Safety in the Veterinary Hospital- Disc 1

Summary

This video highlights the importance of safety in various areas of a veterinary hospital, emphasizing proper lifting techniques, the safe handling of hazardous chemicals, and the use of personal protective equipment. It covers storage safety, chemical handling protocols, and the risks associated with the laboratory environment. The video also provides guidelines for safely restraining animals during exams to prevent bites and scratches. It underscores the importance of proper labeling, using protective gear, and being aware of potential hazards to prevent workplace injuries and ensure a safe environment for both staff and animals.

Takeaways

• 🏥 **Proper Lifting Techniques**: Hold heavy objects close to your body and use your legs to lift, not your back.
• 📚 **Storage Area Safety**: Keep aisles clear and store hazardous materials on lower shelves to prevent accidents.
• 🧪 **Chemical Handling**: Always follow manufacturer's instructions for using, storing, and disposing of chemicals.
• 🥽 **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Use appropriate PPE when handling chemicals to prevent skin and eye irritation.
• 🚫 **Avoid Mixing Chemicals**: Never mix chemicals that are not designed to be mixed to prevent toxic fumes or hazardous compounds.
• 👀 **First Aid for Chemical Splashes**: In case of a chemical splash, immediately rinse the affected area and seek medical attention if necessary.
• 🔬 **Laboratory Safety**: Treat all samples as potential hazards and follow proper disposal procedures for biohazardous waste.
• 🩺 **Handling Sharp Objects**: Use sharps containers for needles and other sharp objects and never recap needles.
• 🐾 **Animal Restraint**: Minimize the owner's role in restraining pets during potentially painful procedures to prevent bites.
• 🧹 **Cleaning Exam Rooms**: Use secondary containers for cleaning solutions and ensure they are properly labeled with contents and warnings.
• 🩹 **Immediate First Aid**: In case of animal bites or scratches, take immediate first aid steps and notify a supervisor.

Q & A

What are the key principles to follow when lifting heavy objects in a hospital storage area?

Hold objects close to your body, use your legs instead of your back, use common sense to get help if an object is too heavy, and use lifting aids like dollies.

Why is it important to keep storage areas organized in a hospital?

An organized storage area reduces the risk of trips and falls by keeping aisles clutter-free and ensures hazardous materials are stored on lower shelves, reducing the chance of them falling or spilling.

How should chemicals be handled in a veterinary hospital?

Chemicals should be handled with respect, following the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions, including reading warning labels and using the appropriate personal protective equipment.

What should you do if chemicals are splashed into your eyes?

Immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly for at least 10 minutes and notify a supervisor to get additional medical attention if necessary.

Why is it necessary to label containers when transferring chemicals from their original containers?

It is necessary to label containers to reflect the product and provide appropriate hazard warnings, which is required by law for hazardous chemicals.

What are some safety concerns in a veterinary laboratory?

Safety concerns include potential contamination from parasites and pathogens, handling of blood, urine, feces, tissue, and fluid samples, and the use of needles and other sharp objects.

How can you prevent injuries from animal bites or scratches in an exam room?

Follow restraint guidelines, maintain control of the animal's head, use a towel or blanket for protection, and assess the animal's disposition before handling.

What should be done if someone gets bitten or scratched by an animal in the exam room?

Immediate first aid steps should be taken, including notifying a supervisor who can then notify medical authorities if necessary.

Why is it important to use secondary containers properly in exam rooms?

Secondary containers must be marked with contents, lot number, expiration date, and health warnings to ensure the correct handling and use of the stored materials.

What precautions should be taken when using cleaning and treatment solutions in exam rooms?

Wear appropriate protective gear such as goggles, face shields, and gloves, and follow the material safety data sheets for proper precautions.

How can you prevent lifting injuries in the exam room?

Use a lift table when available for large dogs, and get help from another staff member when lifting without a lift table.

Outlines

00:00

🏥 Safety in Hospital Storage Areas

This paragraph discusses the importance of safety in hospital storage areas, which house heavy objects and hazardous chemicals. It emphasizes the need for proper lifting techniques to prevent spinal and muscle injuries, suggesting holding objects close to the body and using legs for lifting. It also advises seeking help for heavy items and using lifting aids. The paragraph highlights the importance of keeping storage areas organized to reduce the risk of trips and falls and storing hazardous materials on lower shelves. It discusses the use of chemicals in veterinary hospitals, the need for respect and careful handling, and the importance of following manufacturer instructions and safety precautions. It also covers the proper use of personal protective equipment, the dangers of mixing chemicals, and the need for immediate first aid in case of chemical splashes. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to maintain personal protective equipment and to properly label containers of chemicals.

