Ch. 14 Promotional of Safety
Body Mechanics
The coordinated use of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to maintain balance, posture, and alignment during movement to prevent injury.
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
OSHA regulations that protect healthcare workers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids (e.g., Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV).
Fire Extinguisher: Class C
Used for electrical fires (C = Current): fuse boxes, wiring, and electrical outlets.
RACE A:
Activate Pull the fire alarm and notify the facility operator or call 911.
What is Ergonomics?
An applied science used to promote safety and well-being by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries.
Base of Support
The area on which an object rests. For humans, standing with feet 8–10 inches apart provides a broad base of support and better stability.
Environmental Safety
The practice of identifying and correcting physical hazards in the facility, such as poor lighting, wet floors, or faulty equipment.
Fire Extinguisher: Class D
Used for combustible metals: often found in specialized laboratories.
RACE C:
Contain Close all doors and windows to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
What should you do with damaged or malfunctioning equipment?
Do not use it. Report it immediately and place a "Do Not Use" tag on it to alert others.
OSHA
A federal regulatory agency that establishes and enforces safety standards in the workplace to protect employees.
Radiation Exposure
The risk of injury from X-rays or radioactive materials. Safety is managed by Time (minimal exposure), Distance (staying far away), and Shielding (using lead).
Fire Extinguisher: Class K
Used for high-temperature oils and fats in commercial kitchens.
RACE E:
Extinguish or Evacuate Extinguish the fire if it is small; otherwise, evacuate the area immediately.
What are the two primary ways to identify a patient?
Check the patient’s identification wristband and ask them to state their full name and date of birth.
Safety Data Sheet
A document provided by chemical manufacturers containing 16 sections of information about a chemical, including hazards, first aid, and spill cleanup procedures.
Fire Extinguisher: Class A
Used for ordinary combustibles: paper, wood, cloth, and many plastics.
Three things needed to start a fire
Fuel (anything that will burn)
Heat (sparks, flames, or high temperature)
Oxygen (present in the air)
What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?
Pull the pin.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep from side to side.
When are safety glasses required in a clinical setting?
During any procedure that may result in the splashing or spraying of blood, body fluids, or hazardous chemicals.
Safety Standard
A set of rules designed to protect both the patient and the healthcare worker from environmental hazards and accidents.
Fire Extinguisher: Class B
Used for flammable liquids: gasoline, oil, paint, grease, and cooking fats.
RACE: R
Rescue Immediately move anyone in immediate danger to a safe area.
How many times should you read the label on a solution bottle?
Three times: (1) When you take it from the shelf, (2) while you pour it, and (3) when you put it back.
What is the first step if a chemical splashes into your eye?
Immediately flush the eye with large amounts of cool water for at least 15 minutes and report the incident to a supervisor.