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HSC 027 Contribute to health and safety in health and social care by Gaël Romanet

Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care Unit HSC 027

Tutor Name: Akua Quao

Thursday 4th July 2013 Release Date: 27/06/2013 14:45

Assignment task – HSC 027 Contribute to health and safety in health and social care

In your work role in health and social care settings it is important to carry out your work safely in a safe environment. Produce an information document, for your peers, which provides knowledge of the following aspects which underpin health and safety in the work setting:

Task ①

• Identify legislation relating to general health and safety in a health or social care work setting.

• Describe the main points of the health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer.

• Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of:- self- the employer or manager- others in the work setting

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• Identify tasks relating to health and safety that should not be carried out without special training.

• Explain how to access additional support and information relating to health and safety.

Task ②

• Explain why it is important to assess health and safety hazards posed by the work setting or by particular activities.

• Explain how and when to report potential health and safety risks that have been identified.

• Explain how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between rights and health and safety concerns.

Task ③

• Describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in own work setting.

• Outline the procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur.

Task ④

• Identify hazardous substances and materials that may be found in the work setting.

• Describe safe practices for:- storing hazardous substances- using hazardous substances- disposing of hazardous substances and materials

Task ⑤

• Describe practices that prevent fires from:- starting- spreading

• Outline emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a fire in the work setting.

• Explain the importance of maintaining clear evacuation routes at all times.

Task ⑥

• Identify common signs and indicators of stress.

• Identify circumstances that tend to trigger own stress.

• Describe ways to manage own stress.



InformationWork setting may include one specific location or a range of locations, depending on the context of a particular work role.

Policies and procedures may include other agreed ways of working as well as formal policies and procedures.

Others may include; team members, others colleagues, those who use or commission their own health or social care services, families, carers and advocates.Tasks that the learner should not carry our without special training may include those relating to:

- use of equipment- first aid- medication- health care procedures- food handing and preparation

Stress can have positive as well as negative effects, but in this assignment task the word is used to refer to negative stress.

Assignment task – HSC 027 Answers

Task ①

• Identify legislation relating to general health and safety in a health or social care work setting.

The legislation who relates to general health and safety in a health or social care work setting is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, also referred to as HSWA, HSW Act or HASAWA, is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain.The Health and Safety Executive with local authorities (and other enforcing authorities) is responsible for enforcing the Act and a number of other Acts and Statutory Instruments relevant to the working environment.

Reference: http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm

It is significant to know that the health and safety legislation, policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safety of everyone within the workplace.



The responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace are shared between the employer and employee.

Your workplace will be covered by The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

This Act has been updated and further regulations and guidelines added to it to extend the areas that it covers.

• Describe the main points of the health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer.

The main points of the health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer are as follows:

- assessing the risks that exist in the workplace and taking appropriate action to reduce the risk to an acceptable level

- providing the workplace with information about safety and security and to provide training where necessary for staff to be able to work safety

- monitoring and reviewing health and safety policies and procedures

- to provide employees with protective clothing and equipment to enable them to carry out their job safely

More about "employers' health and safety responsibilities": http://www.liverpool-lmc.org.uk/newsletters/200912/employers_health_and_safety_responsibilities.pdf

• Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of self:

The main health and safety responsibilities for self as an employee, mean you are responsible to follow the health and safety procedures that your employer has put in place, and report any omissions or difficulties that may arise.

You are responsible to use the protective clothing and equipment that your employer has supplied.

Also you have the responsibility to report any potential risks or hazards within the workplace.

You are responsible to take reasonable care for your own health and safety equipment or materials that have been supplied by your employer and to not deliberately damage any health and safety equipment or materials that has been supplied by your employer.



• Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of the employer or manager:

The main health and safety responsibilities for the employer or manager, mean they are responsible in assessing the risks that exist in the workplace and taking appropriate action to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Employer or manager are responsible in providing the workplace with information about safety and security and to provide training where necessary for staff to be able to work safety.

They have the responsibility in monitoring and reviewing health and safety policies and procedures.

Also employer or manager have the responsibility to provide employees with protective clothing and equipment to enable them to carry out their job safely.

• Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of others in the work setting:

It is joint responsibility of the employer and the employee to ensure the health and safety of all people in the environment, this would include colleagues, individuals, visitors and any other people in the environment including external contractors or people making deliveries.

It is also your responsibility to keep the environment safe and report any hazards.

Note:

Where a workplace employs more than five people there must be a written Health and Safety Policy.

This policy must state the organisations intention to provide a safe working environment and include the following:

- the name of the person who is responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented

- any others who have particular responsibilities for names health and safety hazards

- how accidents and incidents are to be recorded

- health and safety hazards related to that workplace, and the procedures that should be followed in relation to these hazards

- the evacuation procedure for the workplace

• Identify tasks relating to health and safety that should not be carried out without special training.

The tasks relating to health and safety that should not be carried out without special training are various.



To take care about severe burns, to remove foreign object in the eye and to remove foreign object deeply embedded in the body.

To repair teeth or to write medical prescription, you need special training.

Also, it is very important to know employers have legal duties to give health and safety information and training to all employees.

I found with Internet more about the general duties of employers to their employees.

"It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees"

Reference: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/section/2

Also, training should include all the risks that employees are exposed and the precautions they need to take.

Training should make clear about the risk assessment in using special clothes if required to protect staff from hazards.

Special clothing should be provided and maintained at no cost to all employees.

Induction programmes before to start a care job must also include health and safety training and should cover:

• Manual handling (EEC Directive inform how to manually handle equipment at work)• Infection control• Fire procedures• First aid• Basic hygiene• Food preparation, storage and hygiene• Dealing with emergency situations• The use of protective clothing and/or equipment.

In addition to the induction programmes, training should be given to employees when:

• There is a transfer of job• New equipment is used• There are changes in work methods

Employers must also provide information for employees.

Information for employees who have difficulty in understanding or reading English should also be considered.

Special movie training can be the answers for all employees who have difficulties in understanding or reading English.



• Explain how to access additional support and information relating to health and safety.

All work place must have a health and safety poster with the employers responsibilities and the employees responsibilities with the name of the health and safety contact.

Care nursing homes have special magazines with articles regarding health and safety and training programmes who can help trainer to ask carers about their training.

Health and safety training are a wealth of information about:

- Manual handling- Basic health and safety- An introduction to food hygiene- Person first... dementia second- Medication awareness- Medicine awareness – training care team members to administer topical medicines- Basic infection control- Fire procedures- First aid- Basic hygiene- Food preparation, storage and hygiene- Dealing with emergency situations- The use of protective clothing and/or equipment

Task ②

• Explain why it is important to assess health and safety hazards posed by the work setting or by particular activities.



It is important to assess health and safety hazards posed by the work setting or by particular activities because this is the only way to understand how hazards happen and what are the risks of harm from hazards.

By understanding how and why risks happen, it is easy to reduce or eliminated the potential of harm caused by hazard for thereby save people's life.

