1 Copyright © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 6 Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Hospitals.

1Copyright © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chapter 6Chapter 6

Occupational Health and SafetyOccupational Health and Safety

in Veterinary Hospitalsin Veterinary Hospitals


Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Describe the role of OSHA in veterinary Describe the role of OSHA in veterinary practice safetypractice safety

List the general requirements of the federal List the general requirements of the federal laws related to workplace safetylaws related to workplace safety

Explain proper methods for lifting objects and Explain proper methods for lifting objects and animalsanimals

List common workplace hazards in a List common workplace hazards in a veterinary facilityveterinary facility



Describe the requirements and the OSHA Describe the requirements and the OSHA “right to know” law“right to know” law

Explain the acronym MSDS and describe the Explain the acronym MSDS and describe the components of an MSDScomponents of an MSDS

List the hazards associated with the use of List the hazards associated with the use of ethylene oxide, formalin, glutaraldehyde, ethylene oxide, formalin, glutaraldehyde, anesthetic gases, and compressed gasesanesthetic gases, and compressed gases



Define the term Define the term zoonotic diseasezoonotic disease and list and list common zoonotic diseases encountered in common zoonotic diseases encountered in the veterinary practicethe veterinary practice

List methods to minimize the hazards List methods to minimize the hazards associated with animal handlingassociated with animal handling

Describe the proper handling of hazardous Describe the proper handling of hazardous and medical wastesand medical wastes


Safety on the Job Safety on the Job Can Affect a Veterinary PracticeCan Affect a Veterinary Practice

Personal injuryPersonal injury HazardsHazards

Infectious diseasesInfectious diseases Harmful chemicalsHarmful chemicals RadiationRadiation Animal-inducedAnimal-induced


What is OSHA?What is OSHA?


Why is OSHA Important?Why is OSHA Important?

Enforces federal lawsEnforces federal laws Helps ensure a safe workplace for American Helps ensure a safe workplace for American

workersworkers Employers have responsibilitiesEmployers have responsibilities

Safety programSafety program Safety trainingSafety training OSHA Form 300A OSHA Form 300A


Employer ResponsibilityEmployer Responsibility


Employee ResponsibilitiesEmployee Responsibilities

Learn and follow safety rulesLearn and follow safety rules Read the OSHA posterRead the OSHA poster Comply with applicable standardsComply with applicable standards Wear or use personal protective equipmentWear or use personal protective equipment Report hazardous conditionsReport hazardous conditions Report job-related injury or illnessReport job-related injury or illness Seek treatment promptlySeek treatment promptly


General Workplace HazardGeneral Workplace Hazard

AttireAttire Dress appropriately for job at handDress appropriately for job at hand Minimal jewelry, if anyMinimal jewelry, if any



LiftingLifting



ClutterClutter Lack of cleanlinessLack of cleanliness



Ineffective organizationIneffective organization Improper storageImproper storage



Break timesBreak times Eating and drinking in designated areaEating and drinking in designated area Away from clinic areasAway from clinic areas



Machinery and equipmentMachinery and equipment Proper operationProper operation Proper useProper use Dangers in usingDangers in using



ElectricityElectricity


General Workplace HazardGeneral Workplace Hazard Fire and evacuationFire and evacuation

Read and follow directions on your specific extinguisher. Most portable fire extinguishers work according to the PASS

directions. P: Pull the pin (some extinguishers require some motion such as

releasing a lock latch). A: Aim low (point extinguisher horn or hose at base of fire). S: Squeeze the handle (this releases extinguishing agent). S: Sweep from side to side at base of fire until it appears to be out. Watch fire area, and repeat use of extinguisher if needed.

Remember the word Remember the word PASSPASS



ViolenceViolence BarriersBarriers

Personal safety includes the diligent use of locks and barriers to deter unauthorized persons from entering the facility.



Hazardous chemicalsHazardous chemicals Most common chemicals usedMost common chemicals used

• Cleaning and disinfecting agentsCleaning and disinfecting agents

• Insecticides and pesticidesInsecticides and pesticides

• Drugs and medicationsDrugs and medications

• Sterilization agentsSterilization agents

• Radiology processing fluidsRadiology processing fluids

““Right to Know” lawRight to Know” law


Secondary Container Warning LabelSecondary Container Warning Label

Figure shows an example of a secondary container hazard working label.


Material Safety Data SheetMaterial Safety Data Sheet

An MSDS contains safety information that may not be indicated on the product label.


