Safe handling of hazardous material

Question 2

What is the definition of Toxic?

Answer 2

Acutely harmful to health

Toxic substances can cause significant health issues upon exposure.

Question 3

What does Cytotoxic mean?

Answer 3

Acutely harmful to cells, disrupts DNA and drives apoptosis

Cytotoxic agents are often used in chemotherapy.

Question 4

What is the meaning of Embryotoxic?

Answer 4

Acutely harmful to embryos/foetuses

Embryotoxic substances can lead to serious developmental issues.

Question 5

Define Mutagenic.

Answer 5

Capable of changing genetic material

Mutagenic agents can lead to genetic mutations.

Question 6

What does Carcinogenic refer to?

Answer 6

Capable of directly causing cancer

Carcinogenic substances increase the risk of cancer development.

Question 7

What is Teratogenic?

Answer 7

Causes malformations in embryos/foetus

Teratogenic effects can lead to congenital disabilities.

Question 8

What is the definition of Harm?

Answer 8

Adverse outcome or impact

Harm can result from exposure to hazardous substances.

Question 9

Define Risk in the context of hazardous substances.

Answer 9

The matrixed combination of severity and likelihood

Understanding risk is essential for effective safety management.

Question 10

What does Likelihood refer to?

Answer 10

The chance the harm event will occur under defined working conditions

Likelihood assessment helps in risk evaluation.

Question 11

What is meant by Severity?

Answer 11

The seriousness of the harm

Severity helps in prioritizing safety measures.

Question 12

What are Biological hazards?

Answer 12

Harmful organic substances e.g. proteins or blood

Biological hazards can lead to infections and diseases.

Question 13

Define Chemical hazards.

Answer 13

Harmful inorganic substances e.g. bleach, 5-FU

Chemical hazards can cause toxicity and chemical burns.

Question 14

What are Physical hazards?

Answer 14

Harmful environmental factors e.g. protease, noise, radiation, poor ergonomics and unsafe work areas

Physical hazards can lead to injuries and health issues.

Question 15

What are Psychosocial hazards?

Answer 15

Not bio/chem/phys but have an adverse effect on well-being e.g. harassment, low control, workload and bad culture

Psychosocial hazards affect mental health and workplace morale.

Question 16

What does HASWA 1974 stand for?

Answer 16

Health and Safety at Work Act

This act mandates reducing risks as far as is ‘reasonable practicable’.

Question 17

What is the purpose of PPEWR 1992?

Answer 17

Mandates employers to provide PPE when exposed to risks

Personal protective equipment is crucial for worker safety.

Question 18

What does COSHH 2002 regulate?

Answer 18

Control of substances hazardous to health

COSHH ensures safe handling of hazardous substances.

Question 19

Name a criterion for defining hazardous drugs.

Answer 19

Carcinogenicity

Drugs meeting certain criteria are handled as hazardous.

Question 20

What is the role of NIOSH?

Answer 20

US federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness

NIOSH plays a crucial role in occupational safety.

Question 21

What does WHO - IARC do?

Answer 21

Specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization that categorizes chemicals into carcinogen groups

IARC has classified over 1000 agents.

Question 22

List potential routes of exposure to hazardous substances.

Answer 22

• Ingestion
• Inhalation
• Dermal
• Mucosal membranes
• Percutaneous

Understanding exposure routes is vital for risk assessment.

Question 23

What are some side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy?

Answer 23

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Decreased blood cell counts
• Infection risk
• Potentially fertility issues

Side effects can significantly impact patient quality of life.

Question 24

Who could be affected by hazardous drug exposure?

Answer 24

* Personnel involved in manufacture * Transport * Stores * Reception * Dispensing * Administration * Nursing ## Footnote Carers and relatives are also at risk.

Question 25

What reproductive risks are associated with high cytotoxic exposure?

Answer 25

* Increased risk of premature delivery * Increased time to conceive * Low birth weight ## Footnote These risks highlight the importance of safe handling practices.

Question 26

What is surface contamination?

Answer 26

Contamination of vial surfaces, product surfaces, and work surfaces ## Footnote Surface contamination can lead to significant exposure risks.

Question 27

What is the hierarchy of control in managing risks?

Answer 27

* Elimination * Substitution * Engineering Controls * Administrative Controls ## Footnote This hierarchy helps prioritize safety measures.

Question 28

What does elimination involve in risk management?

Answer 28

Eliminating unnecessary contact where possible ## Footnote Preparing in the Pharmacy is an example of this control.

Question 29

What is substitution in the context of risk management?

Answer 29

Replacing hazardous materials with less hazardous alternatives ## Footnote For example, substituting powders with liquids.

Question 30

What are some engineering controls for hazardous drug handling?

Answer 30

* Product protection * Operator protection (PPE) ## Footnote Well-designed rooms and ventilated cabinets are critical.

Question 31

What are some administrative controls for handling hazardous materials?

Answer 31

* Education & training * Clear SOPs/policies * Standardized documentation systems * Minimum staff numbers ## Footnote Administrative controls ensure compliance and safety.

Question 32

What is the correct use of sharps containers?

Answer 32

* Purple for cytotoxic waste * Yellow for non-cytotoxic medicinal waste * Orange for non-medicinal waste ## Footnote Proper waste disposal is crucial for safety.

Question 33

What types of gloves are commonly used for protection?

Answer 33

* Latex * Vinyl * Nitrile * Neoprene * Polyurethane ## Footnote Each type has different levels of protection and cost.

Question 34

What is decontamination?

Answer 34

* Removal * Denaturation ## Footnote Effective decontamination methods are essential for safety.

Question 35

What should be done in case of spillages?

Answer 35

* Incident reporting/documentation * Proper disposal of contaminated equipment ## Footnote Spill management is critical to maintain safety.

Question 36

What areas should be monitored for contamination?

Answer 36

* Surfaces of work area * Starting materials * Finished products ## Footnote Environmental monitoring helps identify contamination risks.