Why it is important to carry out a risk assessment?

- it is a legal requirement- to identify measures to be taken to reduce risks- to provide guidelines for all staff to work to- to safeguard individuals and staff

Risk assessment is not about removing all possibility of danger or harm.

No activity is completely free from risk.

Risk assessment is about weighing up the benefits of the activity against the likelihood of harm and putting in place measures to prevent harm.

Managing risks in this way helps to enable people to live a full life.

It is important to know the difference between a hazard and a risk.

What is a hazard?

When we refer to hazards in relation to occupational safety and health the most commonly used definition is “a hazard is a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons”



What is risk?

When we refer to risk in relation to occupational safety and health the most commonly used definition is “a risk is the likelihood that a person may be harmed or suffers adverse health effects if exposed to a hazard”

Reference: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Hazards/

Example:

Electricity is the hazard. Electrocution is the risk.

• Explain how and when to report potential health and safety risks that have been identified.

It is good to know that, a risk assessment is used to assess and reduce the potential hazards within a workplace setting to protect the individuals using the service, staff and others who are on the premises.

Here some examples of hazards who can occur in a care nursing homes.

- Injuries from falling resulting from:

• Bad housekeeper (wet too much the floor)



• Old carpets (air bubble under the carpet create like a wave and can make fall the resident)• Bad lights in stairs (two lights on four stay on when switching on)• Inappropriate shoes for the residents (too big shoes)• Inappropriate trousers for the residents (too long trousers)• Wet floor (bad housekeeper, resident makes fall a cup of tea)• Dirty and old walking stick (stay sticky in hand)

- Fire can be caused by:

• Poor housekeeping (storage of combustible and flammable materials in rubbish bin who is full up)• Poor electrics (poor maintenance by maintenance guys)• Smoking (resident who smokes)• Accumulation of dust (too much dust in radiator)• Hot surfaces contact (ventilator, iron, hair dryer, toaster)

- Electric shock:

• Poor electrics (poor maintenance by maintenance guys)• Water and electric mix (to use a hair dryer for a resident in the bathroom)

- Pain back injury:

• Lifting heavy objects (moving a profile bed from a room to another room)• Lifting resident (no utilisation of the hoist)• Poor posture (need training to how to lift objects)

- Chemical burns:

• Storage and use of dangerous cleaning products (a resident can seriously be burn if a housekeeper forgot a dangerous cleaning product in the day room)

- Medicines:

• Improper use (a nurse who increased the medications to a resident who makes troubles in the day room)• Insecure storage (a walking resident who takes by mistake improper medications cause a staff nurse forgot to close the door of the medication room)

The Health and Safety Executive have identified the five basic steps involved in making a risk assessment in the work place.

There are:

- Step 1: Look for and list the hazards.- Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how.- Step 3: Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether existing

precautions are adequate or whether more should be done.



- Step 4: Record the findings.- Step 5: Review the assessment from time to time and revise it if necessary.

To report potential health and safety risks that have been identified, you must first report all hazards and risks at the earliest time!

Hazards and risks that can be resolved without delay must be done immediately by carer, housekeeper. (example: drying a wet floor)

Also housekeeper must used hazard notices “Danger Wet Floor” in appropriate place to warning the residents and staff. (example: day room, corridors, in front of the bathroom doors)

You can report new hazards you may find in your work place to your manager, senior carer and you can also write in the report maintenance book. (maintenance guys will have a reading of the report and they will fix as soon as possible the new hazards you found)

Of course you can record all hazards in the appropriate documents as care plan, staff handover notes, accident book and maintenance report book.

If the hazards you found in your work place are still here and not fixed after a long time, you can inform the Health and Safety Executive staff.

Health and Safety Executive is the national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness.

They are an independent regulator and act in the public interest to reduce work-related death and serious injury across Great Britain’s workplaces.

They will open an investigation for the reason who makes hazards and they will make preventative measures who need to be taken in the future.

More about Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/

• Explain how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between rights and health and safety concerns.

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is an identification of the key hazards present and making a judgement of the extent of the risk involved taking into account whatever precautions are already in place.

What is a precaution?

Precaution is an item or action to remove a hazard or reduce the risk.

Reference: Basic health and safety book by My Employer Care Homes



The purpose of a risk assessment is to help the employer to determine what measures should be taken to avoid injury at work.

Employers have legal duties:

Under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 employers have a legal duty to assess all risks to the health and safety of employees.

Reference: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/introduction/made

All employers and self-employed must conduct a risk assessment and where 5 or more persons are employed that assessment must be written down.

Risk assessment is important because it helps prevent accidents and ill health.

There are 5 steps to Risk Assessment:

STEP 1 Identify the hazards

STEP 2 Decide who could be at risk

STEP 3 Evaluate risk and decide if the existing precautions are adequate

STEP 4 Record the findings

STEP 5 Review the assessment regularly

Risk assessment is a part of everyday' life. During a day, you take many risks without knowing it. Crossing the road when the traffic is huge and running under the rain to not miss the bus to go to work.

Task ③

• Describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in own work setting.

Example of different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in work setting

Example 1



A chief in a care home kitchen drops a pan of boiling stock from the oven causing severe burns to his legs and feet.Possible causes:

- Not paying attention to what he was doing

- The handle on the pan is broken and gives way when the chief is carrying it causing the chief to drop the pan

- A kitchen assistant rushes into the kitchen and bumps into the chief

- The chief is wearing open-toed sandals

- Someone has spilt salad oil and not cleaned it up

- The pan was too heavy

Example 2

A resident is being assisted in bathing. The resident is scalded by very hot water.

Possible causes:

- Thermostatic valve malfunctioning and the hot water tap temperature was above 44ºC (hot water tap temperatures must not exceed 44ºC)

- Care assistant did not check the hot water tap temperature before immersing the resident

- Care assistant leaves the resident unattended for a brief period to answer the phone

Example 3

A resident is in bed with bedside rails erected. The resident falls over the bedside rail, onto the floor, fracturing a hip.

Possible causes:

- Risk assessment for bedside rail usage was not completed

- Incorrect selection of bedside rail for the resident

- Bedrail incompatible with bed

- Mattress overlay raised the bed height to nearly the height of the bedside rail

- Inadequate maintenance of bedside rails



- Bedside rails not fitted according to manufacturer's instructions

To know the difference between an accident and a near miss is important.

An accident is an unplanned, uncontrolled event, which causes death, injury or damage to property.

A near miss is an unplanned event, which does not cause death, injury or damage to property.

Accidents do not just happen. There are always reasons why they occur and they can be prevented.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering work-related health and safety in the United Kingdom.

Employers have a general duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities.

The main causes of accidents are unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.