Precautions in WorkingPrecautions in Workingwith Hazardous Chemicalswith Hazardous Chemicals

StorageStorage Mixing and dilutingMixing and diluting Spill clean-upSpill clean-up

When making solutions from a concentrate, always start with the correct amount of water and then add the concentrate.


Chemical Spill Clean-upChemical Spill Clean-up

Step 1: Keep people and pets awayStep 1: Keep people and pets away Step 2: Increase ventilationStep 2: Increase ventilation Step 3: Put on protective gloves, apron, and Step 3: Put on protective gloves, apron, and

protective eyewear if indicatedprotective eyewear if indicated Step 4: Cover spill with absorbent materialsStep 4: Cover spill with absorbent materials Step 5: Sweep saturated absorbent materials Step 5: Sweep saturated absorbent materials

into dustpan and deposit in plastic trash baginto dustpan and deposit in plastic trash bag



These are steps to clean up a dangerous chemical spill. Step 1: Unnecessary people and pets could spread the spilled

material. Step 2: Increase ventilation by opening a window or turning on

an exhaust fan; don’t use electric equipment and avoid turning on or off electric switches when cleaning up spilled flammable materials.

Step 3: Wear protective clothing if it is likely that your clothing will become contaminated during clean-up.

Step 4: Absorbent materials include paper towels or cat litter; they allow absorbent material to fully collect the liquid.



Step 6: Seal trash bag, and dispose of itStep 6: Seal trash bag, and dispose of it Step 7: Wash contaminated area thoroughly Step 7: Wash contaminated area thoroughly

and allow area to air-dry. and allow area to air-dry. Wash with plain water or a detergent (not a disinfectant) if permissible by instructions in the MSDS.

Step 8: Remove protective equipment, and Step 8: Remove protective equipment, and dispose of single-use itemsdispose of single-use items

Step 9: Wash hands thoroughly and change Step 9: Wash hands thoroughly and change contaminated clothingcontaminated clothing

Step 10: Replace used materials in spill kitStep 10: Replace used materials in spill kit


Ethylene OxideEthylene Oxide

Ethylene oxide (ETO)Ethylene oxide (ETO) Gas sterilizationGas sterilization ETO is thought to be a human carcinogen, so

special precautions must be maintained.

GlutaraldehydeGlutaraldehyde ““Cold sterilization”Cold sterilization”


FormalinFormalin

Used for tissue Used for tissue preservationpreservation

When possible, use only biopsy jars filled with formalin to prevent excessive exposure.

Human carcinogenHuman carcinogen Formalin is probably

human carcinogen, so use special precautions.


GlutaraldehydeGlutaraldehyde ““Cold sterilization” methodsCold sterilization” methods Disinfectants are designed to kill living organisms, so they must be

handled safely.


Animal-Related HazardsAnimal-Related Hazards

Handling patientsHandling patients Restraint devicesRestraint devices

Bathing, dipping, and spraying areasBathing, dipping, and spraying areas Personal protection equipmentPersonal protection equipment VentilationVentilation Eye-wash stationEye-wash station


Animal-Related HazardAnimal-Related Hazard

NoiseNoise Ear protectionEar protection Hearing protectors should always be used in noisy kennels.


Zoonotic DiseasesZoonotic Diseases Common pathogensCommon pathogens

VirusesViruses• Rabies is a serious viral disease.

BacteriaBacteria• Bacterial pathogens include Borrelia burgdorferi (cause Lyme disease) as

well as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, Pasteurella, and Pseudomonas species.

FungiFungi• Ringworm is caused by a fungus of the Microsporum species.

Internal parasitesInternal parasites• Roundworms and hookworms are internal parasites.

External parasitesExternal parasites• An example of an external parasite is the irritating and itchy mite that

causes sarcoptic mange. ProtozoansProtozoans

• Toxoplasmosis is an infestation by a protozoan.

Other zoonotic protozoans are Giardia and Coccidia.


Non-Zoonotic DiseasesNon-Zoonotic Diseases

Not serious concern to human healthNot serious concern to human health Highly contagiousHighly contagious ExamplesExamples

Parvoviral enteritis in dogsParvoviral enteritis in dogs Panleukemia in catsPanleukemia in cats

Personal protection equipmentPersonal protection equipment Protective measuresProtective measures


Precautions for Dentistry OperationsPrecautions for Dentistry Operations

Aerosolized microbesAerosolized microbes Personal protection Personal protection

equipmentequipment Microbes may become

aerosolized by use of a high-speed and ultrasonic scaler.

