hazcom fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/hfs2014.pdf · if you need...

17
ATTENTION STAFF : Please read the following information in order to correctly identify what Category of Annual Mandatory Modules you should complete. The same information is listed on Policy Stat (located on the intranet) under Employee Exposure Determination. If you still have questions regarding your job classification and its corresponding category after consulting this infor- mation, please see your Department Director for assistance. CATEGORY A - Category A consists of occupations that require procedures or other occupation- related tasks that involve exposure or reasonably anticipated exposures to blood or OPIM or that involve likelihood for spills or splashes of blood or OPIM. This includes procedures or tasks conducted in non-routine situations as a condition of employment. The following are job classifications, department and task placed in Category A: DEPARTMENT JOB CLASSIFICATION Administration President/CEO Business Office Central Registration Clerk Cardiac Rehab RN, Aide Cardiopulmonary RT, CP Assistant Education/Foundation/Marketing Director, Health Education Specialist, Health Mgt. Coordinator Environmental Services Machine Operator, General Utility Human Resources HR Health Coordinator/Infection Preventionist, Van Driver Imaging Services Director, Technologists Laboratory Director, Med Tech or MLT, Lab Tech or Aid, Phlebotomist, Hist Tech or Trainee Nursing Director, Acute Care Coord, Clinical Manager, OR Clinical Coord, RN, LPN, LPN Surg Tech, Cert. Surg Tech, Non-Cert. Surg Tech, OB Tech, PUA,HUC, Central Supply Aide Pharmacy Director, Staff Pharmacist, Technician Physician Services Clinical Asst 1 & 2—In offices, Courier, Med. Secretary, NP, Physician, PA Plant Operations Director, Assistant, Mechanic Rehabilitative Services Director, PT, PTA, PT Clerk/Aide, OT, Speech Therapist If you are a Category A employee, you are required to complete all module sections noted “A” as well as “A&B.” If you need clarification, please see your department director. Please see next page for list of Category B Job classifications Page 1

Upload: others

Post on 08-Aug-2020

3 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

ATTENTION STAFF: Please read the following information in order to correctly identify what Category of Annual Mandatory

Modules you should complete. The same information is listed on Policy Stat (located on the intranet) under Employee Exposure

Determination. If you still have questions regarding your job classification and its corresponding category after consulting this infor-

mation, please see your Department Director for assistance.

CATEGORY A - Category A consists of occupations that require procedures or other occupation- related tasks

that involve exposure or reasonably anticipated exposures to blood or OPIM or that involve likelihood for spills or

splashes of blood or OPIM. This includes procedures or tasks conducted in non-routine situations as a condition of

employment.

The following are job classifications, department and task placed in Category A:

DEPARTMENT JOB CLASSIFICATION

Administration President/CEO

Business Office Central Registration Clerk

Cardiac Rehab RN, Aide

Cardiopulmonary RT, CP Assistant

Education/Foundation/Marketing Director, Health Education Specialist, Health Mgt. Coordinator

Environmental Services Machine Operator, General Utility

Human Resources HR Health Coordinator/Infection Preventionist, Van Driver

Imaging Services Director, Technologists

Laboratory Director, Med Tech or MLT, Lab Tech or Aid, Phlebotomist, Hist Tech or

Trainee

Nursing Director, Acute Care Coord, Clinical Manager, OR Clinical Coord, RN, LPN,

LPN Surg Tech, Cert. Surg Tech, Non-Cert. Surg Tech, OB Tech, PUA,HUC,

Central Supply Aide

Pharmacy Director, Staff Pharmacist, Technician

Physician Services Clinical Asst 1 & 2—In offices, Courier, Med. Secretary, NP, Physician, PA

Plant Operations Director, Assistant, Mechanic

Rehabilitative Services Director, PT, PTA, PT Clerk/Aide, OT, Speech Therapist

If you are a Category A employee, you are required to complete all module sections noted

“A” as well as “A&B.” If you need clarification, please see your department director.