05:02

🧪 Safety in the Veterinary Laboratory

The second paragraph focuses on safety in the veterinary laboratory, highlighting the potential contamination from various parasites and pathogens. It advises treating all samples as potential hazards and wearing protective gloves and other personal protective equipment. The paragraph also warns against eating or drinking in the laboratory area and emphasizes the proper disposal of contaminated specimens. It discusses the safe handling and disposal of sharp objects like needles and the importance of using protective lids or shields with centrifuges. The paragraph also covers the safe handling of animals in the exam room to prevent bites and scratches, including the use of restraints and muzzles, and the importance of immediate first aid and reporting in case of an injury.

10:02

🐾 Preventing Injuries in Exam Rooms

The third paragraph addresses safety concerns in exam rooms, particularly the risk of animal bites and scratches. It provides techniques for safely restraining dogs and cats, including using a towel for protection and controlling the animal's head. The paragraph also discusses the importance of assessing the animal's disposition and using common sense to prevent injuries. It advises taking immediate first aid steps and notifying a supervisor in case of a bite or scratch. The paragraph also covers the proper use of personal protective equipment when handling blood and the safe use of lifting tables for large dogs. It concludes with a discussion on the proper labeling of secondary containers used to store cleaning and treatment solutions in exam rooms.

Keywords

💡Storage Area

A storage area refers to a designated space where items are stored, often in a hospital or workplace setting. In the context of the video, it is a place where heavy objects and potential hazardous chemicals are kept, posing a risk for serious injuries if not handled properly. The script emphasizes the importance of proper lifting techniques and organization to prevent accidents, such as holding objects close to the body and keeping aisles clear.

💡Lifting Techniques

Lifting techniques are the methods used to lift and move heavy objects safely to prevent injuries. The video script stresses the importance of using one's legs instead of back, getting help for heavy items, and using lifting aids like dollies. These techniques are crucial in a hospital setting to reduce the risk of spinal or muscle injuries.

💡Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals are substances that can cause harm to health or the environment. The script mentions that these chemicals are stored in the storage area and can include disinfectants, cleaners, and treatment solutions. Proper handling, including reading warning labels and using personal protective equipment, is highlighted as essential to prevent exposure and accidents.

💡Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE refers to equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards and includes gloves, goggles, and face shields. The video emphasizes the necessity of using PPE when handling chemicals or performing tasks that could result in splashes or contact with hazardous materials, ensuring the safety of hospital staff.

💡Disinfectants

Disinfectants are chemical agents used to kill pathogens on surfaces. The script discusses their safe use in veterinary hospitals, noting that while they are safe when used as directed, they can be hazardous to skin, eyes, and pose an inhalation risk if not handled properly.

💡Safety Hazard

A safety hazard is a condition that could cause harm or an accident. The video identifies various safety hazards in the storage area, such as cluttered aisles and improper storage of hazardous materials, and provides guidelines on how to mitigate these risks to ensure a safe working environment.

💡First Aid

First aid refers to the initial emergency care given to someone who is injured or suddenly becomes ill. The script mentions the importance of immediate first aid, especially in cases of chemical splashes into the eyes, emphasizing the need for thorough eye rinsing and notifying a supervisor for potential medical attention.

💡Laboratory Safety

Laboratory safety encompasses the practices and precautions taken to protect workers from potential hazards in a lab setting. The video discusses the risks associated with handling potentially infectious samples and the use of PPE, such as gloves and goggles, to prevent contamination and injuries.

💡Pathogens

Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The script describes how they can be found in lab samples and the need for careful handling to prevent contamination. Proper disposal of contaminated materials in biohazardous waste bags is also mentioned.

💡Exam Room

An exam room is a space in a hospital where patients are examined and treated. The video script addresses specific hazards in exam rooms, such as the risk of animal bites or scratches, and provides guidelines for restraining animals safely to protect both the pet and the medical staff.

💡Restraint Guidelines

Restraint guidelines are protocols for safely controlling and handling animals during medical procedures. The video explains the importance of minimizing the pet owner's role in restraining their pet, especially during potentially painful procedures, and using trained assistants to control the animal's head and body to prevent injuries.

Highlights

Proper lifting techniques are essential to prevent serious injuries in storage areas.

Holding objects close to the body reduces forces exerted on the back.

Using legs instead of back when lifting heavy items prevents spinal injuries.

Seeking help for heavy objects and using lifting aids like dollies is recommended.

An organized storage area reduces the risk of trips and falls.

Storing hazardous materials on lower shelves minimizes the risk of accidents.

Chemicals used in veterinary hospitals must be handled with respect and caution.

Reading manufacturer's labels and following safety precautions is crucial when using chemicals.

Personal protective equipment is necessary when handling certain chemicals.

Never alter the recommended concentrations of cleaning or disinfecting solutions.

Mixing chemicals not designed to be mixed can produce toxic fumes or compounds.

Containers for chemicals must be properly labeled if transferred from original packaging.

