1
Q
What does OSHA stand for?
A
Occupational Health and Safety Administration
2
Q
What must all employers provide to their staff?
A
A “Right to Know” hazardous materials training program.
3
Q
What has OSHA developed?
A
Standards for safe work places, many of which apply to the vet workplace.
4
Q
Are OSHA standards voluntary?
A
No. All employers are required to comply with the OSHA Standards for Workplace Safety.
- regardless of the # of employees.
- Federal regulations.
5
Q
What do the OSHA standards do for the employer?
A
Teaches them how to avoid accidents, injuries, and fines while their employees are working with hazardous materials in the workplace.
6
Q
Are Veterinary practices unsafe?
A
Most of them are not, they are rated a low hazard by OSHA. There are many hazardous materials in the workplace though.
7
Q
What must the employer design and implement?
A
- A hazardous communication plan.
- Employee safe training.
- Hazardous materials inventory.
8
Q
What is the employer responsible for?
A
Safe handling of chemicals or hazardous materials which are materials that could harm human health or the environment.
9
Q
How are the Right to Know Regulations different from hazardous waste disposal regs?
A
- It addresses the management of hazardous materials before disposal.
- It is designed to make sure the employees know which materials in the workplace are hazardous and how to protect themselves.
10
Q
Do some states have their own regulations?
A
Yes, some have additional “Right to Know” regulations. They must also be complied with.
11
Q
What are the additional regs in NYS?
A
There are additional radiation exposure regs.
- Unless it is an extreme emergency, NO ONE can be holding an animal during x-ray.
- No one of chile bearing age can be present during x-ray.
- All employees should wear a radiation badge even when they are not in the room.
12
Q
What is the employer responsible for under the “Right to Know”?
A
- Setting policies and establishing protocols for the plan.
- Assigning responsibilities for areas of the plan to specific people and supporting them in it.
- Setting example by following all policies themselves.
- Involving all employees in the hospital’s overall health and safety plan.
- Employers must demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and health that must be visible to all employees.
13
Q
What does “the plan” refer to?
A
The Hazardous Communication Plan that employers are responsible for creating.
14
Q
What do employees need to learn about?
A
- Hazardous materials in the workplace.
- How to use information, resources and safety equipment properly.
- Keep require records.
- Ask questions about any possible hazardous material.
15
Q
Is OSHA increasing or decreasing their numbers of veterinary hospital inspections?
A
They continue to increase them.
16
Q
What happens with noncompliance?
A
Cost both time and money.
17
Q
How much is one typical fine?
A
About $7,000 or more EACH!
18
Q
How many citations does the OSHA inspector issue on average?
A
3
19
Q
How long do they give for the program to be brought up to standards after a fine?
A
Very little time.
20
Q
Who is required to know how to handle hazardous materials?
A
ALL employees, even someone just coming in to shadow!
21
Q
OSHA requires employers to have:
1 of 5
-Written Hazardous Communication Plan
A
It describes how the practice will comply with the law, and who has what responsibilities.
22
Q
OSHA requires employers to have:
2 of 5
-Inventory
A
They must maintain an updated inventory of hazardous materials on site.
23
Q
OSHA requires employers to have:
3 of 5
-MSDS
A
MSDSs which are supplied by the manufacturer or distributor, must be maintained for all hazardous materials on site.
24
Q
OSHA requires employers to have:
4 of 5
-Container Labeling
A
All containers holding these hazardous materials must be properly labeled and have the appropriate warning labels.
25
OSHA requires employers to have:
5 of 5
-Training
All employees must be trained in the proper handling and safety of hazardous materials.
26
What does the Hazardous Communication Plan describe?
- The practices commitment to employee health and safety.
- The training program for employees.
- The method for notifying contractors about hazardous materials.
27
What does the Hazardous Communication Plan explain?
- The policies and procedures for identifying and managing hazardous materials.
- Where MSDSs are kept and what to do if they were not received with the product from the manufacturer.
- Protocols for training current and new employees in the use of new chemicals.
28
Who does the Hazardous Communication Plan name?
- Specific individuals in the practice who are responsible for the plan.
- Person responsible for training.
- Person responsible for keeping the MSDSs up to date.
29
What does the Hazardous Communication Plan describe regarding labeling?
Describes the labeling system and proper handling when a hazardous material is transferred from its larger primary container, to a smaller secondary container.
-labeling = HMIG System
30
What does HMIG stand for?
Hazardous Materials Identification Guide
31
What does the Hazardous Communication Plan describe regarding training?
The training procedures at the hospital including the employee's legal rights as well as a list of hazards and how to protect against these hazards.
32
Where must the Hazardous Communication Plan be kept?
In an area where it is easily accessible to ALL employees.
33
What do employees need to know regarding the Hazardous Communication Plan
Where it is and how to use it.