Please see next page for list of Category B Job classifications

Page 1

Page 2: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

CATEGORY B - Category B consists of occupations that do not require tasks that involve exposure to blood or

OPIM on routine or non-routine basis as a condition of employment . Employees in this category do not perform

or assist in emergency medical care or first aid, and are not reasonably anticipated to be exposed in any way.

The following are job classifications, department and task placed in Category B:

DEPARTMENT JOB CLASSIFICATION

Accounting/MIS Controller, Accountant, Specialist, Data Processing

Administration CFO, Administrative Secretary, Compliance Officer

Business Office Billing, Credit & Collection, Patient Accounts, Staff Accountant,

Switchboard Operator

Food Nutrition Services Director, Cook, General Utility, Diet Checker

Human Resources Director, HR Assistant, Benefits Representative

Imaging Services Central Imaging Scheduling, Transcriptionist

Laboratory Secretary

Materials Management Director, Storeroom Clerk

Medical Records Director, Transcriptionist, Secretary, File Clerk, Coder

Pharmacy Secretary

Physician Services Physician Office Cashier, Biller, Patient Accounts Clerk,

Interdepartmental Secretary

Quality/Risk/UR Director, Social Worker, Discharge Planner, Secretary

If you are a Category B employee, you are required to complete all module sections noted

“B” as well as “A&B.” If you need clarification, please see your department director.

ALL CATEGORY A & B EMPLOYEES Continue on for Mandatory Module

Page 2

Page 3: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

DIRECTIONS: At the end of this section/module, please complete the quiz

online with the corresponding topic. Results will be available to you at the

conclusion of each quiz. Please review, and if needed, arrange to meet

with your manager to discuss any questions you may have.

Page 3

Huron Medical Center has an Education Policy (Number:831.800.02) that gives us guidance when developing and updating this Publication. The Purpose of this policy and the Education Grid is to help us ensure you have the information and competency needed to perform your job functions safely and assure Huron Medical Center is compliant with regulatory requirements. Each department also has department specific education needs. Please re-view any departmental policies and procedures specific to your area for any top-ics covered in this newsletter. Thank you for your time and energy in completing the annual requirements! If you have any questions regarding anything that you have read, please refer them to your Manager. If they are unable to answer your question, they will help you find someone who can.

Thank you for reading this information! Your participation in the Annual Mandatory Safety

Education is important for your safety and the safety of others at HMC

November 2014

Huron Medical Center 2014 Annual Mandatory Review

Hazcom, & Fire Safety

Page 4: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

New changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard are bringing the United States into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), further improving safety and health protections for America’s Workers. Building on the success of OSHA’s current Hazard Communication Standard, the GHS is expected to prevent injuries and illnesses, save lives and improve trade conditions for chemical manufacturers. The Hazard Communication Standard in 1983 gave workers the “right to know,” but the new Globally Harmonized System gives workers the “right to understand.” The new hazard communication standard still requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the chemicals they produce or import and provide hazard information to employers and workers by putting labels on containers and preparing safety data sheets (SDS). However, the old standard allowed chemical manufacturers and importers to convey hazard information on labels and materials safety data sheets in whatever format the chose. The modified standard provides a single set of harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards and specifies hazard communication elements for labeling and safety data sheets.

MAJOR CHANGES TO THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARDMAJOR CHANGES TO THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARDMAJOR CHANGES TO THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD ∗ Hazard Classification: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to determine the hazards of

the chemicals they produce or import. Hazard classification under the new, updated standard provides specific criteria to address health and physical hazards as well as classification of chemical mixtures

∗ Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement for each hazard class and category

∗ Safety Data Sheets: The new format requires 16 specific sections, ensuring consistency in presentation of important protection information

∗ Information and Training: To facilitate understanding of the new system, the new standard requires that workers be trained by December 1, 2013 on the new label elements and safety data sheet format, in addition to current training requirements