Splashing of chemicals requires immediate first aid, especially eye rinsing.

Knowing the location and use of eyewash stations is essential for safety.

Handling laboratory samples as potential hazards reduces the risk of contamination.

Wearing protective gloves and other PPE is recommended when handling laboratory samples.

Disposing of contaminated specimens in biohazardous waste bags prevents the spread of pathogens.

Using a ventilation hood when handling chemicals that emit hazardous vapors or gases.

Handling and disposing of sharp objects like needles safely is crucial in a laboratory setting.

Using a lift table or getting help to lift large dogs in exam rooms prevents lifting injuries.

Restraint techniques and assessing an animal's disposition can prevent bites and scratches.

Immediate first aid and notifying a supervisor are necessary steps if someone gets bitten or scratched.

Using secondary containers for solutions in exam rooms requires proper labeling.

Transcripts

storage areas are our next stop in

creating a safe Hospital the storage

area is the site of many heavy objects

that could lead to serious injuries if

proper lifting techniques are not

followed storage areas are also the

place where many potential hazardous

chemicals are stored large boxes and

heavy bags of food are often stored in

areas such as these the lifting of any

heavy item or animal is a major cause of

workplace injury apply the following

principles to the lifting of heavy

objects and you will be less likely to

incur spinal or muscle Oh skeletal

injuries hold objects close to your body

whenever possible items held away from

the body exert much greater forces on

once back when lifting use your legs

instead of your back use common sense if

an object is too heavy to easily manage

get help from another staff member use

lifting aids such as two wheel dollies

whenever possible to transport heavy

objects back and spinal injuries can

last a lifetime so think before you lift

an organized storage area is much less

likely to be a safety hazard keep the

aisles clutter free when you put things

back in their proper place you'll reduce

the risk of trips and falls always store

hazardous materials on the lower shelves

where they're less likely to fall or

spill onto your head or into your eyes

chemicals are used throughout a

veterinary hospital they include

disinfectants cleaners radiographic

processing solutions treatment solutions

and many many more though most of these

chemicals are very safe if used exactly

is labeled by the manufacturer they may

become significant hazards if used

differently from their design purpose

and concentration you should always

handle chemicals in the veterinary

hospital with great respect and be very

careful to apply all the manufacturer's

instructions and safety precautions when

using them read the manufacturer's

warning label and know the hazards you

are dealing with before an axe

occurs determine the type of personal

protective equipment required for

handling these chemicals and use the

equipment properly never alter the

recommended concentrations of solutions

when preparing them even when the

products are prepared correctly cleaning

and disinfecting solutions are sometimes

hazardous to the skin and eyes and may

present an inhalation risk also never

attempt to mix two or more chemicals

that are not designed to be mixed such

mixtures may produce toxic fumes or

other hazardous compounds to different

chemicals should only be mixed if

directed to do so by the manufacturer

though the original product containers

will almost always be properly labeled

it is sometimes impractical to utilize

these products in their larger

containers if you remove a product or a

chemical from its original container and

you do not use all of the product

immediately the container you place the

chemical into should be marked to

reflect the product if the product is a

hazardous chemical you must by law label

the container to identify the hazardous

chemical and appropriate hazard warning

the mixing and pouring of chemicals

should be done with great care and only

when personal protective equipment

specifically protective gloves are used

this activity may produce some splashing

if not done with great care splashed

chemicals can create a serious safety

concern this is especially true when

chemicals are splashed into one's eyes

this accident requires immediate first

aid action the immediate and thorough

rinsing of the eyes should be priority

number one you should familiarize

yourself with the location and use of

the eyewash stations in your facility

before they are needed in most

situations where something has been

splashed into the eyes a minimum of at

least 10 minutes of thorough I

irrigation is recommended a supervisor

should be notified simultaneously to aid

in getting additional medical attention

should it be necessary and to access

MSDS information approved I protection

is a very important step in preventing

this

very serious injury maintenance of

personal protective equipment is

everyone's responsibility shared goggles

and face shields must also be washed

after each use gloves and aprons used

for protection against cleaning products

must themselves be cleaned after each

use residual chemicals are often left on

the gloves and aprons and may cause

contact irritation to the next user the

next area where we will focus our

prevention of injuries and illness is

the veterinary laboratory one of the

most obvious safety concerns in the

laboratory is the potential

contamination from a variety of

parasites and pathogens which are

disease-causing bacteria or viruses

potentially disease-causing laboratory

samples can be safely handled if proper

precautions are taken every sample of

blood urine feces tissue and fluid

sample from an animal should be treated

as a potential hazard bacteria and

fungal cultures are also potential

hazards common to the laboratory area

the following tips will dramatically

reduce the risks associated with the

handling of these many agents when

handling these potentially dangerous

specimens remember to wear protective

gloves and other personal protective

equipment recommended by the