Unsafe acts are:

- Lack of training and information

- Alcohol

- Wearing unsuitable clothing

- Playing practical jokes

- Other factors; boredom, inexperience, carelessness, thoughtlessness, working when overtired or ill

A negative attitude can also be a hazard. A person may be pressured into doing a job in an unsafe way because of a "we want to get on with the job attitude".If the person is new or inexperienced they may feel awkward about asking for help or guidance. Some may hold the view that paying attention to Health and Safety is not "macho" and this attitude can lead to accidents.

Always remember that, a positive attitude prevents accidents.

Unsafe conditions are:

- Badly stored dangerous material

- Noise



- Overcrowding

- Untidy work area

- Slippery uneven floor

- Unguarded machinery

- Not using the correct equipment for the task

- Poor cable management

Slips and trips are one of the biggest causes of injury at work.

The main slip hazards are liquid spills, wet floors, icy paths, sloping floors, loose rugs and mats unsuitable floor surfaces, unsuitable shoes.

The main trip hazards are trailing cables, holes or uneven floor or carpet, obstruction in the walkway, untidy overcrowded work space.


• Outline the procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur.

Your manager needs to know if an accident has happened so that action can be taken to prevent it happening again.

All accidents including near misses and all work related health problems must be reported to your manager immediately and recorded in the incident book.

This is especially important for accidents potentially involving blood borne infection such as:

- All sharps/needle injuries

- Contamination or abrasions with body fluids

- Human scratches or bites causing bleeding

- Splashes of body fluids into the mouth or eyes

If the accident has caused an injury requiring first aid you should contact your First Aider

If the injury is more serious as well as summoning the First Aider it may be necessary to call an ambulance by dialling 999



The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) requires certain accidents to be reported to the enforcement authorities immediately and some examples include:

- A death

- Any type of injury that results in absence from work for more than 3 days

- Certain injuries, dangerous occurrences and diseases specified by law

- Residents or any members of the public as visitors, requiring hospital treatment as a result of a work-related incident


Task ④

• Identify hazardous substances and materials that may be found in the work setting.

Definition of hazardous substancesA hazardous substance is any material – liquid, solid, dust, power or gas, that has the potential to cause injury or illness to people who come into contact with it.

Hazardous substance may be used in many work activities and could inflict a range of illness (such as dermatitis, respiratory problems, cancer and infections) on the person using the substance, as well as putting colleagues, visitors and members of the public at risk.

Types of hazardous substances of 57

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Hazardous substances include anything that could cause ill health to people who come into contact with them.

A substance may be hazardous because it is:

- Flammable or explosive

- Toxic, corrosive or harmful

- The cause of disease or allergies

It will be marked with a hazard warning label for example:

Hazardous substances come in a variety of forms:

- Liquids – such as cleaning chemicals

- Dust – such as asbestos or flour

- Gases – such as chlorine

- Fumes – from industrial chemicals

- Living organisms – such as fungal spores

They can cause damage to the body when they:

- Come into contact with the skin and eyes

- Enter the body through cuts in the skin

- Are breathed in and affect the respiratory and nervous systems

- Enter the body by mouth either by swallowing or from contaminated hands touching food or the mouth



Assessing the risksThe Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) make it a legal responsibility of your employer to conduct an assessment of the risks from all hazardous substances used or created.

All COSHH assessments must be recorded.

The employer must also ensure that all substances are used correctly and are safe.

The assessment will look at:

- How hazardous the substance is

- How it is used – quantity and frequency

- Who could be at risk (staff and residents)

- The effectiveness of current control measures

The assessment will need to be reviewed at regular intervals and when changes are made to materials or processes.

All staff must make sure they are familiar with the receipt of Hazardous Substances policy within their care home and the Designated Safe Storage Areas.


• Describe safe practices for storing hazardous substances:



If you use or handle hazardous substances in your work place, be sure you respect the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH)More about Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH) http://www.hse.gov.uk/nanotechnology/coshh.htm

Having identified a hazardous substance, one of the first questions to ask would be "is there a safer alternative?"

If there is, then use the alternative as a non-harmful disinfectant.

Other controls include good ventilation, good housekeeping, safe storage, training and finally Personal Protective Equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment is a last resort and should only be provided when all other control measures are in place.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH)

A hazardous substance is a substance which is an irritant, corrosive, or toxic.It can be chemically based or a natural substance such as body waste or bacteria.You may come into contact with many hazardous substances during your working day.

Your employer must have a COSHH Record book where will be identified all the dangerous substances used in the organisation.

This must include:

- where they are stored

- how they are labelled

- what will happen if they are used incorrectly (swallowed, left on the skin, inhaled etc)



- the way they should be used

- the action that should be taken in the event of an emergency

You should also assess the risks of storing and handling hazardous substances to the environment as well as human health.

For instance, consider the effects of a leak to the air, water and surrounding land. This can help you to avoid being prosecuted for causing pollution.

Simple steps to control the risks of hazardous substances include:

• Storing chemicals according to the manufacturer's instructions on the safety data sheet

• Keeping the minimum quantity of hazardous substances necessary

• Storing incompatible substances separately• Preventing release or leaks

• Training employees to store and handle hazardous substances properly

• Labelling storage containers properly

• Storing flammable substances in suitable containers away from sources of ignition, such as boilers and heaters

• Placing stores of liquid above ground where they are unlikely to be damaged, for example away from driveways

• Maintaining gauges, valves and pipe work

• Having procedures for dealing with emergency leaks

• Using a secondary containment system such as a drip tray or bund (a storage area designed to prevent liquids escaping)

• Monitoring oil use - unexpectedly high use may indicate a leak

If your work place has oil storage containers you may need to comply with certain legal requirements.


HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES GUIDEI found out the Hazardous Substances Guide of my work place:



COSHHKnow the hazard symbols:

1 NEVER empty or pour hazardous substances from their original container into a new container without it being appropriately labelled.

- a vulnerable resident may mistake such liquid as being a drink

- if a substance has no label DO NOT USE IT, and such instances must be reported to the Person in Charge2 NEVER use a hazardous substance if the label has insufficient information, or

training/instruction is required to enable its safe use.

- a Safety Data Sheet or Suppliers Advisory Leaflet must be obtained from the supplier or manufacturer

- COSHH risk assessment must be carried out on all hazardous substances that are used in the Home (COSHH HSE.120)3 NEVER store excessive amounts. Try to store small quantities only, and always

ensure safe storage in relation to the hazardous nature of the substance, refer to the COSHH risk assessment.4 NEVER mix substances:

- care must be exercised when considering substances which are relatively harmless in isolation but which may become extremely hazardous when mixed5 NEVER leave hazardous substances unattended while in use in the home.6 ALWAYS store hazardous substances safely in a locked up cupboard or locked

room.



7 ALWAYS store hazardous substances immediately within designated safe area (locked cupboard or locked room) on receipt of delivery into the home, in accordance with company policy HSE.152.8 ALWAYS follow the Safe Working Procedure when working with the hazardous substance in ensure you wear any Personal Protective Equipment that is required to control hazards that have been identified (gloves, filter masks, aprons and eye protections).