What was once referred to as a material safety data sheet (MSDS) will now be referred to as a safety data sheet (SDS); and now will have a specified 16-section format, that follows this order:

Page 4

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

1. Identification 9. Physical and chemical properties

2. Hazard(s) identification 10. Stability and reactivity

3. Composition/information on ingredients 11. Toxicological information

4. First aid measures 12. Ecological information*

5. Fire fighting measures 13. Disposal considerations*

6. Accidental release measures 14. Transport information*

7. Handling and Storage 15. Regulatory information*

8. Exposure controls/personal protection 16. Other information

*not regulated by OSHA

Page 5: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

Page 5

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

LABELS- Chemical manufacturers and importers shall provide a label that includes both a Product Identi-

fier as well as a Supplier Identifier. The Product Identifier will have a code as well as a product name, while

the Supplier Identifier will consist of the company name, address, and emergency phone number. A label

must also include the following:

∗ Signal Word: A signal word indicates the relative level of the severity of hazard. The signal words used

are “DANGER” for the more severe hazards, and “WARNING” for less severe hazards ∗ Hazard Statement: A statement that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where

needed, the degree of hazard ∗ Precautionary Statement: A phrase that describes recommended measures to be taken to minimize or

prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure, improper storage or handling ∗ Pictograms: Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background within a red diamond border.

There are nine GHS pictograms; however, only eight pictograms are required by OSHA. The exception

is the environmental pictogram, as these hazards are not within OSHA’s jurisdiction. The pictograms and

corresponding hazards are shown below.

Health Hazard

Flame

Exclamation Mark

• Carcinogen • Mutagenicity • Reproductive toxicity • Respiratory sensitizer • Target organ toxicity • Aspiration toxicity

• Flammables • Pyrophorics • Self-heating • Emits flammable gas • Self-reactives • Organic peroxides

• Irritant (skin and eye) • Skin sensitizer • Acute toxicity (harmful) • Narcotic effects • Respiratory tract irritant • Hazardous to Ozone layer (Non-mandatory)

Gas Cylinder

Corrosion

Exploding Bomb

• Gases under Pressure • Skin corrosion / burns • Eye damage • Corrosive to metals

• Explosives • Self-reactives • Organic peroxides

Flame over Circle

Environment

(Non-Mandatory)

Skull and Crossbones

• Oxidizers • Aquatic toxicity • Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

Page 6: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

Page 6

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

As mentioned on the previous page, chemical manufacturers and importers shall provide a label that includes

both a Product Identifier as well as a Supplier Identifier. Please see the circled areas on the example label

below for of all the necessary information a manufacturer or importer must list.

The label on the original container from the manufacturer should already contain all of the necessary labeling

requirements. Therefore, do not remove or destroy them. External transport containers may contain addi-

tional Department of Transportation (DOT) labels.

Secondary container labeling, or workplace labeling, are those which HMC would create when transferring

chemicals from the original container to another (i.e. bleach from original container to a smaller spray bottle).

Secondary container labels must be easily readable and include the following:

∗ Information from the original container

∗ Product Identifier (name)

∗ Words, pictures and symbols regarding the hazards

The full scope of information will continue to be listed on the SDS, itself.

Page 7: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

Page 7

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

The only time a label is not needed, is when a chemical is

transferred from a labeled container and is used IMMEDI-

ATELY by the person who performs the transfer.

SDS Information for specific chemicals

used at HMC can be accessed by call-

ing the 3E Company at the number

listed below

The information listed on this form

stays the same; except for the

change from MSDS to SDS

For any other questions regarding specific

chemicals used within your department, or how

their presence and release is detected, please

contact your Director.

Page 8: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

Page 8

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Huron Medical Center’s response to chemical spills is currently limited to the immediate cleanup of small spills. Immediate cleanup means that the spill can be cleaned up within 15 minutes. Immediate manage-ment is the responsibility of the first employee who encounters the spill or release. If a spill occurs – Remember SIN

S – Safety – Most important – Protect yourself and act in a safe manner in responding to and cleaning up the spill

I – Isolation – Shut doors, set up barricades / caution tape / post guards to isolate the spill area / turn off ventilation systems that re-circulate air.

