Medical Center Occupational Health Basics-Chemical & Radiological Hazards Handouts

Chemical & Radiological Hazards Handouts

Pdf Summary

This document provides information on physical, radiologic, and chemical hazards that can be found in occupational health settings. It emphasizes the importance of ergonomics in preventing common and costly injuries in various healthcare job roles. The document provides links to resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that outline strategies for implementing ergonomics programs. It highlights the role of NIOSH in identifying risk factors, involving management and workers, collecting health and medical evidence, implementing ergonomics programs, and promoting worker recovery and involvement. OSHA's recommendations include management support, worker involvement, training, problem identification, encouraging early reporting, implementing solutions, and evaluating progress.<br /><br />The document also discusses radiation hazards, particularly ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. It states that ionizing radiation is commonly found in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, operating rooms, nuclear pharmacies, and requires monitoring through personnel badges and rings. It also mentions the 'ALARA' principle (as low as reasonably achievable) for radiation exposure limits and provides conversion factors for dose measurements.<br /><br />Regarding non-ionizing radiation, the document explains that it includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, UV radiation, and LASERs. It highlights the importance of training, personal protective equipment, medical screening, and compliance with ANSI standards for LASER use. Additionally, the document covers the safety considerations for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and emphasizes the need for training and awareness of the MRI strength, as well as the potential dangers associated with ferromagnetic objects.<br /><br />In terms of chemical hazards, the document mentions chemicals used for disinfection and sterilization, such as ethylene oxide, glutaraldehyde, and ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), and their associated health risks. It provides OSHA standards, monitoring methods, control measures, and personal protective equipment recommendations for managing chemical hazards like formaldehyde and waste anesthetic gases. It also identifies cytotoxic drugs as potentially hazardous and highlights the NIOSH and OSHA recommendations for medical evaluations and surveillance for those working with these drugs.<br /><br />Overall, the document serves as a resource for identifying and addressing physical, radiologic, and chemical hazards in occupational health settings and provides links to additional sources for more detailed information.

Keywords

occupational health settings

ergonomics

healthcare job roles

radiation hazards

ionizing radiation

non-ionizing radiation

ALARA principle

personal protective equipment

chemical hazards

cytotoxic drugs