Policy manual and other references:

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) HSE.120Safety Data Sheet (Available from Manufacturer)Delivery and receipt of materials, products and hazardous substances HSE. 152Product Information Guide

Personal Protective Equipment

• Describe safe practices for using hazardous substances:



Safe practices for using hazardous substances are vital to keep a high level of property in a care setting. About gas cylindersAll compressed gases are dangerous. Handle them with care.

Basic handling precautions:

• Observe all safety standards

• Know the hazards associated with the gases you use

• Secure cylinders upright with chains to secure them so they do not fall and injure someone

• Keep cylinders away from fire or naked flame

• Never drop cylinders or bang them against one another

• Move the larger cylinders with special hand trucks - don't try and drag or roll them

• Store cylinders with valve caps in place - even when empty

Guidelines for safe use:

• Always check the identity of the gas before using it• Keep caps screwed down to the last thread until the cylinder is used



• Check hoses and connections to be sure they are tight, clean, in good condition and leak free

• Open cylinder valves slowly - pointed away from you and others

• Never force threaded connections - make sure they match properly and are not cross threaded

• Never use a wrench or hammer to open valves with hand wheels

• Mark empty cylinders "MT" and store away from full ones

• Gas cylinders must either be stored on a trolley or secured by a chain to the wall

• Never smoke or allow anyone else to smoke or have a naked flame within the vicinity of gas cylinders

• In areas where cylinders are being used (residents rooms etc) or stored there must be a warning sign displayed on the door

Reference: Basic health and safety book by My Employer Care HomesEach activity involving contact with hazardous substance will have a risk assessment and a procedure for use and storage.

You must always be sure to follow this procedure and use any personal protective equipment that is required.

In health and social care environments there are various hazardous substances such as:

- body waste – urine, faeces, vomit, sputum and blood

- sharps – needles and cannulae

- clinical waste – dressings and continence aids

- soiled linen – bedding and clothing

- medicines

Compare the procedures below with the ones in your own organisation:

When dealing with all body waste always wear gloves and apron

- urine and faeces – flush toilet or sluice before cleaning with the appropriate substance

- vomit, sputum and blood – clean using appropriate equipment and substances

- urine and faeces – clean using appropriate equipment and substances



- sharps and cannulae – should be disposed of in a yellow sharps box that is kept in a secure place.

- clinical waste – always wear gloves and apron

Safe practices for using hazardous substances are relatively simple.

Practice good hand care by removing contamination quickly.

Wash your hands correctly, dry properly and use skin creams regularly to preserve a good quality of skin and to disinfect and take away all bacteria.

To wash and rewash your hands again and again can irritate your skin and cause allergies. Also some hazardous substances like cleaning products are corrosive and can cause skin burn and eye damage.

Using good work techniques help to minimise contact with hazardous substances.

It's also important to keep the workplace well ventilated. This way the air is constantly renewed.Also, it is important to store cleaning products safely, away from access of the residents and be sure the door of the storage place is locked.

In your work place you may be ask to do some tasks who need to provide protective equipment like gloves, filter masks, aprons and eye protections.

Do’s and don’ts when using hazardous materials

Know the substance you are handing. Never mix different chemicals together.Read the label.

Use the correct personal protective Don’t use chemicals you are not trained orequipment. authorised.

Always follow the correct procedures. Never decant chemicals into unmarked or



incorrectly labelled containers.

Always store chemicals in their Never store chemicals in a food room.designated areas.

Report any problems or health effects Smoke.straight away.

Wash your hands carefully after Don’t leave lids off containers.handling chemicals and before eatingfood.

Never leave chemicals lying around or unattended where residents could inadvertently spill or consume them.

Residents may have poor vision or may be confused and not alert to which substances might be hazardous.

All hazardous substances must be stored safely away from vulnerable residents.

Reference: Basic health and safety book by My Employer Care Homes• Describe safe practices for disposing of hazardous substances and materials:

What are Hazardous Materials?

A hazardous material is any substance, including water or any combination thereof, which due to its physical, chemical or concentration properties could cause or lead to a potential hazard to human health. This is any material that could pose potential danger to human health.

Reference about Hazardous Materials: http://uk.ask.com/question/what-are-hazardous-materials



What are Hazardous Substances?

A hazardous substance is one that has the potential, through being used at work, to harm the safety or health of person(s) in the workplace. In addition, it is any substance which is listed in Part 1 of the Approved Supply List as a dangerous substance for supply because it is very toxic, corrosive, harmful or irritant.

Reference about Hazardous Substances: http://uk.ask.com/question/what-are-hazardous-substances

About Approved Supply List:

http://www.coshh365.com/docs/L142_approved_supply_list.pdf

What is a hazardous substance to health?

COSHH covers substances that are hazardous to health.

Substances can take many forms and include:

- chemicals

- products containing chemicals

- fumes

- dusts

- vapours

- mists

- nanotechnology

- gases and asphyxiating gases

- biological agents (germs) If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance

- germs that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories

Reference: http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics/substance.htm

Safe practices for disposing of hazardous substances and materials are large and various.



Of course you are under law to ensure the risk from hazardous substances and materials are assessed and managed properly in your work setting.

Also exposure to hazardous substances and materials should be minimised and staff should be trained in how to handle these substances safely and how to deal with accidents and spillages according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH)

These substances may include chemical elements such as:

- cleaning products

- latex gloves

- medicines

- asbestos

- solvent for painting and ink

- chemical waste

- pesticides

Your responsibilities don't end when you have finish to use hazardous substances.

You have the responsibilities to ensure the hazardous substances are disposed and recovered correctly.

You are responsible until the waste has been disposed and fully recovered.

What is a hazardous material to health?



Materials can take many forms and include:

- asbestos

- lead-acid batteries

- used engine oils

- oil filters

- oily sludges

- solvents

- chemical wastes- pesticides

- fluorescent light tubes

Waste is disposed in a yellow bag, identified as clinical waste. Some clinical waste may be disposed in a red bag. The colour shows that the waste is contaminated.

In cases of MRSA (MRSA is a type of bacterial infection that is resistant to a number of widely used antibiotics. This means it can be more difficult to treat than other bacterial infections), all bags should be carefully sealed and taken to a secure area such as a yellow bin with a lock.

Reference about MRSA: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/MRSA/Pages/Introduction.aspx



The contents of any clinical waste bag must never be transferred because of the risk of cross infection.

All bags have a number to indicate where the waste has come from, this way the people who treat wastes know how to deal with these different types of waste and they can’t mix them.

To treat soiled linen, always wear disposable gloves and apron when handling these.

Where necessary, use the sluice to remove solids before placing in a solution bag which goes straight into the washing machine and dissolves during the cycle.

A red bag is used to identify contaminated linen which needs to be washed alone, this is particularly important with MRSA.

