This document discusses various safety hazards in phlebotomy and the appropriate actions to take to address each hazard. It identifies biological, sharp, chemical, radioactive, electrical, fire/explosive, and physical hazards. For each hazard type, it outlines the potential source of injury, possible resulting injuries, and recommended actions to prevent injuries, such as proper handwashing, use of personal protective equipment, safe disposal of sharps, avoiding chemical exposure and following evacuation plans in case of fire.

1. Safety in PhlebotomySafety in Phlebotomy

2. Safety Hazards & ActionsSafety Hazards & Actions
• Biologic
– Source: Infectious Agents
– Possible Injuries: Infections
– Actions:
• Handwashing!
• Universal/Standard Precautions
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Isolation Procedures

10. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Sharp
– Source: Needles, Lancets & broken glass
– Possible Injuries: Cuts, punctures = exposure to
bloodborne pathogens
– Actions
• Never manually re cap a needleNever manually re cap a needle
• Dispose in sharps conveniently located Sharps
container immediately (never leave lying anywhere)immediately (never leave lying anywhere)
• Sharps containers not overfilled
• Sharps containers should be labeled with biohazard
labels

11. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Chemical
– Source: Preservatives & reagents
– Possible Injuries: Exposure to toxic,
carcinogenic or caustic agents (burns)
– Actions
• Avoid getting on your body, clothing or work area
– Skin contact – flush with large amounts of water
• Assume all are hazardous
• Never mix!
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)(MSDS)
– Contains info on characteristics, hazards, routes or entry to
the body, exposure limits, precautions for safe handling, and
spill/cleanup and emergency first aid information

12. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Radioactive
– Source: Equipment & radioisotopes (release
radiation as it breaks down)
• Radioisotopes injected in some patients are treatment;
patient and all blood and body fluids radioactive
– Possible Injuries: Radiation exposure
– Actions
• Working in area; required to wear exposure devices
• Radioactive Hazard Symbol – look for and treat
appropriately

13. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Electrical
– Source: Ungrounded/wet equipment; frayed
cords
– Possible Injuries: Burns or shock
– Actions
• Report damaged cords or equipment

14. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Fire/Explosive
– Source: Heat source or chemical
– Physical Injuries: Burns or dismemberment
– Actions
• RACE
• PASS
• Evacuation plans
• Explosive chemicals

15. Types of Safety HazardsTypes of Safety Hazards
• Physical
– Source: Wet floors, heavy boxes, patients
– Possible Injuries: Falls, sprains, strains,etc.
– Actions
• Wet Floors signs
• Halls and Doorways free of clutter
• Hall or tripping hazards
• Closed-toed, supportive shoes
• Body Mechanics