1. Safety in PhlebotomySafety in Phlebotomy

2. Safety Hazards & ActionsSafety Hazards & Actions
• Biologic
– Source: Infectious Agents
– Possible Injuries: Infections
– Actions:
• Handwashing!
• Universal/Standard Precautions
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Isolation Procedures

10. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Sharp
– Source: Needles, Lancets & broken glass
– Possible Injuries: Cuts, punctures = exposure to
bloodborne pathogens
– Actions
• Never manually re cap a needleNever manually re cap a needle
• Dispose in sharps conveniently located Sharps
container immediately (never leave lying anywhere)immediately (never leave lying anywhere)
• Sharps containers not overfilled
• Sharps containers should be labeled with biohazard
labels

11. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Chemical
– Source: Preservatives & reagents
– Possible Injuries: Exposure to toxic,
carcinogenic or caustic agents (burns)
– Actions
• Avoid getting on your body, clothing or work area
– Skin contact – flush with large amounts of water
• Assume all are hazardous
• Never mix!
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)(MSDS)
– Contains info on characteristics, hazards, routes or entry to
the body, exposure limits, precautions for safe handling, and
spill/cleanup and emergency first aid information

12. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Radioactive
– Source: Equipment & radioisotopes (release
radiation as it breaks down)
• Radioisotopes injected in some patients are treatment;
patient and all blood and body fluids radioactive
– Possible Injuries: Radiation exposure
– Actions
• Working in area; required to wear exposure devices
• Radioactive Hazard Symbol – look for and treat
appropriately

13. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Electrical
– Source: Ungrounded/wet equipment; frayed
cords
– Possible Injuries: Burns or shock
– Actions
• Report damaged cords or equipment

14. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Fire/Explosive
– Source: Heat source or chemical
– Physical Injuries: Burns or dismemberment
– Actions
• RACE
• PASS
• Evacuation plans
• Explosive chemicals

15. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Physical
– Source: Wet floors, heavy boxes, patients
– Possible Injuries: Falls, sprains, strains,etc.
– Actions
• Wet Floors signs
• Halls and Doorways free of clutter
• Hall or tripping hazards
• Closed-toed, supportive shoes
• Body Mechanics