manufacturer when gloves are not worn

thoroughly wash your hands with an

antibacterial soap do not eat or drink

in the laboratory area either through

contaminated food or contaminated hands

eating in the lab should never take

place this should also include not

storing food or drinks in the same

refrigerator as is used for storing

laboratory samples goggles are

protective eyewear should be worn to

protect your eyes from the splashing of

hazardous material though many samples

can be disposed of in conventional trash

bags specimens that are known to be

contaminated with pathogens that humans

are susceptible to should only be

disposed of in a biohazardous waste bag

when handling chemicals that emit a

hazardous vapor or gas do so under a

ventilation hood

needles and other sharp objects used in

the laboratory must also be handled and

disposed of in a safe manner it is

important to always use the sharps

container provided and to never recap a

needle the improper use of a centrifuge

can also be a source of injury injuries

can easily occur by trying to stop the

equipment with your fingers or other

foreign objects use the protective lids

or shield provided with this equipment

it is important to remember that glass

specimen holders can break during the

spinning process broken glass turning at

fast speeds can also cause serious

injury as with all of the other areas of

the veterinary hospital practice

prevention and the laboratory becomes a

very safe and enjoyable place to work

exam rooms have many similar hazards to

contend with the most serious injury

that is likely to occur in this location

however is an animal bite or scratch it

is in the exam room that an animal must

be closely handled and restrained while

it is being poked and prodded by the

doctor and staff in addition to the

preventive steps listed for animals in

the reception area follow these

restraint guidelines in the exam room

when attempting to restrain a dog on the

exam table be sure you the pet owner and

the doctor are protected from a possible

bite attempt this begins by minimizing

the owners role in restraining their own

pet this is especially important during

potentially painful events such as

injections and the taking of a rectal

temperature most owners believe their

dog would never bite anyone least of all

them they often feel the need to speak

to their dog during these procedures by

saying comforting words up close to the

face of the dog instead it is often best

if the doctor politely asks the owner to

allow their trained assistant to

restrain the pet a skilled restrainer

always attempts to maintain control of

the animal's head this does not have to

be forceful but merely enough force as

is necessary to control a possible bite

attempt small dogs can be restrained as

demonstrated here

notice how the handler is using their

hands and arms both to control the dogs

movement medium and large dogs are best

restrained using an arm wrapped around

the head as seen here notice how the

restrainer is keeping their face away

from the dog's mouth the other arm is

used to control the dog's body the

restrainer does not release their hold

until communicating their intent to the

doctor when handling a dog that appears

to be more likely to bite take extra

precautions to prevent injuries muzzling

a dog is an excellent safety measure and

is not at all painful to the dog assess

the dogs disposition and don't take

unnecessary chances if you are not

comfortable handling these potentially

aggressive animals seek assistance from

another skilled handler a thick towel or

blanket is an excellent aid in handling

these patients a towel draped over the

animal's head limits the dogs ability to

see your movements while simultaneously

providing an excellent protective layer

in case of a bite attempt the head can

safely be controlled through the towel

while other procedures are occurring

when attempting to restrain cats in the

exam room you should also be concerned

about preventing cat scratches most

friendly cats can be restrained with

minimal force by rubbing behind their

ears as demonstrated here this controls

the head while providing the cat with a

favorable distraction if needed wrapping

the cat snugly in a towel will limit the

cat's ability to scratch cats that are

excessively excited may require

controlling them with a firm hold of

their scruff this whole produces

excellent control with minimal pain if

the cat continues to resist the back

legs may need to be stretched with the

other hand this is called a stretch hold

good restraining techniques thoroughly

assessing the animals disposition and a

dose of common sense are all essential

if injuries are to be prevented in the

event that someone does get bit or

scratched immediate first aid steps

should be taken a supervisor should be

immediately

notified so they can notify the medical

authorities should this be necessary

with an injury that leads to bleeding

caution should be taken by those

rendering first aid not to directly come

in contact with the blood of the injured

person there are many diseases that can

be easily spread between humans by means

of blood contact these blood-borne

diseases can be easily prevented by the

proper use of personal protective

equipment such as latex gloves in order

to prevent lifting injuries in the exam

room use a lift table whenever possible

to lift or lower large dogs when a lift

table is not available get help from

another staff member when attempting to

lift large dogs solutions to clean the

exam table and solutions to treat

animals are frequently found in exam

rooms oftentimes to maximize space

smaller secondary containers are used to

store these fluids when using secondary

containers to store materials the

containers must be marked with its

contents lot number of the original

container expiration date if appropriate

and health warnings that are found on

the original container when filling

secondary containers use goggles or

other appropriate face shields aprons

have indicated and protective gloves see

the material safety data sheets on these

solutions for information on the proper

precautions you should follow when

working with them