Ch. 14 Promotional of Safety - Key TERMS
The efficient, coordinated, and safe use of the body to move objects and carry out activities of daily living. In nursing, proper body mechanics (like bending at the knees rather than the waist) are essential to prevent musculoskeletal injuries
Body Mechanics
An OSHA regulation (29 CFR 1910.1030) that prescribes safeguards to protect workers against health hazards related to bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. It mandates the use of Universal Precautions.
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Energized electrical tools, appliances, or fuse boxes
Class C
The act of walking or moving from place to place. Assisting with "safe ambulation" often requires gait belts to prevent patient falls.
Ambulation
Also known as a Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI); an infection that a patient acquires while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility for a different condition.
Nosocomial Infection
The area on which an object rests. In humans, this is the area between the feet. A wide base of support (standing with feet shoulder-width apart) increases stability and prevents falls when lifting or transferring patients
Base of Support
The practice of identifying and controlling factors in the physical environment (lighting, flooring, equipment, chemicals) that could cause injury or illness to patients or staff.
Environmental Safety
Magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium.
Class D
A sturdy device (usually canvas) worn around a patient's waist, used by healthcare providers to provide stability and a firm grip when assisting with transfers or walking.
Gait Belt
How to operate an extinguisher
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
P.A.S.S.
A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for setting and enforcing standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for employees.
OSHA
The process by which body tissues are affected by ionizing radiation (X-rays, Gamma rays). In a medical context, safety involves the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) using time, distance, and shielding
Radiation Exposure
Commercial kitchen oils, vegetable fats, and animal oils
Class K
A set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
Standard Precautions
Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate
How to behave during a fire emergency
R.A.C.E.
Formerly known as MSDS, this is a standardized document providing detailed information about a specific chemical, including its hazards, handling instructions, storage, and emergency first-aid procedures
Safety Data Sheet
Wood, paper, cloth, and many plastics.
Class A
The science of designing the workplace and its equipment to fit the worker’s capabilities and limitations, aiming to reduce fatigue and injury
Ergonomics
Specialized clothing or equipment (gloves, gowns, masks, goggles) worn by an employee for protection against infectious materials
Personal Protective Equipment
An OSHA standard (the "Right to Know" law) requiring employers to inform and train employees about the hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to at work.
Hazard Communication Standard
A set of rules or guidelines designed to ensure the safety of products, activities, or environments. In medicine, these are often mandated by organizations like The Joint Commission to minimize errors and accidents
Safety Standard
Gasoline, grease, oil, and oil-based paints.
Class B
The point at which the mass of an object is centered. In humans, it is generally located in the pelvic area; keeping an object close to your center of gravity while lifting prevents back strain
Center of Gravity
The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Medical asepsis (clean technique) reduces the number of pathogens, while surgical asepsis (sterile technique) eliminates them entirely.
Asepsis
A biological substance (like medical waste or virus samples) that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans
Biohazard