Task ⑤

• Describe practices that prevent fires from starting:



Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire (Scotland) Act 2005Care homes are required by Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 laws to ensure that there is:

- means of escape

- means of detecting fire

- means of giving warning

- fire-fighting equipment

- staff training

- fire risk assessment

- an emergency planThe law also requires you as an employee:

- to work in a way that ensures your fire safety and that of others

- to work and follow the fire safety procedures within your care home

- not to misuse or neglect fire safety equipment (this includes fire doors)

If serious contraventions were discovered by a Fire Officer upon inspection, criminal proceedings could be taken against the company, a manager or any individual member of staff.

Preventing fires - what you can doFire safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Being aware of fire safety hazards in your everyday job, and to be alert to fire hazards and either correct the situation by yourself, if you can, or report the problem to your manager or the person in charge, help to prevent fires to start.



Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility

Practices that prevent fires from starting are:

A good housekeeping, this means every day, common sense precautions that will minimise the risk of a serious fire occurring in your care home and ensure that everyone can get out safety.

Good housekeeping is mainly about tidiness and keeping the workplace and equipment in good order.

This includes not only resident living areas but also offices, kitchens, laundries, workshops and storerooms.

It is vitally important that escapes routes are kept clear and to not become a dumping ground for equipment or flammable materials.

“Always ensure that escape routes and fire exits are kept clear. This could save lives!”

Rubbish

Make sure rubbish is not allowed to accumulate to a point where it can become a fire hazard either inside or outside.

An overflowing rubbish skip might be an attraction to a vandal with a box or matches so keep lids on bins and make sure they are emptied regularly.

Electrical equipment

Faulty electrical equipment and wiring are a common cause of fire.



Whilst portable equipment must be tested every twelve months problems can occur between tests, therefore it is important that you check electrical equipment for any defects before use.

Defective equipment must not be used.

If equipment is malfunctioning, sparking or becoming hot or if wiring or plugs are damaged then do not use it.

Put a sign on the equipment so on-one else uses it and report it for repair.

Repairs should only be undertaken by a suitably qualified person, do not attempt to fix it yourself.

Smoking

Every care home has its own policy on smoking and may have designated rooms or areas set aside for residents who smoke.

These areas must have been fire risk assessed and be appropriately equipped with suitable ashtrays, metal bins and fire extinguishers.

There are obvious fire hazards from smoking materials, ashtrays and residents falling asleep whilst smoking.


Some fire prevention do’s and don’ts



Unplug appliances when not in use. Leave electrical appliances on standby.

Uncoil extension cables when in use Overload extension cables or adapters.to prevent them overheating, but makesure these are not a trip hazard.

Keep flammable materials and sources Cover heaters with, for example, washingof heat a safe distances apart. or bedding.

Empty ashtrays frequently into metal Empty hot ashtrays into bins – always wetdustbins. the contents.

Keep storage areas tidy and ensure Obstruct automatic fire detection sensorswalkways are clear. eg smoke or heat sensors.

Report faulty equipment or any Wedge open fire doors.potential fire hazard.


• Describe practices that prevent fires from spreading:

It’s good to know the different classes of fires.

Classes of fires:

Class A fires are those which involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper or cloth. These fires should be extinguished by using a dry chemical extinguisher.Water is effective in extinguishing these type fires, however, water extinguishers are rarely found in the medical center.

Class B fires are those which involve flammable liquids, gases, oil, paint and greases.Either dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers should be used to extinguish these type fires.Note: flammable liquids may re-ignite after being extinguished. DO NOT USE WATER!



Class C fires are those which involve electricity. Either dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers should be used to extinguish these type fires. DO NOT USE WATER!

Class D fires are those which involve combustible metals such as magnesium or sodium. Water can react with sodium and other alkali metals explosively, therefore DO NOT USE WATER! Also understand that CO2 Extinguishers are unlikely to be able to contain a Class D fire.

Reference: http://www.safety.duke.edu/SafetyManuals/Lab/Section3FireSafety/Chapt%204%20Classes%20of%20Fires.pdf

Fire precautions in nursing care workplacesFire resisting construction

Nursing care workplaces are divided into compartments designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke.

The compartments can usually be identified as sections of corridor between two sets of fire doors, including all the rooms leading on to it.

These compartments should halt the spread of fire and smoke for at least thirty minutes.

Fire doors

Fire doors are vital in fire safety as they hold back fire and smoke and are designed to prevent fire spreading between one compartment and other.

There are several different kinds of fire door, most (but not all) fitted with a self-closing mechanism.

In addition, some are fitted with a hold-open device linked to the fire alarm system.

These automatic fire doors can be left open in the daytime as any operation of the fire alarm should immediately cause the door to close.

All other types of fire door are designed to be kept shut at all times.

“Never wedge or prop open fire doors, ALWAYS make sure they are closed at night (between 10pm and 6am) and when the fire alarm sounds!”



Bedroom doors

All bedroom doors should be closed throughout the night.

If a resident needs to have their door kept open (must not be wedged or propped) then an individual fire risk assessment must be completed and additional precautions put in place.

Staff must also ensure the door is closed upon the activation or the alarm.

Means of escape

Fire escape routes are clearly signposted by a green and white rectangular sign with a running man and an arrow directing you to the fire exit.

Escape routes may consist or corridors, lobbies, stairways, open areas and even rooms.

They must at all times be kept clear of rubbish, linen, trolleys and other obstacles, or combustible items of any sort.

Fire exits

There are different mechanisms for opening fire exits, depending upon their location.

They may have a door handle, panic bar, push pad, thumb turn or other means of opening.

Or they may be released upon activation of the fire alarm, in which case there should be an over-ride device nearby, such as a switch or a special break-glass point.

Fire alarm system



Make sure you know the location of the fire alarm call points so wherever you are, if you need to raise the alarm you can find the call point quickly.

Your fire alarm system includes smoke detectors and in areas susceptible to stream or cooking fumes there are heat detectors.

In many care homes remote indicator lights are fitted to show when a detector has operated in a roof space, store cupboard etc.

Activation of the fire alarm triggers the closing of automatic fire doors which are normally set in the open position.

Fire doors must be released and kept shut at night between 10.00pm and 6.00am.

The fire alarm system is controlled by a fire alarm panel, which identifies the source of any alarm (or at least the zone in which it was activated).

The fire alarm may only be silenced and the panel reset by the person in charge or Fire Service Officer in accordance with the fire procedures for nursing care workplaces.

You need to know the location of the zones as identified on the fire zone plan which is located next to the fire alarm panel.

At home...

“Do you have smoke alarms fitted in your house?”

“Around 90% of fire related deaths occur in dwellings. Over 50% of deaths in fires are due to people being overcome by fumes. (Fire statistics UK, 2004)”

“Make sure you have adequate smoke alarms installed at home. Check they are working properly and replace the batteries on a regular basis.”

Emergency lighting

Fires can cause power failure which may cause the lights to go out.

Emergency lighting will come on and stay on for up to three hours illuminating fire exit signs and escape routes.



The most obvious examples of emergency lighting are internally-illuminated exit signs, seen in care homes and many other workplaces.

