Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights re Unit 14 Environmental and Nursing Assistant Safety
Feb 25, 2016
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Unit 14
Environmental and Nursing Assistant Safety
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• Spell and define terms.• Describe the health care facility
environment.• Identify measures to promote
environmental safety.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• List situations when equipment must be repaired.
• Describe the elements required for fire.• List five measures to prevent fire.• Describe the procedure to follow if a fire
occurs.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• Demonstrate the use of a fire extinguisher.
• List techniques for using ergonomics on the job.
• Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• List at least 10 guidelines for dealing with a violent individual.
• Describe the types of information contained in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Introduction
• The hospital room is the patient’s home while he or she is hospitalized
• Cheerful and pleasant surroundings give the patient a better sense of well-being
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
The Patient Environment• In a health care facility, the basic patient
unit consists of a/an:– Hospital bed with rails– Bedside table and chair– Reading lamp– Waste basket – Overbed table– Signal cord
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Hospital Beds
• Hospital beds mostly have the same features– There may be some differences
• Side rails are attached to the hospital bed – Protect patient from falling– Considered restraints in some cases
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Temperature, Air Circulation, and Light
• As you adjust and maintain the temperature, light, and ventilation– Keep in mind the patient’s condition– The patient’s personal preference– The needs of the other patients in the room
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Cleanliness and Noise Reduction
• You are responsible for the cleanliness, quiet, and order of the patient units to which you are assigned
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Safety Measures
• Safety is the responsibility of everyone• A safe environment is essential for both
the patients and the staff• Safety must be part of everything you
do
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Environmental Safety Conditions
• Incidents can be prevented by keeping hallways free of equipment and clutter
• Keep equipment on one side of the hallway, leaving the other side free
• Never block an exit door
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Equipment and Its Care
• Daily or concurrent cleaning of equipment is an important part of your job
• It contributes to the safety of your patients
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Fire Safety
• It is a scientific fact that if three elements are present in the right proportions, there will be a fire– Heat, fuel, and oxygen– Refer to Figure 14-11
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Fire Safety
• Every staff member– Needs to know and regularly practice the
fire and evacuation plans of the facility
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Fire Safety
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Fire Hazards
• Some possible fire hazards:– Frayed electrical wires– Overloaded circuits– Smoking where oxygen is being used– Others
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Fire Prevention
• You and every staff member can do a great deal to prevent the disaster of fire– Check for frayed electrical wires– Don’t allow clutter to accumulate in
doorways or traffic lanes
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Fire Prevention
• You and every staff member can do a great deal to prevent the disaster of fire– Empty wastepaper baskets in the proper
receptacles– Perform many other preventive actions to
make the health care facility a fire-safe environment
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Smoking
• Smoking in bed should never be permitted
• Smoking should be strictly limited to specific areas
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Oxygen Precautions
• The use of oxygen presents a specific hazard
• When oxygen is in use:– You should make sure the environment is
safe
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
In Case of Fire
• You must be familiar with the fire policies and procedures of your facility
• In case of fire, stay calm
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
RACE System
• R = Remove patients from the area• A = Sound the alarm• C = Contain fire (close door)• E = Extinguish fire, if possible
or• E = Evacuate, if fire cannot be
extinguished(Refer to Figure 14-13)
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
RACE System
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Other Actions to Take
• Close all the doors• Remove everything from the hallway
and place it behind a door• Touch doors with the back of your hand
before opening– If hot, do not open the door
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Use of a Fire Extinguisher
• Remember the letters PASS:– Pull the pin– Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire– Squeeze the handle– Sweep back and forth along the base of
the fire
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Other Emergencies
• There may be other disasters for which you and your facility must be prepared– Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods,
earthquakes, and bomb threats
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Violence in the Workplace
• Episodes of violence in the workplace are increasing in our society
• Hospitals and other health care facilities are not exempt from violent incidents
• Serious violence has occurred in both rural and urban communities
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Nursing Assistant Safety
• Work performed by nursing assistants requires a great deal of lifting and moving
• It is important that you use your body correctly to avoid injury
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Ergonomics
• Adapting the environment and using techniques and equipment to prevent injury to the body
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Hazards in the Work Environment
• All health care facilities have hazards that can potentially cause injury to employees
• Many of these hazards are chemicals that you may have in your own home
• Be aware of these and other hazards to guarantee a safe environment