34
Do employers/employees really have to follow everything in the written plan?
There can be no discrepancies between your written plan and your actual operating procedures.
35
What should be discussed when training?
Specific procedures used to provide protection such as following a specific protocol when handling chemotheraputic drugs, or what type of personal protective equipment to use for specific procedures. Also explain how the employee will know if they have been overexposed to a hazardous chemical.
36
What are the benefits of the "Right to Know" program?
- Tighter inventory control.
- Fewer accidents.
- Possible decrease in employee turnover and insurance rates.
37
What can overexposure to chemicals cause or contribute to?
- Heart ailments.
- Kidney and lung damage.
- Sterility.
- Cancer.
- Burns.
- Rashes.
- Fires and explosions.
- Other serious accidents.
38
What is the intent of the hazard communication standard?
To insure that employers and employees know about workplace hazards and how to protect themselves from hazardous materials.
39
What are the specific rights regarding the "Right to Know"?
- You CAN NOT be fired or discriminated against for asking for information and training about hazards.
- The employer must provide you with personal protective equipment at NO cost and must train you in its use.
- They must train you on how to read and use the info on container labels and MSDSs.
- Must train in methods and protocols for routine and non-routine procedures.
- Must explain your role in emergencies.
40
As an employee, what are you responsible for?
- Need to remember about hazards you may face on the job and how to protect yourself.
- You must wear and use personal protective equipment as you were trained.
- You must read labels, MSDSs, and ask questions if you are unfamiliar with a situation.
41
What are examples of hazardous materials that you may come into contact with?
- Disinfectants.
- Anesthetic gas.
- Radiation.
- Toner cartridges.
- IV Fluids.
42
Why can IV fluids be deemed hazardous?
Sometimes it is what is in them. They can also spill and someone could slip in the spilled fluids and get injured.
43
What is the definition of hazardous materials?
Can cause injury or death and may damage or pollute the environment.
44
What is the definition of toxic materials?
Can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs, and may cause illness or death.
45
What is the definition of infectious materials?
Can transmit germs or cause disease.
- vomiting or urination of an animal after chemo!
- toxoplasmosis
46
What is the definition of reactive materials?
Can burn or explode when mixed with other materials such as air, heat, or water.
47
Definition of ignitable materials?
Can ignite or burn easily.
48
Should you open a container and sniff the contents to identify it?
Not usually. It is best to look for the product label or MSDS. If uncertain, ask!!
49
What must manufacturer's label all containers with?
The chemical name, hazard warnings, ingredients, and special handling instructions.
*all secondary containers should have similar labels with the same info.
50
What is on an MSDS?
- Active ingredients.
- Physical characteristics (odor, evaporation rate).
- Describes limits and conditions of exposure
- Tells if flammable or explosive. What type of extinguisher to use, or if it is reactive / explosive when exposed to air, water, or heat.
51
What are some specific hazardous materials you may encounter in an animal hospital?
- Pesticides
- Radiation
- Drugs
- Cleaning and x-ray chemicals
- Sterilization and surgical gas
- Infectious material
52
What is the advice that is usually given when handling chemicals?
- Wear gloves and aprons to keep materials off your skin.
- Wear goggles when there is a danger of liquids splashing into your eyes.
- Make sure you have access to an eyewash station, and know how to work it.
- Make sure you have good ventilation so you are not breathing in these materials.
- Be sure to wash your hands BEFORE eating, smoking, or using the restroom.
53
Before Using Pesticides
- Read the label and follow all directions
- Wear protective gloves, apron, eyewear, and sometimes rubber boots.
- Don't continue to work in clothes that are soaked with pesticides.
- Use ONLY in a well ventilated area.
54
Symptoms of overexposure to pesticides are?
- Eye and throat irritation.
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Increased sweating and salivating.
55
Compressed anesthetic and sterilization gasses come in?
Cylinders or aerosol containers.
56
Compressed anesthetic and sterilization gasses can cause?
Serious injuries, fires, or explosions if not handled properly.
57
How can you minimize the risk of accident with compressed anesthetic and sterilization gasses?
Secure cylinders to the wall, and use a hand truck when transporting them.
58
Safety precautions for compressed gasses are?
- Never roll, drop, or bang when transporting.
| - Do not store near heat, water, or sunlight - they can explode if you do.
59
Which gas is particularly dangerous and is it used often?
Ethylene oxide (used for sterilization). Great caution is required with this gas. Most practices DO NOT use it.
60
What will Ethylene Oxide do?
- Irritate lungs.
- Cause chemical burns to the skin.
- Burns easily.
61
What is Ethylene Oxide considered?
A potential carcinogen which makes safety and precautionary measures a must.
62
What should hospitals do if they are using Ethylene Oxide?
Should have a set sterilization routine if using it, and those procedures need to be followed carefully.