However there are also plan lighting units, with the same back-up power incorporated, installed throughout your home and possibly even outside.

Fire fighting equipment

Fire fighting equipment includes fire extinguishers and fire blankets.

Make sure you are familiar with the location of these different types of equipment.


• Outline emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a fire in the work setting.

In the event of a fireIn the event of a fire it is essential that you remain calm and follow the procedures and instructions.

Make sure you know what you should do beforehand, you may not have time to read the fire action notice if the building is on fire!



In the event of a fire : Responsibilities on hearing the alarmAll staff



Staff will need to reassure residents and visitors, giving clear, calm advice as to what they should do and ensure that no-one attempts to use lift.

Do not leave residents in dangerous situations, for example, in a bath or on the stairs.

Close all doors in your area and along your route to the fire control point.

Person in charge

The person in charge will be the most senior person on duty.

He or she will go to the fire alarm panel, put on the high visibility jacket, pick up the emergency folder and take charge.

They will check in which zone the alarm has been activated and ensure the Fire Brigade are called.

Deployment of staff

The person in charge will send a team of two or more staff to check the zone in which the alarm has activated as indicated by the fire alarm panel.

The care home is divided into zones which may correspond to floors, sections of corridor or compartments (the area between two sets of fire doors).

Make sure you know the fire zones in your home (see the fire zone plan which will be located next to the fire alarm panel) in case you are called upon to assist with these checks.

Working as a team, being careful not to put yourself or colleagues at risk, check every room in the zone indicated.

Look for any obvious signs of fire, smoke or that a detector head has operated.

A light on the detector head will show if the detector has activated or a remote indicator light shows when a detector has operated in a roof space, store cupboard or other unoccupied area.

Opening the door to a room in which a serious fire exits can be very dangerous.

The inrush of air into the oxygen-starved room may revive the fire dramatically, causing an explosion or fireball with disastrous consequences.

Therefore before entering a room check for signs of heat or smoke.

The face of the door and the handle must be checked using the back of the hand to feel for heat coming from within.

If a resident is trapped in the room, their chances of survival are much greater if the door is kept shut until the Fire Brigade arrive.



They are trained to rescue people in this situation.

In the event of a fire being detected or suspected the team will begin the horizontal evacuation of residents from that compartment into the next compartment beyond closed fire doors.

Those residents on the floor may also be at risk and this needs to be communicated to the person in charge so additional assistance can be provided.

Roll call

A roll call will be taken by the person in charge to confirm staff, residents and visitors are accounted for.

The Fire Brigade will need to be told immediately if anyone is missing or unaccounted for and their possible location.

Only the person in charge or Fire Service Officer can silence the alarm and reset the system.

Most stairways are enclosed by fire resisting construction, so someone waiting on a landing should be safe from fire for at least 30 minutes (Note – Residents should never be left alone on the stairs).

Remember never to use the lift, unless it is an evacuation lift specially designed for this purpose.


In the event of a fire : Resident evacuation assessmentAll residents must be assessed as to how they would be moved in a fire emergency evacuation for both horizontal and vertical evacuation.

This information must be held in the resident’s care records and emergency folder.

Horizontal evacuation

Nursing care homes fire safety system includes fire resisting compartment walls and fire doors.

These are designed to stop fire and smoke spreading through the building, and to create safe areas for residents to congregate if necessary.

Horizontal evacuation means moving a small number of residents away from immediate fire danger, through a set of fire doors, to another compartment.



Check to ensure these fire doors close behind you.

Residents must not be moved further down a dead end corridor with no ultimate means of escape.

If the fire starts to spread, it should be possible to move residents again into the next compartment or out through a storey exit.

Improvised methods of rescue may be necessary and if available the use of any evacuation aids.

Vertical evacuation

It is unlikely that it will be necessary to negotiate stairs in the event of a fire in the home.

However vertical evacuation may be necessary in homes where horizontal evacuation is limited by the design of the premises or in a serious fire situation, for example where the roof space is on fire (remote indicator lights must always be checked).

Residents should only be moved from upper floors if they are considered to be in some danger.

Most stairways are enclosed by the fire resisting construction, so someone waiting on a landing should be safe from fire for at least 30 minutes.

Remember never to use the lift, unless it is an evacuation lift specially designed for this purpose.

Improvised methods of rescue may be necessary and it available the use of any evacuation aids.


In the event of a fire : Examples of the types of evacuation aids that may be available in your care homeEvacuation Mat is a flexible stretcher that can be rolled out to the size and shape of a sleeping bag.

The resident needs to be rolled onto the mat from a level surface.

It has Velcro straps that fasten across the individual, with a foot pocket to secure the feet.

The use of the mat is a pull and drag operation using the external straps.One person can carry out evacuation, but it is quicker and more comfortable for the resident if two people assist when going down stairs.



Evacuation Pad is similar to the Evacuation mat but has a foam pad to provide protection from bumps and bruises.

Evacuation Chair has an aluminium frame with a nylon pocket seat.

The resident is transferred into the chair using a transfer board and secured in with a lap strap.

It has the advantage of a braking/traction system that slows the descent down the stairs proportionately to the weight of the passenger.

A kickstand enables it to be wheeled through corridors, which folds away for stairway descents.


In the event of a fire : Fire in a roof spaceIf there is any reason to believe that the roof space is on fire (through either the activation of a remote indicator light or if identified directly from the fire alarm panel), staff should immediately begin evacuating the top floor (or ground floor in a single storey building).

Start with the affected zone and move residents progressively towards final exits or stairways.

If you think the fire may have spread you may need to clear the floor completely.

This could involve vertical evacuation which means using stairs to move residents to a safer area.


In the event of a fire : Fire fighting equipment of 57

Source: gaelromanet.com/HSC027.docx


What is fire?

For a fire to occur three crucial elements must be present.

If we remove one of these three essential elements the fire will go out.

This can be achieved by:• cooling – reducing the temperature eg using water to take the heat out of the flames• starving – limiting the available fuel eg turning off the gas supply• smothering – depriving of oxygen eg using a fire blanket on a chip pan fireFire extinguishers



Fire extinguishers can be surprisingly heavy, so be prepared when you lift them.

They should all have a safety pin and an anti-tamper seal.

If the seal is broken or if the extinguisher is known to have part discharged, it must be reported for immediate attention.

“Before using an extinguisher you must be trained in how to use it safety”

Modern extinguishers are red with a coloured band to denote their contents.

Older extinguishers may not comply with this code and the entire extinguisher may be painted in the relevant colour or they may be stainless steel with a label.

The label will also state the contents in words and remind you what type of fire they can be used on.

Make sure you know the colour-coding system and the right type of extinguisher to use beforehand.

Choosing the right fire extinguisher

Water extinguisher is suitable for most solid fires (wood, textiles, paper etc) but NOT flammable liquids of live electrical equipment.

Foam extinguisher is suitable for most fires including flammable liquids, but NOT those involving live electrical equipment.

