Risk assessment with reference to employees, clients & visitors in the practice.

.Implementation of fire precautions such as fire detection systems, firefighting equipment and suitable escape routes.

.A member of staff should be appointed as fire officer and it is this person’s responsibility to ensure that the building is evacuated, everyone is accounted for and no one enters the building.

Question 32

Fire extinguisher types?

Answer 32

Fire extinguisher types?

.Blue - dry powder for liquid & electrical fires (Not for metal)

.Yellow - foam for liquid fires (Not electric or metal)

.Red - water for wood, paper, textiles and solid material (Not for liquid, electric or metal)

.Green - Vaporising liquid (including halon)

.Black - Co2 for liquid & electrical (not metal)

Question 33

Ionizing radiation regulation 1999?

Answer 33

Ionizing radiation regulation 1999?

.Damage from radiation is cumulative, I.e. exposure to tiny amounts of radiation over a period of time can be just as serious as one exposure for a length of time.

Harmful effects of radiation:

.Inflammation 
.Blood disorders 
.Death of tissue 
.Death or mutation of developing foetus 
.Damage to gonads 
.Infertility 
.Tumours

Under the legislation, practices must appoint:

.A radiation protection supervisor (RPS) and a radiation protection advisor (RPA)

Question 34

Local radiation rules?

Answer 34

Local radiation rules?

.All practises should have written local radiation rules and a system of work, a copy should be in the x-ray room with a list of people authorised todo radiography.

Question 35

Radiation protection supervisor (RPS)?

Answer 35

Radiation protection supervisor (RPS)?

.A listed vet or vet nurse employed in the practice who ensures that radiography it carried out safely.

Question 36

Radiation protection advisor (RPA)?

Answer 36

Radiation protection advisor (RPA)?

.A suitable qualified person not employed by the practice who is responsible for visiting the practice and inspecting radiation protection.

.RPA is responsible for writing the local rules.

Question 37

Hazards of radiation?

Answer 37

Hazards of radiation?

1) Tube head
2) Primary beam
3) Scatter radiation

.Persons 16-18 have restrictions on radiography work. There is a smaller dose limit for them.

Question 38

X-ray room?

Answer 38

X-ray room?

.Should have thick walls e.g. brick walls

.Controlled area - the area around the primary beam within which the average dose rate of exposure exceeds a given limit e.g. 2 metres, 6 more large animal

.Label controlled area and a red warming light should be displayed on entrance.

.Turn off machine once finished

.Report any faults to RPA.

Question 39

Maximum permeable dose (MPD)?

Answer 39

Maximum permeable dose (MPD)?

.Is the amount of radiation that can be received by the body without causing harm.

Question 40

Dosimeter?

Answer 40

Dosimeter?

.Record the amount of radiation you’re exposed to in the practice.

.Supplied by the national radiation protection board (NRPB) and are periodically exchanged when readings are taken.

.Dosimeter readings - should be kept for at least 2 years in the practice.

Question 41

Radiography PPE?

Answer 41

Radiography PPE?

.Peotective clothing - protects against scatter and not the primary beam.

Types - aprons, gloves, sleeves, thyroid guards and are made of plastic or rubber that is impregnated with lead.

.Aprons - should never be folded and should be hung up.

Question 42

X-ray records book?

Answer 42

X-ray records book?

.Every practice should have a record of exposures taken.

.Details of any person manually restraining durin x-ray should be noted in the x-ray book, so their exposure can be monitored.

Question 43

Processing chemicals?

Answer 43

Processing chemicals?

.Wear gloves, goggles and face mask and ventilate the room.

.When spent, chemicals should be placed in original container and collected by an authorised person.

Question 44

Animal welfare act 2006?

Answer 44

Animal welfare act 2006?

.Defines an animal as being any living vertebrae animal.

.It poses a duty of care (a legal phrase which means that someone is obligated to do something) on those persons responsible for animals e.g. owner, pet sitter, parent of person under 16.

Welfare needs (Five freedoms):

.Suitable environment
.Suitable diet
.Ability to exhibit normal behaviour
.Being housed with or apart from other animals
.Protection from pain, suffering, injury & disease

Question 45

Animal welfare law broken?

Answer 45

Animal welfare law broken?

.An improvement notice can be issued. It explains what they need to do to rectify the situation, the time frame to complete & action taken if fail todo so.

.Criminal prosecution can be pursued; if found guilty a person can be fined up to £20,000, have the animal taken away or be banned from keeping animals in the future.

Question 46

The microchipping of dogs regulations 2014?

Answer 46

The microchipping of dogs regulations 2014?

.All dogs are required to be microchipped and owner details must be correct.