N – Notification – Call Central Registration to announce Code Hazmat (along with the location) over the PA. Also notify your Supervisor and the Safety Officer.

♦ Hazardous material spill clean up kits should be available in all departments that use hazardous chemi-

cals. Departments that transport hazardous chemicals throughout the facility should carry a spill kit on the transport cart.

♦ If a large spill would occur and the SDS indicates that there is an OSHA threshold that may be sur-passed, then an outside cleanup firm must be contacted to conduct the cleanup.

♦ Department managers are responsible for conducting any required training on hazardous chemicals and cleanup procedures used in their departments.

♦ All employees who handle hazardous chemicals should be trained to the HAZWOPER Awareness level.

♦ All employees who handle hazardous chemicals must be trained in self-decontamination techniques. In general, removing contaminated clothing will reduce the exposure to a large degree.

Page 9: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

Electricity is more than a convenience—we can’t pro-vide excellent patient care without it. But electricity can also be dangerous. Here’s what you can do to promote electrical safety: You should discontinue use of any equipment if you receive a shock from it. ♦ All electrical equipment used in a patient care area

must be either: 3-wire, battery powered, or double insulated with UL listing

♦ Equipment plugs should fit snug when plugged into electrical outlets.

♦ Use of space heaters is prohibited. ♦ Do not use any outlet that is loose—notify Plant

Operations. ♦ Never pull plugs by the cord—always grasp the

plug itself. ♦ Use conduction gel with all EKG monitoring/

defibrillation equipment. ♦ Report any instances of static electricity to Plant

Operations. ♦ Check cords for fraying and nicks. It is unacceptable to patch cords with electrical tape—they must be replaced. Do not “daisy chain” electrical

power strips by plugging one into another. If your work area needs more electrical outlets, please contact Plant Operations.

Huron Medical Center has backup electrical generat-ing capacity to insure a continuous electrical power supply to critical care areas, emergency lighting, and life safety systems. However, for critical patient care equipment to operate, it must be plugged into the RED EMERGENCY RECEPTACLES. Do not overload electrical circuits by using multiple adapters on a single outlet. A fuse blows/a breaker trips when the current flow exceeds the rating of the fuse/circuit breaker. If a breaker trips in your area, contact Plant Operations. Extension cords when needed will be provided by Plant Operations on a temporary basis only. Do not use damaged electrical equipment. Immedi-ately take such equipment out of service and fill out a maintenance repair request with date, your name, as well as a description and a location of the specific problem.

Radiation is something you can’t smell, feel, or touch, but it can harm you if you are over-exposed. At Huron Medical Center, radiation exposure is monitored to ensure the exposure to radiation is kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). This is monitored quarterly by a radiation physicist, along with periodic inspections from state and fed-eral agencies. The Minimize Radiation Exposure policy can be found on Policy Stat on HMC’s Intranet. This policy lists procedures taken to help minimize radiation exposure to both hospital employees and patients. Our radiologists and the Nuclear Medicine Tech-nologist monitor any radioactivity should there be a spill, leak, or a terrorist attack using radioactive ma-terials.

As an employee, you can eliminate unnecessary exposure by doing the following: ♦ Limit the amount of time you are

exposed ♦ Stay a safe distance from the

source ♦ Use proper shielding Other safe practices also apply: ♦ Wear personal protective equipment as required

– including gloves, thyroid collars, and aprons. ♦ Wear a monitoring badge when indicated by your

job to indicate what your exposure has been. ♦ Consult the Radiation Safety Officer or your su-

pervisor if you have to work around radiation and you are pregnant.

♦ Be aware of instructions from the Radiologic Technologist when portable films are being taken or during any other radiologic procedure.

