Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of routinely screening employees according to the staff health and safety policy?
What is the purpose of routinely screening employees according to the staff health and safety policy?
Which of the following best defines 'Other Potentially Infectious Materials' (OPIM)?
Which of the following best defines 'Other Potentially Infectious Materials' (OPIM)?
What should be done with staff files that contain vaccinations and illnesses information?
What should be done with staff files that contain vaccinations and illnesses information?
What does the term 'percutaneous injury' refer to?
What does the term 'percutaneous injury' refer to?
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What is a key component in improving PPE usage according to the policy?
What is a key component in improving PPE usage according to the policy?
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According to the staff health and safety policy, what is 'immunization' primarily aimed at?
According to the staff health and safety policy, what is 'immunization' primarily aimed at?
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What is the primary aim of defining guidelines for managing needle prick injuries?
What is the primary aim of defining guidelines for managing needle prick injuries?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of protective equipment classified as PPE?
Which of the following is NOT a type of protective equipment classified as PPE?
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The purpose of the staff health and safety policy includes protecting employees from workplace violence but not from infectious agents.
The purpose of the staff health and safety policy includes protecting employees from workplace violence but not from infectious agents.
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Immunization is primarily conducted through various techniques, with vaccination being the most common method.
Immunization is primarily conducted through various techniques, with vaccination being the most common method.
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The PPD Test is aimed at identifying allergies to purified proteins in healthcare staff.
The PPD Test is aimed at identifying allergies to purified proteins in healthcare staff.
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Staff files that include vaccination records must be publicly accessible for transparency.
Staff files that include vaccination records must be publicly accessible for transparency.
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All body fluids are classified as Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) if they are visually contaminated with blood.
All body fluids are classified as Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) if they are visually contaminated with blood.
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The role of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) is to enhance the beauty of healthcare staff uniforms.
The role of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) is to enhance the beauty of healthcare staff uniforms.
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Guidelines for managing needle prick injuries are essential components of the staff health and safety policy.
Guidelines for managing needle prick injuries are essential components of the staff health and safety policy.
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Percutaneous injuries include injuries caused by blunt force trauma in the workplace.
Percutaneous injuries include injuries caused by blunt force trauma in the workplace.
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What must be documented in the staff record regarding immunizations?
What must be documented in the staff record regarding immunizations?
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Which practice is important for preventing the transmission of blood-borne pathogens in healthcare settings?
Which practice is important for preventing the transmission of blood-borne pathogens in healthcare settings?
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When must employees check their immunization status according to the policy?
When must employees check their immunization status according to the policy?
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What is required of new employees during their hiring process?
What is required of new employees during their hiring process?
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What must healthcare workers determine when deciding on the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment?
What must healthcare workers determine when deciding on the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment?
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What initial data must the nurse collect during the health examination of a new employee?
What initial data must the nurse collect during the health examination of a new employee?
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What type of training is included in the healthcare facility's security management program?
What type of training is included in the healthcare facility's security management program?
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What should be done with personal protective equipment in healthcare departments?
What should be done with personal protective equipment in healthcare departments?
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In which scenario is it imperative to use sterile gloves?
In which scenario is it imperative to use sterile gloves?
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What should be done with gloves that have become torn or punctured?
What should be done with gloves that have become torn or punctured?
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When should a gown be used during patient care?
When should a gown be used during patient care?
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What is the appropriate action when moving from a contaminated area to a clean area on the same patient?
What is the appropriate action when moving from a contaminated area to a clean area on the same patient?
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What type of gloves should be worn when handling and cleaning instruments contaminated with blood?
What type of gloves should be worn when handling and cleaning instruments contaminated with blood?
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What precaution should be taken regarding masks when working with patients on droplet precautions?
What precaution should be taken regarding masks when working with patients on droplet precautions?
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Which of the following should be discarded when it becomes discolored or damaged?
Which of the following should be discarded when it becomes discolored or damaged?
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What is the correct procedure for wearing surgical caps during surgery?
What is the correct procedure for wearing surgical caps during surgery?
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What type of eyewear should be worn during procedures with a risk of blood splashes?
What type of eyewear should be worn during procedures with a risk of blood splashes?
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Which is the best part of PPE that should be used for Airborne Infection Isolation?
Which is the best part of PPE that should be used for Airborne Infection Isolation?
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What should be done with masks after they have been worn?
What should be done with masks after they have been worn?
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What is the responsibility of supervisors regarding employee PPE training?
What is the responsibility of supervisors regarding employee PPE training?
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During what situation should gloves be removed before leaving the patient's room?
During what situation should gloves be removed before leaving the patient's room?
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What is one of the responsibilities of the staff health clinic physician regarding new employees?
What is one of the responsibilities of the staff health clinic physician regarding new employees?
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What should be done if an employee is found to have Hepatitis B or C?
What should be done if an employee is found to have Hepatitis B or C?
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What is the role of the SHC physician after 72 hours regarding the PPD test?
What is the role of the SHC physician after 72 hours regarding the PPD test?
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Which test is automatically conducted as part of the laboratory investigations?
