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

How Retail Design Can Improve the Healthcare Patient Experience

Healthcare facilities can adapt retail design principles to improve patient comfort, streamline check-in and reuse existing spaces.


Jefferson Health Breaks Ground on Lehigh Valley Hospital—Coopersburg

It is expected to open in late 2027.


Encompass Health Plans Second Small-Format Rehabilitation Hospital

The hospital is expected to open in 2028.


Rethinking How Healthcare Facilities Fund Construction Projects

Rising costs and competing priorities are driving healthcare organizations to explore new financing arrangements and construction strategies.


Winners Named for the 15th Annual Healthcare Design Awards

All winners will be honored and the Best of Competition and Transformation and Innovation Award recipients will be announced during a celebration on November 12.


 
 


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.