Health & Safety

Question 1

Hazard (workplace safety)

Answer 1

AGENT with potential for harm

Any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone

E.g. material, substance, behaviour, process, practice, energy source, environmental condition

Question 2

Risk (workplace safety)

Answer 2

CHANCE someone/something will be harmed if exposed to a hazard; probability

Question 3

Factors affecting risk (3)

Answer 3

Nature of exposure (amount of exposure = once a 1yr)
Manner of exposure (skin contact)
Severity of effect (skin irritation)

Question 4

Hazard identification

Answer 4

Process of evaluating if any particular item has the potential to cause harm

Find and record potential hazards in workplace

Question 5

Risk assessment

Answer 5

Full process:
Identify hazards
Analyze and evaluate risk
Determine appropriate ways to eliminate hazard or reduce risk

Question 6

Risk control

Answer 6

Determine ways to control risk when hazard cannot be eliminated

Question 7

When to do hazard identification (5)

Answer 7

During design and implementation (new process)
Before tasks are started (checking equipment)
While tasks are being done (sudden changes in working conditions)
During inspections (formal or informal)
After incidents, near misses, minor events (greater risk)

Question 8

Hazard types (4)

Answer 8

Biological, chemical,
Ergonomically, physical,
Psychosocial,
Safety

Question 9

Sources of information aiding hazard identification (3)

Answer 9

MSDS sheets (material safety data sheets)
manuals or operating instructions
Safety organizations, government agencies, other reputable organizations
Results from previous safety inspections

Question 10

PPE

Answer 10

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to specific hazards - REDUCE RISK

Personal protective equipment = barrier
One element in a hazard control program
does not reduce hazard or guarantee protection

Question 11

When is PPE used (4)

Answer 11

Hazard cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled
During maintenance, repair, or clean up
Emergency situation
Interim measure while controls are implemented

Question 12

Hierarchy of control

Answer 12

Elimination / substitution
Engineering controls (design/modifications)
Administrative controls (procedure, practices)
PPE

Question 13

Equipment safety: important readings

Answer 13

ALWAYS read manual for EQUIPMENT
Facilities may also have standard operating procedures, training manuals, other docs
Above readings take precedence over general guidelines

Question 14

General Safety: grinders (4)

Answer 14

VISUAL, Grinder is securely fastened
OFF, barrel/wheel moves freely, all electrical cables intact
PPE (eye/ear protection)
Work slowly, even and gradual pressure, only pressure needed to complete task

Question 15

General Safety: sharp blades or edges (4)

Answer 15

VISUAL inspection for sharpness
RIGHT tool for right job (limitations of tool)
Secure surface, well lit space, PPE
Cut away from body using stronger hand, firm/even pressure

Question 16

General Safety: powered hand tools (4)

Answer 16

VISUAL inspect, cords, switches
PPE (eye/ear protection)
Clamps/vice/other to support and hold material
Minimum force applied (no speed or unintended materials)

Question 17

General Safety: band saw (5)

Answer 17

VISUAL, cords, switches, guards
PPE (ear/eye protection), secure loose items
Hold work firmly against table, keep hands clear of cut line, use brush to clear dust/debris
Minimum force applied (no speed or unintended materials)
POWER OFF and STOPPED RUNNING when not using

Question 18

Factors contributing to risk of violence when working alone with ptnts (5)

Answer 18

Isolated environment
Patient anxiety/nervousness
Public access to work environment (early AM and late PM greater risk)
Availability of drugs/valuables at workplace
Off-site locations (e.g. home)

Question 19

Strategies for reducing risk when working alone with ptnt (clinic) (5)

Answer 19

Communication = open and respectful
Explanation = everything, clear, thorough
Avoid working alone; use a check-in system with a colleague if alone
If ptnt hostile = stop immediately, determine next steps
If you feel threatened = stop immediately, call for help

Question 20

Strategies for reducing risk when working alone with ptnt (house) (4)

Answer 20

Check-in system with colleague, supervisor, trusted contact
Identify risks in geographic area, be aware of surroundings at all times
Communication = positive body language and verbal communication
Day time appointments only

Question 21

Information source for public health measures, updates, recommendations

Answer 21

Local public health unit

Question 22

3 Key components when implementing and following public health measures

Answer 22

Communication - everyone knows, understands measures to be adhered to, changes
PPE and NMM (masks)
Cleaning and disinfecting - guidelines from public health agency of Canada

Question 23

Is a NMM (mask) considered a PPE

Answer 23

No

Question 24

5 Steps for sanitation and infection control

Answer 24

Procedures = set by employer/facility/organization
Products = instructions, PPE, WHMIS
Clean and then sanitize (don’t mix unless instructions permit)
Hand washing
Body fluids = disposable gloves/towels, local regulations for disposal of cleaning materials

Question 25

Handwashing

Answer 25

Single most effective way to prevent spread of infections

Lather at least 20 seconds, all surfaces of hands, nails, wrists
Paper towel to turn off

Alt. 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Question 26

Who is responsible for health and safety

Answer 26

Everyone