Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials Flashcards
What is ‘Hazard’?
The potential to cause harm
e. g.
- Work hazards
- > Corrosive
- > Carcinogenic
What is ‘Risk’?
The likelihood of harm
What are the main types of Hazard in a workplace?
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biological
- Psychological
What are the criteria for classifying a drug as ‘Hazardous’?
Drugs that meet one or more of the following criteria should be handled as hazardous:
- Carcinogenicity
- Teratogenicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Organ toxicity at low doses
- Genotoxicity
Who could be affected by hazardous drugs?
Personnel involved in: - Pharmacy functions - Transport - Stores/reception/issue or dispensing - Administration - General nursing duties Patients Carers Relatives
What are the main exposure routes for hazardous drugs?
Ingestion of contaminated food, drinks etc
Inhalation of drug aerosol or dust
Absorption through skin
Direct contact/injection/splashing (e.g. into eye)
What is the usual latency period following exposure to cytotoxic drugs?
Several years
What is the Hierarchy of Control in managing risks?
Assessment of risk Elimination Substitution Good working practice Engineering controls PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Who should carry out the management of risks via the Hierarchy of Control?
Only by specially trained personnel in conditions which:
- Protect workers and the environment
- Protect the integrity of the product
How is ‘Elimination’ carried out from the Hierarchy of Control?
- Removal from general areas
- Segregation of workflows
- > Radiopharmacy
- > Cytotoxics
- > Non-hazardous CIVAs
- > Biological
- Purchase ready to use liquids over powders
What are the main aspects of ‘Administrative Controls’?
- Education and training
- Availability of information e.g. data sheets
- SOPs, Policies, Agreed work practices
- Surveillance/Monitoring/Supervision
Administrative Controls: How can you improve ‘Procedures’?
- Minimum number of staff
- Adherence to recommended work practices
- Standardised Prescribing/Ordering/Documentation etc
- Clear, detailed SOPs
- Use of illustrations & diagrams
Administrative Controls: Good supervision ensures…
- Good technique adhered to
- Procedures undertake accurately, correctly and safely
- Less waste
- Enhances operator & patient safely
What are the 2 main aspects for ‘Engineering Controls’?
- Product protection
- Operator protection (PPE)
What grade of clean room is a Safety cabinet (Class II Microbiological Safety Cabinet)
C
What considerations do you need to think about with Isolators?
Negative pressure vs. Positive pressure
Flexible film vs. Rigid
Gaseous sterilisation vs. Traditional transfer methods
Describe the airflow in cleanroom
Laminar airflow inside the cabinet
Turbulent airflow outside caused by HEPA filter
What are the main characteristics of safety cabinets?
- Reserved for hazardous
- Minimal storage
- Ergonomic design
- Fully cleanable surfaces and furniture
- Appropriate operation, monitoring, service & maintenance
What types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are available?
Garments - Gowns, Sleeves, Gloves, Glasses, Masks etc Mats, Swabs Shields, Dispensing aids Waste handling equipment
What is best practice when it comes to needles?
- Luer-lock syringes
- > Size greater than required volume
- > Never more than 75% (3/4) full
- Use vented needles or filter needles to normalize vial pressures and minimise aerosols
What sundries should be made available?
- Chemo mats
- > Absorbent, plastic backed sheeting
- Venting devices
- Luer-lock fittings
Is the re-sheathing of needles permitted in healthcare setting?
No
What are the main methods of decontamination?
Removal - Aqueous clean - Detergent - Validated method Denaturation - Biologicals - Liquid/gaseous exhange
What are the main ways to avoid hazardous spillages?
- Safer packaging
- PPE
- Containment
- Prompt action
- Disposal facilities
- Spillage kits
- Incident reporting/documentation