Page 9

2011 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module 2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Page 10: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

Huron Medical Center prohibits physical, verbal, nonverbal or visual harassment, threats, intimida-tion or violence to employees, patients, visitors or guests of the organization. Any violence which occurs on HMC’s property will not be tolerated. In the event of a violent incident: ♦ A zero tolerance is applied for those engaging

in verbal or non-verbal threats or related ac-tions of violence at HMC. No reprisal will be taken against any employees or medical staff members who reports or experiences work-place violence.

♦ An “Occurrence Report” must be filled out to record any and all violent events, and filed with Risk Management within 24 hours.

♦ All employees, physicians and volunteers are responsible for the security of the facility.

♦ All incidents must be reported to your man-ager and documented on a “Occurrence Re-port”.

Examples of conduct that may be considered a threat or acts of violence prohibited under this policy include, but are not limited to, the follow-ing: ♦ Hitting or shoving an individual. ♦ Threatening to harm an individual or his/her

family, friends, associates or their property. ♦ The intentional destruction or threat of de-

struction of property owned, operated or con-trolled by HMC.

♦ Making harassing or threatening telephone calls, or sending harassing or threatening let-ters or other forms of written or electronic communications.

♦ Stalking or making a credible threat with the intent of placing the other person in reason-able fear for his or her safety.

♦ Possession of firearms, weapons or any other dangerous devices on HMC property.

How Do I Respond to Violence? In the event of imminent danger or in-progress physical assault: ♦ Employees should remove themselves from

danger and call 911 immediately. ♦ If a firearm is involved, take whatever meas-

ures are necessary to protect yourself and others.

♦ An employee should never place herself or himself in harms way. Err on the side of cau-tion.

♦ In the case of a robbery, employees should not attempt to intervene.

♦ All employees should be aware of their envi-ronment and the people in it. Suspicious per-sons should always be reported to your man-ager and/or Safety Officer.

♦ Unauthorized persons should be escorted out of the building or to their appropriate destina-tion.

♦ NO DOOR should be wedged or propped open for any reason.

What Can Be Done to Help Prevent Violence? ♦ A “Lockdown” may be initiated to restrict ac-

cess into HMC buildings ♦ Contact law enforcement or other investiga-

tion agencies. ♦ Non-employees may be expelled from HMC

grounds, denied visitation rights or discharged from patient care if medically feasible, de-pending upon the severity of the threat or vio-lence.

♦ The Safety Officer will inform employees of threats to security and safety on a need-to-know basis. Descriptions of perpetrators or suspicious persons will be circulated to staff a s necessary.

♦ The Safety Committee will continue to assess risks and implement actions to improve safety and security.

Page 10

211 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Page 11: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Three things must be present at the

same time to produce fire:

1. Enough Oxygen to sustain combus-

tion

2. Enough Heat to reach ignition tem-

perature

3. Some Fuel or combustible material

Fire safety is based on the principle of keeping fuel sources,

oxidizers, and ignition sources separate.

FUEL CLASSIFICATIONS

Fires are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning.

If you use the wrong type of extinguisher on the wrong class of

fire, you might make matters worse. It is very important to un-

derstand the four different fire (fuel) classifications:

Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics—

solids that are not metals.

Class B: Flammable liquids—gasoline, oil,

grease, acetone. Includes flammable gases.

Class C: Electrical—energized electrical equip-

ment. As long as it is “plugged in.”

Class D: Metals—potassium, sodium, aluminum,

magnesium. Requires Metal-X, foam, and other

special extinguishing agents.

Most fire extinguishers will

h a v e a p i c t o g r a p h

label telling you which types

of fire the extinguisher is de-

signed to fight.

For example, a simple water

extinguisher might have a la-

bel like this, which means it

should only be used on Class

A fires.

Page 9

Page 12: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different classes of fire. The three most common

types of fire extinguishers are:

1. Water (APW)

♦ Large, silver fire extinguishers that stand about 2 feet tall and weigh about 25

pounds when full.

♦ APW stands for “Air-Pressurized Water.”