CO2 extinguisher is suitable for fires involving flammable liquid and electrical equipment.



Dry powder extinguisher is suitable for fires involving flammable liquid and electrical equipment.

Wet chemical extinguisher is suitable for oil and fat fires.

Fire blanket is suitable for frying pan, chip pan or other cooking fat/oil fires. It can also be used to wrap a person whose clothing has caught fire.


In the event of a fire : TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS



Tackling a small fire

If the fire is small you may tackle it yourself, but only if you have been properly trained and there is another member of staff present.

Never try and put a fire out on your own.Remember the following safety points:• only fight a fire if it is safe to do so• if it is larger than the average litter bin fire it should be left for the Fire Brigade to deal with (Do not tackle large or smoky fires, containers of flammable liquids, spray cans or cylinders)• never tackle a fire that is starting to spread or if the room is filling with smoke• be sure you have the right kind of extinguisher – check the label• before approaching the fire test your extinguisher by squirting it for a couple of seconds• crouch down as you approach and begin to tackle the fire, so that heat and smoke can pass harmlessly over your head. Only stand upright when the fire is almost out and you are just damping down the hot spots• Only use one type of extinguisher, for example, two water extinguishers or two carbon dioxide but never mix them• do not use more than two extinguishers in total, or spend more than two or three minutes fighting the fire• always ensure than your exit route from the room or area is clear

Clothes on fire

If someone’s clothing catches fire it is vital that you act quickly.

They are liable to be very frightened and possibly running around in a panic.

Stop them and force them down to the ground then roll them over several times wrapped in a fire blanket, rug, coat, bedding or anything else that comes to hand that will help to smother the flames.

Keep the casualty calm, summon help and call for an ambulance immediately.




In the event of a fire : Summary of action to be takenAll staff:

- Raise the alarm- Shout for assistance- Remove any residents from immediate danger- Assess the fire and the dangers and inform the person in charge- Only fight the fire if it is safe to do so and you have been trained- Make sure you have the right equipment- Remain calm

Person in charge:- Go to the fire alarm panel and take charge- Put on high visibility jacket and ensure you have the emergency folder- Ensure the Fire Brigade is immediately called- Send trained staff to investigate and report back, commence horizontal (or vertical if required) evacuation if necessary- Carry out a roll and call and ensure that all staff, residents and visitors are accounted for



- Brief fire crew on their arrival and assist them as required- Silence the alarms and reset the system when advised by the Fire Brigade to do so

Reference: Basic health and safety book by My Employer Care Homes• Explain the importance of maintaining clear evacuation routes at all times.

It is vital to maintain clear evacuation routes at all times in case of fire, all evacuation routes should be clear of any obstruction.

In the event of a fire risk, lot of people like fire fighters, police, ambulance workers, staff, residents and visitors can be in the building looking for the evacuation routes to escape the fire and if an obstruction is on the evacuation routes, this will delay the exit and can cause injuries, casualties or death.

Equally those people, fire fighters, police, ambulance workers and staff who are in the building can be hampered in carrying out their duties if there are obstructions, and can cause injuries, casualties or death to them.

Obstructions on the evacuation routes can cause delay to rescue people and can be a potential fire risk.

This is why all evacuation routes should be clear of any obstruction at all time because, unfortunately, it is not possible to know when a fire will occur.

Task ⑥

• Identify common signs and indicators of stress.

Article reference: http://EzineArticles.com/1238500

Stress is also harmful.



When a person has too much stress in his or her life, health problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and even stroke are common.

Therefore, it is imperative to start by identifying the top symptoms, understanding the underlying causes, and then taking immediate action for change.We wanted to provide you with the twenty indicators of stress most commonly seen for areas of mental and physical/behavioral, so you can begin to pay closer attention to the various aspects of your life, making sure you do not become stress overloaded.

Mental

1. Problems with memory2. Inability to concentrate3. Poor judgment4. Racing thoughts5. Moodiness6. Agitation7. Irritability8. Sense of isolation/loneliness9. Constant worrying10. Viewing everything as negative11. Restlessness12. Quick temper13. Sense of being overwhelmed14. General unhappiness15. Loss of objectivity16. Always being fearful17. Anxiousness18. Indecisiveness19. Inability to relax20. Feeling on edge

Physical and Behavioral

1. Headache2. Muscle tension3. Nausea4. Insomnia5. Acne breakout6. Diarrhea or constipation7. Loss of sex drive8. Frequently being sick9. Dizziness10. Weight gain or loss11. Change in appetite12. Procrastination and neglect13. Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use14. Nail biting or pacing15. Excessive spending



16. Tooth grinding17. Excessive exercise18. Overreactions19. Sleeping too much or too little20. Starting fightsRemember that each of these twenty indicators of stress could be caused by any number of things.

This might include the death of a spouse or divorce, a family member going to prison, being fired from a job, going through retirement or starting a new career, empty nest syndrome, and so on.

Once you can narrow down the reasons for the depression, you can then begin to make change.

However, if you notice any of the listed, twenty indicators of stress, you need to pay attention.

The sooner you can get a handle on the situation the easier and more successful the process will be.

If you can make change to get out of the depression on your own, great but if not, never hesitate to speak to your doctor, asking for assistance in getting well.

Depression is nothing of which to be ashamed.

Almost every person on the planet at one time or another, deals with some level of depression.

In most cases, the depression is brought under control with little effort whereas other people tend to have a much harder time getting through the period of depression.

This is the time that medical intervention is most important to bring the intensity to a manageable level, while being taught appropriate coping skills.

Article reference: http://EzineArticles.com/1238500

• Identify circumstances that tend to trigger own stress.

Article reference: http://www.stress-and-relaxation.com/main-causes-of-stress.html

Main causes of stress due to external conditions.

Here, we will study the main causes of stress which arise due to external circumstances.

We have seen elsewhere that stress can be caused by your external circumstances or your perceptions and attitudes.



Stress is the reason for two thirds of the total visits to the physician.

It is also the leading cause of the coronary artery diseases, cancer, accidents and respiratory diseases besides some others.Stress aggravates following illnesses: hypertension, insomnia, diabetes, herpes, multiple sclerosis.

Besides, stress that continues for long periods of time can lead to: poor concentration, irritability, anger, and poor judgment.

Stress leads to marriage breakups, family fights, road rage, suicides and violence.

What are the biggest causes of present day stress, and how do these lead to such high levels of tension?

The main causes of stress that arise due to the external environment were studied by Thomas H. Holmes and Richard H. Rahe, from the University of Washington.

In 1967 they conducted a study on the connection between certain important life events and the illnesses.

As a part of that study they also compiled a list of main reasons of stress in the society.

At the time the study was conducted there were 55 triggers of stress.

The list was reviewed in 2006 and that list now contains 63 main causes of stress.

