Full transcript
0:05You encounter hazardous chemicals more
0:07often than you think. From alcohol wipes
0:09to disinfectants and even [music]
0:10isopropyl alcohol.
0:13That's why understanding HA has the
0:15hazard communication standard [music] is
0:17essential for your safety. Chemical
0:19hazards can be an intimidating topic to
0:21approach. In this video, we'll break it
0:24down and turn it into a set of
0:25predictable, safe everyday procedures.
0:28Under OSHA's HASCOM, every employee has
0:30the right to know and the right to
0:32understand the chemical hazards in their
0:34workplace. If a chemical can irritate
0:36skin, harm lungs, or create an explosion
0:39risk, it falls under this standard. In a
0:42clinical setting, these hazards include
0:44routine substances like isopropyl
0:47alcohol used for site preparation,
0:49disinfectants used during room turnover,
0:52and even items like battery acid from
0:54equipment or printer toner. Your key
0:56document for chemical safety is the
0:58safety data sheet or SCS. The SCS is
1:02your comprehensive guide for every
1:03hazardous chemical in the facility. Your
1:06clinical site must [clears throat] keep
1:07SDS's readily accessible at all times,
1:09either in a physical binder or
1:11electronically. The STS tells you
1:14everything you need to know.
1:16Identification, what the chemical is and
1:18how it's used. Hazard information,
1:22physical and health risks. First aid
1:25measures, what to do in case of
1:27exposure. Accidental release procedures,
1:30how to safely clean up a spill. Handling
1:33and storage requirements, how to safely
1:35handle the chemical and store it to
1:37prevent hazards. Exposure controls and
1:40PPE recommendations. How to limit
1:42exposure and what protective equipment
1:44to use. Disposal considerations. How to
1:48properly dispose of the chemical and
1:50contaminated materials. Not only does
1:52the SCS tell you what the hazards are,
1:54but it also shows the exact steps you
1:56should take to protect yourself. For
1:58example, if a disinfectant can irritate
2:01the respiratory system, the SDS will
2:03specify whether additional PPE like
2:06gloves or eye protection is required. It
2:09will also tell you how to store the
2:11chemical safely and what to do if a
2:13spill occurs.
2:15Every chemical container must also have
2:17a proper label including a product
2:19identifier, a single word like warning
2:21or danger, hazard statements, and
2:24pictograms.
2:26These symbols give you immediate at a
2:28glance safety information. The SCS then
2:31provides the full details. Has about
2:34application. These documents allow for
2:36the safe handling, storage, and disposal
2:39of hazardous chemicals. Remember,
2:42you should always use the PPE
2:44recommended on the SDS. Never mix
2:46chemicals unless the SDS allows it.
2:49Always store chemicals according to
2:51their requirements. Some need
2:53ventilation, others must be kept away
2:55from heat. Always dispose of chemicals
2:58exactly as directed. Improper disposal
3:01can lead to employees exposure.
3:03Environmental contamination or
3:05regulatory violations.
3:08By following the SDS and facility
3:10protocols, you protect yourself, your
3:12co-workers, and your patients. As an MA,
3:15you are responsible for knowing where
3:17the SDS's are kept and using chemicals
3:20safely. If you have questions about a
3:22product, the SDS is your first resource.
3:25Hazard communication empowers you to
3:27work confidently and safely.