♦ Filled with ordinary tap water and pressurized air, they are essentially large

squirt guns.

APW’s extinguish fire by taking away the “Heat” element of the Fire Triangle.

APW’s are designed for Class A fires only: Wood, paper, cloth. Here are a couple of reasons you need

to be careful about which extinguisher you use:

♦ Using water on a flammable liquid fire could cause the fire to spread.

♦ Using water on an electrical fire increases the risk of electrocution. If you have no choice but to use an

APW on an electrical fire, make sure the electrical equipment is unplugged or de-energized.

APW’s will be found in older buildings, particularly in public hallways, as well as in residence halls on cam-

pus. They will also be found in computer laboratories. It is important to remember, however, that computer

equipment must be disconnected from its electrical source before using a water extinguisher on it.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The pressure in a CO2

extinguisher is so

great, bits of dry ice

might shoot out of the

horn!

♦ CO2 cylinders are red. They range in size from 5 pounds to 100 pounds or lar-

ger. On larger sizes, the horn will be at the end of a long, flexible hose.

♦ CO2’s are designed for Class B and C (flammable liquids and electrical sources)

fires only!

♦ CO2’s will frequently be found in laboratories, mechanical rooms, kitchens, and

flammable liquid storage areas.

♦ In accordance with NFPA regulations (and manufacturers’ recommendations) all

CO2 extinguishers undergo hydrostatic testing and recharge every five years.

♦ Carbon dioxide is a non-flammable gas that takes away the oxygen element of

the Fire Triangle. CO2 is very cold as it comes out of the extinguisher, so it cools

the fuel as well.

♦ A CO2 may not be very effective in extinguishing a Class A fire because it may

not be able to displace enough oxygen to successfully put the fire out. Class A

materials may also smolder and re-ignite.

If you come upon

an extinguisher

with a missing or

broken seal, it

should be taken

out of use and in-

spected, even if it

appears unused.

Page 10

Page 13: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

(Continued) 3. Dry Chemical (ABC, BC, DC)

ABC extinguishers range in

size from 5 pounds to 20

pounds.

Most of the extinguishers at HMC are the ABC type. ABC extinguishers are filled with a fine, yellow

powder. This powder is mostly composed of monoammonium phosphate. The extinguishers are pressurized

with nitrogen.

Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This separates the fuel

from the oxygen in the air. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. These extin-

guishers are very effective at putting out fire.

Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types. You may see them labeled:

♦ DC (for dry chemical)

♦ ABC (can be used on Class A, B, or C fires)

♦ BC (designed for use on Class B and C fires)

It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical fire extinguishers are located in your

area!

An “ABC” extinguisher will have

a label like this, indicating it

may be used on Class A, B,

and C fires.

You don’t want to mistakenly use a “BC” extinguisher on a Class A fire thinking that it was an “ABC” extin-

guisher.

Dry chemical extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires (“BC” extinguishers) may be

located in places such as commercial kitchens and areas with flammable liquids.

4. ABCK Entinguishers

In addition to the 3 most common fire extinguishers, one other type of extinguisher is the ABCK

extinguisher. The ABCK fire extinguisher is designed to handle cooking fires and grease fires and is located

in Dietary.

CORRIDOR

OBSTRUCTIONS are a fire and life safety hazard. Storage in corridors is not permitted. Equipment, carts, etc. can only stay in a hallway for thirty minutes, then the obstruction must be cleared to allow a clear path to fire exits should it become necessary. In addition, remember to clear obstructions from corridors immediately any time the fire alarm system is activated.

Page 11

Page 14: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Page 12

It is easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you remember the acronym, “PASS.”

PPull

AAim

SSqueeze

SSweep

PPull the pin

This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.

SSqueeze the top handle

This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing

agent.

SSweep side-to-side until the fire is completely out.

Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away and then slowly

move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it

re-ignites.

AAim at the base of the fire

Hit the fuel…if you aim at the flames, the extinguishing agent will pass

right through and do no good.