Always wear eye protection, a mask, and gloves when performing dental prophylaxis procedures.


Radiology ConcernsRadiology Concerns

Individual dosimeter Individual dosimeter badgebadge

Personal protection Personal protection equipmentequipment

CollimationCollimation Processing chemicalsProcessing chemicals Never place your hand

or any part of your body in the primary beam when taking radiographs!


Anesthesia ConcernsAnesthesia Concerns

Proper scavenging systemProper scavenging system Check anesthesia machine before each useCheck anesthesia machine before each use

Workers are at risk of exposure to waste gases not metabolized by patient.

Proper scavenging system is the single most effective means of reducing exposure to waste anesthetic gases.

Check your anesthesia machine for leaks before each use.


Anesthesia Machine ChecklistAnesthesia Machine Checklist

Step 1: Assemble all hoses, canisters, valves, or tubes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Turn on the oxygen supply to the machine.

Figure shows Step 3: Close the pressure relief (pop-off) valve.



Step 4: Use your thumb or palm to form a tight seal on the Y piece (the part of the hose that attaches to the patient’s endotracheal tube).



Step 5: Turn on the oxygen until bag is slightly over-inflated (or when the pressure on the manometer reaches the 20 mark), then close the valve.


Anesthesia Machine ChecklistAnesthesia Machine Checklist Step 6: Observe the pressure in the

system on the manometer and watch close for any decrease.

If your machine is not equipped with a manometer, observe the size of the bag closely.

If the pressure remains constant, the machine is leak-free.

If the pressure drops, there is a leak (or leaks) in the system.

The faster the pressure drops, the larger the leak(s).

If there is a leak, check and tighten all connections, and replace any damaged parts (machine may need to be serviced by qualified technician before use).

When machine is leak-free, reset pressure relief valve to proper position to use the machine normally.


Further Anesthesia ConcernsFurther Anesthesia Concerns Filling the vaporizerFilling the vaporizer Masking the patientMasking the patient Delaying extubationDelaying extubation Pregnant personnelPregnant personnel As much as possible, delay

extubation and allow patient to recover while still connected to anesthesia machine (oxygen only) and scavenging system.

Monitor recovering anesthesia patients “at arm’s length” to minimize exposure to gases emitted during respiration.


Working with Compressed GassesWorking with Compressed Gasses

Storing tanksStoring tanks Moving tanksMoving tanks Small compressed-gas

cylinders must be secured

to prevent them from falling

over.


One-Handed Needle RecappingOne-Handed Needle Recapping Do not attempt to recap the needle after use unless physical

danger from sticks or lacerations cannot be avoided by any other means.

When necessary to recap, follow “one-handed” method. Step 1: Place cap on flat surface, such as countertop or floor. Step 2: Using only one hand, hold syringe in fingertips with

needle pointing away from your body.


One-Handed Needle RecappingOne-Handed Needle Recapping

Step 3: Place fingertips on flat surface so that needle and syringe are parallel to and in line with the cap.

Step 4: Move hand forward until needle is inside cap.


One-Handed Needle RecappingOne-Handed Needle Recapping

Final step: Use other hand to “seat” cap firmly.


Non-Hazardous Medical WasteNon-Hazardous Medical Waste

SharpsSharps Medical devicesMedical devices Animal blood or tissuesAnimal blood or tissues Laboratory culturesLaboratory cultures Bandages/spongesBandages/sponges Primate materialPrimate material Animal wasteAnimal waste

Refer to Table 6-1 Typical Medical Waste Definitions (page 137) for definitions as to what constitutes medical waste or normal trash.


Hazardous DrugsHazardous Drugs

All medicines are chemicalsAll medicines are chemicals Cytotoxic drugsCytotoxic drugs

Handling drugsHandling drugs Biological safety cabinetBiological safety cabinet Handling patient’s bodyHandling patient’s body Handling patient’s wastesHandling patient’s wastes

All medicines are chemicals; and chemicals can be dangerous.

A biological safety cabinet (BSC) is required when preparing cytotoxic drugs.

Discuss Case Presentation 6-3 (page 138).

1 Copyright © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 6 Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Hospitals.

Documents

workplace safety list

imprint of elsevier

safety rules

veterinary facility

role of osha

osha poster

osha right

list common zoonotic