Safe Handling of Hazardous Medications

Key Points

Covenant Health has developed a Hazardous Medications Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidefor the safe handling of hazardous medications by all members of the medical staff, students, volunteers, and other persons acting on behalf of Covenant Health(including contracted service providers as necessary).

All hazardous medications on the Covenant Health Hazardous Medication List will be labeled. New auxilary labels have been developed and Pharmacy Services will label these medications when they are dispensed within Covenant Healthsites. Follow best practices as outlined in the Hazadous Medications Personal Protective (PPE) Guide when working with these medications to ensure your safety.

Hazardous medications may pose a health risk from exposure in the workplace due to the medication’s inherent toxicity. Occupational exposure to hazardous medications may occur through inhalation, eye/skin contact, ingestion or injection.

Exposure to hazardous medications may occur during the following work activities:

  • receiving, unpacking, storage and delivery of hazardous medications;
  • preparing and administering the hazardous medication;
  • handling and disposing of materials that have or may have come in contact with these medications and disposing of hazardous medications and of contaminated materials such as human waste.

Who is at Risk?

  • Pharmacy Services staff - Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Assistants and Students
  • Frontline Clinical staff – Nursing staff, Physicians, Health Care Aides, Laboratory Technologists, Diagnostic Imaging Technologists, Paramedics, Respiratory Therapists,Students
  • Frontline Non-Clinical staff - Unit Clerks, Porters, Contracting Procurement and Supply Management Staff, Services staff (e.g. Protective Services)
  • Linenand Environmental Services staff
  • Nutrition and Food Services

Hazard Assessment and Control
Please refer to your position based Hazard Assessment to ensure safe handling of hazardous medications related to your job is included. If PPE is identified as a control measure refer to the Hazardous Medications PPE Guide to select the appropriate PPE for the work activity to be performed. If you do not have a Hazard Assessment or would like assistance, please contactyour site Safety & Hygiene Consultant from Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Choose the right PPE. Make sure it fits properly and comfortably and follow proper donning and doffing procedures so that you are protected.

Note: Ensure hands are clean before donning PPE. Wash hands with soap and water after removing PPE to reduce contamination from hazard medications.

First Aid Measures

  1. Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of gentle flowing water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
  2. Skin (absorption): Wash the exposed area immediately with water for 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Seek immediate medical attention.
  3. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention.
  4. Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention.
  5. Injection/needle stick: Wash area with water and allow injury area to bleed freely, cover it and seek immediate medical attention.

Hazardous Waste Handling

Treat all disposable PPE used in preparation, administration and handling, and associated supplies and medications as hazardous waste. Dispose of all hazardous waste as per the established processes and the Hazardous Medications PPE Guide.

For more information please refer to the AHS/COV Hazardous Medications PPE Guide and List on CompassionNET.

For further questions about the Safe Handling of Hazardous Medications, please contact Medication Management; for questions around PPE, please contact your site Safety & Hygiene Consultant from Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness.

Resources

  • Alberta Health Services /Covenant Health: Hazardous Medications Personal Protective Equipment Guide: Reducing Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Medications for all Staff
  • Handling Hazardous Human Waste Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Hazardous Medications Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide Tip Sheet
  • Waste Management @

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