Page 15: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Page 13

Fires can be very dangerous and you should always be certain that you will not endanger yourself or others

when attempting to put out a fire. For this reason, when a fire is discovered,

1. Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, if it can be accomplished without risk to yourself.

2. Call 911 and activate the building fire alarm. The fire alarm will notify the

fire department.

If the fire is small (and only after having done these two things), you may at-

tempt to use an extinguisher to put it out. When responding to a Fire/Fire

Drill…

Remember…”RACE”…

Rescue or remove persons in danger

Alarm—pull the nearest fire alarm or dial F-I-R-E

Contain – or confine the fire, close doors/windows

Extinguish/Evacuate - Only attempt to put out the fire

without putting yourself in danger. Otherwise, Evacuate

However, before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind:

Know what is burning. If you don’t know what is burning, you won’t know what kind of extinguisher to use.

♦ Even if you have an ABC fire extinguisher, there might be something in the fire that is going to explode or pro-

duce toxic fumes. Chances are you will know what is burning, or at least have a pretty good idea, but if you

don’t, let the fire department handle it.

♦ Is the fire spreading rapidly beyond the point where it started? The time to use an extinguisher is at the be-

ginning stages of the fire.

♦ If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building.

♦ If you have used up the contents of the extinguisher, do not continue to fight the fire with additional extin-

guishers. Move to safety after closing the door to contain the fire.

As you evacuate a building, close doors and windows behind you as you leave.

Page 16: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Page 13

Do not fight the fire if: ♦ You don’t have adequate or appropriate equipment.

If you don’t have the correct type or large enough extinguisher, it is best not to try fighting the fire. Remem-

ber, extinguishers are meant to fight fire when the fire is in it’s early stages—not after the fire has de-

veloped.

♦ You might inhale toxic smoke.

When synthetic materials such as the nylon in carpeting or foam padding in a sofa burn, they can produce

hydrogen cyanide, acrolein, and ammonia in addition to carbon monoxide. These gases can be fatal in very

small amounts.

♦ There are other known hazards.

Be cautious if the fire has originated in a mechanical room. There may be other hazards (i.e., chemicals and

electrical hazards that would increase risk of injury to you or other first responders).

♦ Your instincts tell you not to.

If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, just let the fire department do their job.

♦ The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to

use an extinguisher to put out a fire. In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected hap-

pens, you need to be able to get out quickly. You don’t want to become trapped.

SAFETY COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Safety Committee is to organize the efforts of the indi-

viduals to establish, support and maintain the Safety Program that is

based on monitoring and evaluation of organizational experience and

regulatory requirements

The committee meets every other month

Page 17: Hazcom Fire 2014edutracker.com/trktrnr/Presentation/hmc_badaxe_mi/HFS2014.pdf · If you need clarification, please see your department director. ... Communication Standard in 1983

Page 17

We’re on the Web:

www.huronmedicalcenter.org

CDC HMC Respiratory

Protection Program

CMS Conditions of

Participation QA/RM

Plan

HMC HAZCOM

Program

False Claims Act John Hopkins

FEMA MIOSHA

HIPAA Privacy Law MHA

HIPAA Security Law OIG Compliance

Guidance

HMC Bloodborne

Pathogens Plan

Oklahoma State

University

HMC Emergency

Preparedness Plan

michigan.gov

Resources Newsletter Contributors

“Huron Medical Center is committed to providing

excellence in healthcare to our communities in a

caring, compassionate manner.”

Hospital Education: Becky Stephan

Diagnostic Imaging: Matt Rick

Health & Corporate Compliance: Michelle

Hammond

Rehabilitation Services: Denise Warczinsky

Quality and Risk Management, Privacy: Carrie

Franzel

Safety Officer, Plant Operations: Jason Talaski &

Steve Stonecipher

2014 Huron Medical Center Annual Mandatory Module

Emergency Preparedness: Kathy Azarovitz

SDS Update MIOSHA, Coverys