63
When working with Ethylene Oxide:
- Avoid all contact with skin, eyes, lungs, and clothing.
- Thoroughly wash hands after any procedure using this agent.
- Work in a well ventilated area.
- IF any Ethylene Oxide is leaked, evacuate all personnel from the area and notify the veterinarian.
64
What can anesthetic gasses irritate?
- Skin
- Eyes
- Nose
- Lungs
65
What should you use with anesthetic gasses?
A good ventilation system.
66
Can you smell anesthetic gasses?
If you don't smell the gas, it doesn't mean you aren't being exposed.
67
What are anesthetic gasses?
Potent respiratory depressants that can impair your bodies cardiac performance.
-you CAN go into cardiac failure.
68
What should you do when using anesthetic gasses?
Make sure to follow the anesthesia machines manufacturer's instructions for using the machine, and also the gas scavenging system.
-make sure to put the correct gas in the correct machine.
69
What should you do if you feel poorly after using the equipment for anesthetic gasses?
Notify the veterinarian. It could indicate that the equipment is not functioning correctly.
70
What is some of the most potentially hazardous exposure in a vet practice?
Radiology
71
What increases your risk with radiology?
If you have to hold the patient for the radiograph.
| -NOT allowed to do in NYS.
72
What should you follow when doing radiographs and why?
The safety guidelines. To lessen your exposure time to hazardous ionizing radiation.
73
Can you see or feel radiation?
It is invisible and painless and can NOT be detected at the time of exposure.
74
What happens with radiation exposure over your lifetime?
It is cumulative, and it builds up.
75
What should you do if you are leaving your current employer?
Get your final total exposure from them.
76
Where should you be in relationship to the primary beam?
As far away as possible.
77
What should you wear when doing an x-ray?
Personal protective items. At minimum a lead apron and lead gloves. A thyroid shield, and lead goggles are also a good idea.
78
What does the nuclear regulatory commission require that you where while doing radiography?
Radiation / Dosimetry Badge
| -Make sure you know how to use and store it!
79
How do you store the radiology clothing?
Do not fold, hang up. Folding will break the lead shielding.
80
How often should you check your radiology equipment?
At least once a year, or when damage is suspected.
| ex: a dog bites your hand while you have a lead glove on.
81
Processing chemicals can contain materials which are:
- Corrosive
- Toxic
- Reactive
- Flammable
82
What are processing chemicals?
Developers and fixers used for processing x-ray film.
83
What can exposure to processing chemicals do?
Can irritate your eyes and skin.
84
What should you do if you are splashed with processing chemicals?
Wash them off immediately.
85
You should mix processing chemicals...
in the proper order.
86
What do you do if you want more information on the processing chemicals you are working with?
Consult the MSDS.
87
What should you never do in an area where processing chemicals are used?
NEVER EVER use drain cleaner in a drain where photo chemicals are used. It can cause an explosion.
88
Chemotherapeutic agents are?
HIGHLY toxic.
89
What should you do when handling Chemotherapeutic agents?
- Pay very close attention to what you are doing.
- Adhere to the manufacturers directions for preparation of these agents.
- Use common sense.
90
What shouldn't you do when handling Chemotherapeutic agents?
Wear contacts!
91
What can Chemotherapeutic agents do if you are exposed to them?
- Can cause headaches.
- Can cause fetal deficiencies.
* discuss with your physician before handling if you are pregnant.
92
What should you avoid doing in the area where Chemotherapeutic agents are stored?
Eating or drinking.
93
What kind of personal protection should you wear when working with Chemotherapeutic agents or cages of animals that have received them?
Double glove with surgical, non-powdered latex gloves, and use eye protection.
94
How should you handle Chemotherapeutic agents?
- If in ampules, wrap in gauze before opening to prevent contact.
- Vent vials to prevent aerosolizing the agent.
- Keep gauze wrapped around the vial when drawing it up into a syringe, and administering to patient.
95
How do you dispose of chemotherapeutic supplies?
In sealed, leak proof, puncture proof, containers labeled as hazardous waste. Follow the hospital protocol for destroying these agents.
96
What are some of the most common chemicals in an animal hospital?
Cleaning chemicals.
97
How can cleaning chemicals be harmful?
They can irritate your skin and eyes. They may also cause respiratory distress and illness.
98
Should you wear personal protective equipment when handling cleaning chemicals?
Gloves, apron, and goggles are advised when there is the chance of them spilling.
99
What is another way to be exposed to cleaning chemicals (besides skin contact)?
By breathing in the fumes, especially bleach and alcohol.
100
What should you do before mixing chemicals?
Check the MSDS to know what can be mixed together.
101
When diluting what do you add to what?
Concentrates to water.
102
Can you mix bleach with everything?
NEVER with ammonia. Ammonia chloride, a deadly gas, will be formed.
