Hazardous materials in healthcare more than just pathogens

Sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning chemicals may require precautions


Identifying and communicating healthcare workplace hazards — such as sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning chemicals —  as well as teaching employees how to prevent injuries from them, is just as important as a resilient bloodborne pathogens plan, according to an article on the Occupational Health & Safety website

Check each department, room, and closet for potential hazards is one of the most effective ways to find materials that may otherwise be missed. 

Facilities with safety teams can help to minimize the amount of time that it takes to perform this audit by incorporating those team members into the audit process, the article said.

Sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning chemicals are likely to be found throughout the facility. Quaternary ammonium chlorides (Quat), phenolic compounds, and alcohol-based solutions are among the most common forms of chemicals used to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. 

Read the article.

 

 



December 11, 2015


Topic Area: Environmental Services


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