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


Recent Posts

Must Know Recalls of 2025

For the safety of our readers, Healthcare Facilities Today has closely followed all recall notices related to the industry.


Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center Join to Form Partnership

The partnership will go into effect by the end of December 2025.


Choosing a Disinfectant That Kills Biofilm

Bacteria form biofilms in pipes from which cells can be released during sink use and spread outside the drains in droplets or as aerosols.


Third-Party Data Breach Case Underscores Need for Cyber Risk Management

Plaintiffs alleged negligence in safeguarding patient data; defendants denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.