Safe Handling of drugs & chemicals

Drug safetyThe practice should have in place a policy

on what to do if confronted with a criminal wanting the drugs.

Policy should be made quite clear to all members of staff who later join the practice.

This policy should not be common knowledge.

Drug abuseDrug abuse is not an uncommon problem

in the profession. This is due to the ease of access.Ensuring proper records makes access

more difficult.Keep yourself safe from being blamed if

drugs go missing by ensuring you always follow the correct procedures.

Accidents with drugsAny drug can be harmful if accidentally

injected into oneself. The drugs that are of particular concern to

veterinary nurses include: anaesthetics, some vaccines, hormones and prostaglandins, parasiticides, cytotoxic drugs (drugs that damage or kill cells, eg used to treat malignancies) and antibiotics.

Chemical safetyAll chemicals in a laboratory or clinic must

have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).Provided by the manufacturer.Provide important information on spillage

disposal and safety. Learn to read these complex data sheets.Advisable to have a summary of this

information for commonly used chemicals displayed in a handy location for an emergency.

Toxic chemical. Avoid ingesting, injecting, inhaling

fumes or skin contact. The terms poison and toxic are

interchangeable. Toxic labels may be used with other

labels eg corrosive or flammable.

Corrosive. Avoid skin contact and avoid inhaling

fumes, a fume hood may be required.

Biohazard. Treat as potentially infectious.Laboratory samples are biohazards.

Seal lids tightly to prevent leakage and package to avoid breakage.

Transport in a bio-hazard bag.

Radioactive. Use lead protection, limit exposure and

take special care at child bearing and child siring ages.

Flammable. Avoid all ignition sources, do not store

in the refrigerator.Includes formalin used to preserve

tissue. Care must be taken to prevent formalin fumes leaking.

Oxidising agent including peroxide forming compounds. Treat as flammable.

Highly explosive!!

Known carcinogen, mutagen or teratogen.Substances with this label need

handled with caution especially avoiding skin contact and avoid inhaling fumes.

Harmful (moderately). Stow away from foodstuffs.

Irritant. Avoid skin contact and avoid inhaling

fumes.