Hospital Safety Management Programs
Background
Hospitals and health care facilities in general are subject to a multitude of hazards not found
in other industries. Hazards include: Blood borne pathogens; Ethylene oxide; Formaldehyde;
Lead & Cadmium; Airborne Contaminants; Biological Contaminants; Radiation and
Radioactive materials; Laboratory chemical safety; Hazardous Waste; and Hazard
Communication. Safety management must comply with general OSHA Standards
and NIOSH Alerts on personnel exposure to hazardous chemicals, personal protective
equipment, respiratory protection, training, sanitation, and maintenance of employee medical
records.
In addition to complying with all federal, state and local codes, standards and ordinances,
health care facilities, survey requirements are also placed on hospitals and associated facilities by
the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations (JCAHO).
Facilities are required to develop, maintain, and improve programs as set forth in JCAHO's
Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals The Official Handbook.
EnviroAnalysis, Inc. personnel are experts at developing and implementing safety
and risk management programs for health care facilities. Our Field Technicians are competently
trained to provide facilities with comprehensive testing, scheduling promptly for site monitoring
and making corrective recommendations for resolutions.
From sophisticated Surgical suites and isolation rooms to the fundamental of
clinics... with physicians, nurses, patients, clinicians, lab specialists, cytologist, histologists,
x-ray technicians, maintenance personnel, human resource directors, engineering, department
heads, controllers, and hospital administrators. We are #1 in compliance management
for medical facilities.
Surgical Suite Area Health Hazards
Control of Biological, Anesthetic Gas and Hazardous Chemical Substances
Background
Fewer workplaces are as complex as the surgical suite area. The number and types of indoor
air quality health hazards are extremely large. For example, the physician and nursing staff can
be directly exposed carcinogenic substances such as Anesthetic halogens or Methyl
methacrylate. On going Nitrous oxide exposures can result in spontaneous
abortions within the female nursing staff. The entire staff can be further confronted to sickness
from chemicals such as Glutaraldehyde or biological contaminants like
Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys atra and Latex
proteins.
The Approach
EnviroAnalysis, Inc. has identified and realized that such potential health
problems aren't necessary with today's knowledge and technology. Furthermore, it can be a
costly risk and inefficient way to manage the workplace. Therefore, EnviroAnalysis's proactive
service mandate for surgical suite areas includes:
Area Evaluation: PHASE l
Evaluate existing workplace hazards, liabilities, procedures, service & maintenance
arrangements.
Intrusive Studies: PHASE II
Review findings and develop a strategic plan to reduce and control environmental hazards
& risks based on needs.
Monitoring Strategy: PHASE III
Provide appropriate assessments, sampling and documentation to support managerial
needs. Preventive Maintenance: PHASE IV On-going monitoring and review of area sites and
conditions.
ref:
Fed/OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Standard
Cal/OSHA, California Code of Regulations [8:5194] Hazard Communication Standard
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135, Preventing Allergic Reaction to Natural Rubber Latex
in the Workplace
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-100, Controlling Exposures to Nitrous Oxide During
Anesthetic Administration
ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
OSHA Hazardous Chemical Audits
- Nitrous oxide & Halogens
- Methyl methacrylate
- Ethylene oxide
- Formaldehyde
- Lead & Cadmium
- Acetic acid
- Glutaraldehyde
- Mercury
- Ethyl alcohol
- Methyl alcohol
- Xylene
Biological Contaminants
- Bacteria & Funguses
- Latex Allergens
Ventilation Efficiency
- Microbiological reservoirs
- Air Delivery & Removal
- Thermal & Comfort Controls
- System Design & Use
- Surgical Suites
- Isolation Rooms
- Laboratory & Radiology Rooms
- Diagnostic & Treatment Rooms
- Sterilizing & Supply Rooms
Waste Anesthetic Gas Evacuation Systems
- High Pressure Delivery Systems
- Low Pressure Delivery Systems
- Vaporizer Flow Rate Accuracy
- Scavenging & Surgical Vacuum Systems
- Room Ventilation Efficiency
Related Audits: Water Management