What is a common hazardous chemical found in a health care setting?

Products common to the health care setting that contain toxic chemicals include: Baby bottles (phthlates or bisphenol-A) Medical gauges, thermometers, sphygmomanometers, dental amalgam, laboratory chemicals and preservatives such as thimerosal (mercury) LCD displays, fluorescent lamps, and computer equipment (mercury)

What are the types of hazardous substances that are exposure risks to healthcare workers?

They include bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards, potential chemical and drug exposures, waste anesthetic gas exposures, respiratory hazards, ergonomic hazards from lifting and repetitive tasks, laser hazards, workplace violence, hazards associated with laboratories, and radioactive material and x-ray hazards.

What are hazardous substances in health and social care?

Hazardous substances found in a health and social care environment may include: Cleaning materials. Disinfectants. Body fluids.

What is a hazard in healthcare?

Hazard. A factor or exposure that may adversely affect health; anything that has the potential to cause harm.

What are some examples of hazardous materials?

The following are examples of commonly shipped materials that are considered hazardous:

  • Battery powered equipment (some)
  • Consumer commodities such as aerosols and lighters.
  • Contents of first aid kits (some)
  • Corrosives.
  • Dry ice.
  • Environmentally hazardous substances.
  • Explosives, gases, and flammable liquids.
  • Flammable solids.

How hazardous is healthcare?

Healthcare workers face a wide range of hazards on the job, including sharps injuries, harmful exposures to chemicals and hazardous drugs, back injuries, latex allergy, violence, and stress.

What types of hazardous substances may be found in a work setting?

1. Common hazardous substances

  • biological agents – such as fungi, bacteria, viruses.
  • natural substances – such as grain, flour or enzyme dusts.
  • substances generated by work – such as soldering or welding fumes, or wood dust.
  • chemical products used or produced at work – such as adhesives or cleaning agents.

What are the 3 most common hazards in health?

Common hazards and risks

  • lifting, supporting and moving patients.
  • moving and handling equipment such as wheelchairs and trolleys.
  • work-related stress.
  • occupational violence.
  • slips, trips and falls.
  • bullying and harassment.

What are hazardous chemicals used for in healthcare?

Chemical Hazards Many hazardous chemicals are present in healthcare settings, which may pose an exposure risk for healthcare workers, patients, and others. These chemicals are used to do the following: Treat patients (e.g., antineoplastic drugs, aerosolized medications, anesthetic gases)

What is a hazardous drug exposure in healthcare?

HAZARDOUS DRUG EXPOSURES IN HEALTHCARE. Overview. Health care workers who prepare or administer hazardous drugs (e.g., those used for cancer therapy, and some antiviral drugs, hormone agents, and bioengineered drugs) or who work in areas where these drugs are used may be exposed to these agents in the workplace.

What are the rules for handling hazardous substances in the workplace?

These substances may include things such as: You must minimise exposure to hazardous substances and train staff in how to handle these substances safely. You should ensure staff know how to deal with accidents and spillages according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).

What is a hazardous building in healthcare?

The term hazardous takes on a whole new meaning inside healthcare facility walls. For example, construction in a nearby Radiology Suite can cause six HAIs and two patient deaths. Workers must understand how their work can cause grave illness and even death in healthcare patients when proper precautions are not taken.