Healthcare Safety and Standard Precautions Competencies 5-6

Competency 5

Identify the ways in which healthcare workers can demonstrate personal and client safety use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safety signs, symbols and labels.

• Identify common safety issues/injuries and guidelines for prevention.• List the principles of body mechanics for personal safety• List general guidelines for maintain good body mechanics• Identify correct techniques when lifting, pulling, pushing, and turning.• Discuss safety equipment utilized in areas of healthcare.

Promotion of Safety

Body Mechanics - The way in which the body moves and maintains balance

4 reasons for using good body mechanics

1. Muscles work best when used correctly

2. Easier for lifting, pushing, etc.

3. Prevents fatigue

4. Prevents injury to self & others

Injuries, Preventive Measures and General Safety

• Common Client Injuries• Common Employee Injuries• Preventive Measures

Housekeeping Measures for Safety

• Rugs• Carpeting• Lighting• Ventilation• Restraints

General Health of Healthcare Workers

• Infectious diseases • When to stay home

Aseptic Practices

• NO linen on the floor• Keep linen away from your clothing• Separate dirty/clean linen• Disinfectants, antiseptics, sterilization

Body Mechanics: Personal Safety

• Maintain normal posture• Be mindful of body mechanics• Reduce joint injuries

8 Rules of Good Body Mechanics

1. Base of support – feet 8-10” apart

2. Bend at hips and knees

3. Use large muscles

4. Use your weight

5. Keep load close to you

6. Avoid twisting

7. Avoid bending for long periods of time

8. If patient or load too heavy---assistance

Correct Technique

• Lifting• Pulling• Pushing• Turning

Ergonomics

The science of designing & arranging things in the working and living environment for maximum health and safety.

Ex: Height of chair

Computer keyboard w/wrist pad

Equipment

• EZ stand• Ceiling Lift• Hoyer Lift• Transfer Belt

Competency 6

Describe proper hand washing and gloving.

• Demonstrate proper hand washing and describe the principles of the procedure steps.

• Demonstrate application and removal of clean gloves and describe the principles of the procedure steps.

Hand Washing

Most effective way to prevent the spread of disease

Friction or rigorous rubbing removes germs

Hand washing required:

• beginning work and when leaving work

• before and after any care is given to a client

• before and after handling any food

• after using the bathroom, combing hair, using a tissue, eating, drinking or smoking

• after working with anything soiled

Clean Gloves

• Principles and Technique for Application/Removal for Clean Gloves• Skin to Skin• Glove to Glove

Author: Dede Carr, BS, LDA

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