From the studies conducted by Holmes and Rahe, and also other studies that have been conducted from time to time, it seems that following are the biggest causes of present day stress levels in modern societies:

Financial problems

This is the number one source of stress these days. You and your family are not be able to do what you want to due to lack of money. Debts are piling up. Credit Card payments, pending mortgage installments, rising costs of education, mounting expenditure on health concerns.Financial matters top the list of stressors.

Workplace Stress

Stress at workplace is another of the main causes of stress. You may be worried about your next promotion. You might be facing the negative or bullying behavior of your boss. You might not be reaching your well-deserved career goals; you might be worried due to office politics. You might be stressed about some major change that is taking place in the organization, or, you might be under stress because of the prospect of losing your job.

Personal Relationships



Studies of children, attitude of relatives, arguments with spouse or children, change of place due to requirements of your job, illness of a family member, moving in of parents or moving out of elder children are all main causes of stress.

Health

Heart diseases, hypertension, problems with eye sight and sugar afflict many people becoming a major cause of life stress for them. Maintaining good health, reducing weight, increasing weight, being able to lead a healthy life-style: all of these and a few more are the main causes of stress due to health concerns.

Irritants

Besides the ones that I have mentioned above there are those annoyances and irritations that you encounter in your daily lives which go on to become biggest sources of stress for you.Problems in commuting to workplace, balance of work and family life, workload, visit to doctor, not enough sleep, no time to relax, no time to discuss some nagging problems – who is not aware of these stresses and strains of our lives? You fight with them every day.

These main causes of stress are taking their toll on today’s urban man in the shape of stress related diseases that we mentioned at the top.

But, do you let all of these get on your nerve, getting you all stressed up and making you prone to all the stress-related diseases? – Or have you found ways to live a stress-free and full life despite many problems that beset you?

Develop resilience and never let stress get you down. It can be learnt. But, yes, you have to try.

To break yourself out of the daily stresses, start by practicing stress releasing exercises, and you will be on your way to freedom from the main causes of stress afflicting our present day lifestyle.

Article reference: http://www.stress-and-relaxation.com/main-causes-of-stress.html

• Describe ways to manage own stress.

Article reference: www.mind.org.uk/mental_health_a-z/8045_how_to_manage_stress

Stress is a normal part of life and usually comes from everyday occurrences.

Here are some ways you can deal with everyday sources of stress.

What is stress?



We all sometimes talk about stress, and feeling stressed, usually when we feel we have too much to do and too much on our minds, or other people are making unreasonable demands on us, or we are dealing with situations that we do not have control over.

Stress is not a medical diagnosis, but severe stress that continues for a long time may lead to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or more severe mental health problems.You can reduce the effects of stress by being more conscious of the things that cause it, and learning to handle them better, using relaxation techniques as well as other life-style changes.

What causes stress?

Situations which are recognised to be very stressful are associated with change, and with lack of control over what is happening.

Some of the causes of stress are happy events, but because they bring big changes or make unusual demands on you, they can still be stressful.

Some of the most stressful events are:

- moving house- getting married- having a baby- bereavement- serious illness in yourself or a friend or family member.

Stress is also caused by long-term difficult circumstances, such as:

- unemployment- poverty- relationship problems- caring for a disabled family member or friend- difficulties at work- bad housing- noisy neighbours.

Not having enough work, activities or change in your life can be just as stressful as have too much activity and change to deal with.

What else can I do to cope with stress?

Acknowledging your problems

Sometimes, people let their lives slip into chaos to mask underlying problems they are not facing or dealing with.

The only person who can decide if this is happening is you and, if it is, it may be a good idea to consider talking things through with a professional.

Once you've begun to tackle your problems, you will then be more able to relax.



Sleep

Sleep is very important to health, and sleep problems, such as insomnia, are a common sign of stress.Lying awake worrying about things can make everything seem a lot worse – and the small hours of the morning are the worst time to be thinking about them.

If you find you can’t stop worrying it may help to write a list of the things that are bothering you, or write yourself a letter about them.

Once they are recorded, you may be able to switch off and relax more easily.

Some people find it very helpful to keep a diary.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is an approach to wellbeing that involves accepting life and living ‘in the moment’

This includes paying attention to the present moment and taking time to see what is happening around you in a nonjudgmental way, rather than focussing on what you are trying to get done and going over your problems again and again.

It involves being aware of each thought, feeling or sensation that comes to you and accepting it.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a technique you can learn by following a programme with a therapist or with a computer programme.

It is based on meditation techniques, and ‘moment-to-moment awareness – being conscious of what is happening and how you are feeling right now. It is not specific to any particular condition, but can be helpful in coping with many situations.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is something you may be able to get a referral for from your GP.

This uses similar techniques to MBSR, but also includes things such as identifying negative thoughts which contribute to conditions like depression, and consciously challenging them.

It is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) for recurrent depression, and has also been found to be effective for anxiety and insomnia.

Physical activity

Physical activity – as long as it is not done to excess – is important for reducing stress levels and preventing some of its damaging effects on the body.



Exercise helps to use up the hormones that the body produces under stress, and relaxes the muscles.

It will also help to strengthen the heart and improve blood circulation.Physical activity also stimulates the body to release endorphins – natural brain chemicals that give you a sense of wellbeing – and can also help to raise self-esteem and reduce anxiety and depression.

Exercise does not need to be sporty or competitive; you can benefit simply by becoming more active, as part of your daily routine.

Walking or cycling rather than taking the car or bus, or climbing the stairs rather than using the lift, can help a lot.

Healthy eating

When things get too hectic or difficult, and you feel under stress, it's often easy to forget about eating well.

But what you eat, and when you eat, can make a big difference to how you feel and how well you cope.

It's important to make time for regular food or snacks and not to miss out on meals, such as breakfast.

Try not to rush; take time to enjoy what you're eating.

The key to a healthy diet is variety of different types of food, with a balance of protein, carbohydrate, oily fat and fibre, including plenty of fruit and vegetables.

When you are tired and stressed you may feel like a quick sugar rush, but this will leave you feeling tired again later.

It’s important to keep a steady blood sugar level.

Usually we are only aware of this if it has dropped and we suddenly feel weak and hungry; but it may also affect your mood, making you depressed or bad-tempered.

If you can, try to eat things that are digested more slowly and give you a steady supply of energy.

It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids; however, many sweet fizzy drinks and caffeinated drinks can make you feel quite jittery – especially if you are already stressed.

Alternative therapies

Many practitioners of alternative and complementary medicine take a holistic approach, which emphasises the need to look at the whole person and not just their symptoms.



Meditation, different types of massage, aromatherapy, and autogenics (a specialised relaxation technique) are just a few examples of therapies which some people have found helpful in relieving stress disorders and promoting relaxation.Having fun

Making time for regular leisure activities can help you release tension, and to take your mind off the worries of the day.

Whether you unwind by soaking in a hot bath, browsing through your favourite books, listening to music, gardening or photography, the important point is to enjoy the activity, purely for itself, and take your mind off work or whatever is causing you stress.

Article reference: www.mind.org.uk/mental_health_a-z/8045_how_to_manage_stress


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