Document NumberADS: 3.1.14
Community Health Alcohol and Drug Program
Standard Operating Procedure
Managing methadone spillagePurpose
The purpose of this procedure is to clearly outline the requirement for all ACT Health staff to eliminate or minimise as far as possible the risks associated with managing a methadone spill. Alcohol and Drug Program (ADP) will safely contain and manage a methadone spill on The Canberra Hospital (TCH) campus.
Scope
This procedure applies to all ACT Health staff involved in the handling and transportation of methadone.
Procedures
Transportation of methadone:
Couriers will transport methadone to Building 7 TCH on a suitable trolley and carry with them a mobile phone and approved spill kit. When methadone is transported outside routine delivery times, this will be undertaken by the ADP Pharmacist or delegate and a security officer, on a suitable trolley, with a mobile phone and approved spill kit.
In the event of a spill outside Building 7 (Opioid Treatment Service), the following will occur:
Maintain personal safety.
Don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from spill kit and containthe spill.
Remain at spill site if possible.
Notify TCH Environmental Services via the switchboard (they will organise clean up). Notify Dangerous Substance Coordinator.
Notify ADP Pharmacist and Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) or Manager.
Document spill including time, volume lost and volume saved, and names of witnesses in Drugs of Dependence Register. Ensure entry is witnessed and countersigned.
Person witnessing spill will contact ACT Pharmaceutical Services Branch drug inspector on 6207 3974 to inform them of spill. This should be done immediately following the incident.
Complete Riskman report including full details of spill, witnesses and clean up.
In the event of a methadone spill within Building 7 the following will occur:
–Maintain personal safety.
–Don PPE from spill kit and contain spill. Clean up spill using PPE and place glass and waste in a bin for removal by Dangerous Substance Coordinator or delegate.
–Contact Cleaning Supervisor via the switchboard to arrange secondary clean if required.
–Notify Dangerous Substances Coordinator via switch.
–Notify ADP Pharmacist and CNC or Manager.
–Document spill, including time, volume lost and names of witnesses in Drugs of Dependence Register. Entry must be witnessed and signed.
–Complete Riskman Report with full details of spill, witnesses and clean up.
In the event of a client methadone dose spill the following will occur:
–Don PPE (gloves) and contain /clean up spill as appropriate.
–Document spill, including time, volume lost and witnesses in Drugs of Dependence Register. Entry must be witnessed and signed.
Personnel to be contacted in case of a spill:
- TCH Environmental Services – contact via TCH switchboard ext 42222
- Dangerous Substance Coordinator – contact via TCH switchboard ext 42222
- ADP Pharmacist – ext 50959 or 0408 960 087
- Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) – ext 42699
- Manager – ext 52131
- ACT Pharmaceutical Services Branch drug inspector - 6207 3974
Evaluation
- Outcome Measures
Methadone spills will be managed effectively.
- Method
Review of Riskman reports if required
Related Legislation and Policies
Legislation:
- Drugs of Dependence Act 1989 No 11 Section 116
- Dangerous Substances Act 2004
- Dangerous Substances (General) Regulation 2004.
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 1991
Standards:
- Standards: ACHS EQuIP 4
- Clinical 1.5, 1.5.1
- Support 2.1.2
- Corporate 3.2, 3.2.1
Related Policies:
- ACT Health Medication Manual 2008 Edition
OH&S
In conducting this operational procedure it is a requirement for all ACT Health staff to comply with the Work Safety Standards to ensure staff and clients safety.
Attachments
Disclaimer: This document has been developed by ACT Health, Community Health Alcohol and Drug Program specifically for its own use. Use of this document and any reliance on the information contained therein by any third party is at his or her own risk and ACT Health assumes no responsibility whatsoever.
Document no / Version <Policy title> / Issue Date / Review Date / Area Responsible / Print DateADS: 3.1.14 / 1.0 / Jan 2011 / Apr 2018 / ADP / 18/02/2011
Do not refer to a paper based copy of this policy document. The most current version can be found on the ACT Health Policy Register
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