Which test is automatically conducted as part of the laboratory investigations?
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What is the guideline for an employee reporting a needle prick injury?
What is the guideline for an employee reporting a needle prick injury?
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What procedure should be followed for mucocutaneous exposures to blood or body fluids?
What procedure should be followed for mucocutaneous exposures to blood or body fluids?
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What should be documented when an employee is educated about HIV positive status?
What should be documented when an employee is educated about HIV positive status?
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When should a Hepatitis B vaccine series be initiated for non-immune employees?
When should a Hepatitis B vaccine series be initiated for non-immune employees?
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What is done with the New Employee Checklist after it is signed by the Staff Health physician?
What is done with the New Employee Checklist after it is signed by the Staff Health physician?
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What test is required for pregnant or lactating mothers who are HIV positive?
What test is required for pregnant or lactating mothers who are HIV positive?
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What is required if an employee has have not had vaccinations in the past?
What is required if an employee has have not had vaccinations in the past?
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What vaccine is administered every 3 years?
What vaccine is administered every 3 years?
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How often should pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine be administered to employees with low immunity status?
How often should pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine be administered to employees with low immunity status?
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All employees are required to undergo a medical examination only at the time of hiring.
All employees are required to undergo a medical examination only at the time of hiring.
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Personal Protective Equipment should be available in designated areas known to all healthcare personnel.
Personal Protective Equipment should be available in designated areas known to all healthcare personnel.
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Healthcare workers have the discretion to choose appropriate Personal Protective Equipment based on potential exposure to infectious agents.
Healthcare workers have the discretion to choose appropriate Personal Protective Equipment based on potential exposure to infectious agents.
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The responsibility of making immunization appointments is held by the healthcare facility.
The responsibility of making immunization appointments is held by the healthcare facility.
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The PPD test results and immunization records must be documented in the employee's record.
The PPD test results and immunization records must be documented in the employee's record.
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Employees must report their immunization status every two years according to the policy.
Employees must report their immunization status every two years according to the policy.
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Only new employees need to complete the New Employee Checklist for the staff health clinic.
Only new employees need to complete the New Employee Checklist for the staff health clinic.
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Baseline screenings for Hepatitis B, C, and HIV are only conducted if an employee shows symptoms.
Baseline screenings for Hepatitis B, C, and HIV are only conducted if an employee shows symptoms.
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Examination gloves should be used for procedures that involve direct skin contact with blood or body fluid.
Examination gloves should be used for procedures that involve direct skin contact with blood or body fluid.
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Sterile gloves are required for routine patient examinations that do not involve any invasive procedures.
Sterile gloves are required for routine patient examinations that do not involve any invasive procedures.
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Gowns must be worn for all types of patient care regardless of the procedure being performed.
Gowns must be worn for all types of patient care regardless of the procedure being performed.
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It is acceptable to wear the same pair of gloves for the care of multiple patients if no contamination occurs.
It is acceptable to wear the same pair of gloves for the care of multiple patients if no contamination occurs.
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Particulate respirators like the N95 mask are used only during droplet precautions.
Particulate respirators like the N95 mask are used only during droplet precautions.
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Face shields can provide additional protection against splashes and are an alternative to goggles.
Face shields can provide additional protection against splashes and are an alternative to goggles.
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Once gloves are contaminated, they can be decontaminated and reused as long as they are intact.
Once gloves are contaminated, they can be decontaminated and reused as long as they are intact.
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Fluid-resistant gowns are required during procedures that may result in splashes of blood or other body substances.
Fluid-resistant gowns are required during procedures that may result in splashes of blood or other body substances.
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Employees must receive training on how to properly don, remove, and care for PPE.
Employees must receive training on how to properly don, remove, and care for PPE.
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General-purpose utility gloves can be reused after decontamination if they show no signs of wear.
General-purpose utility gloves can be reused after decontamination if they show no signs of wear.
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Eye protection is only necessary for surgical procedures and not for general patient care.
Eye protection is only necessary for surgical procedures and not for general patient care.
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Surgical masks should be replaced after encountering any fluid penetration.
Surgical masks should be replaced after encountering any fluid penetration.
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Any gown used in patient care should be secured tightly and removed promptly when soiled.
Any gown used in patient care should be secured tightly and removed promptly when soiled.
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The SHC physician performs the PPD test for all new employees and is not required to test annually for highly exposed employees.
The SHC physician performs the PPD test for all new employees and is not required to test annually for highly exposed employees.
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An employee who becomes ill with a contagious disease should immediately report to the Staff Health Clinic and may continue to handle IV fluids until declared non-infectious.
An employee who becomes ill with a contagious disease should immediately report to the Staff Health Clinic and may continue to handle IV fluids until declared non-infectious.
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The vaccination card issued to employees serves as a reminder for the next vaccination schedule after completing a series of vaccinations.
The vaccination card issued to employees serves as a reminder for the next vaccination schedule after completing a series of vaccinations.
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For an accidental needle prick, the last step involves proceeding to the staff health clinic with a filled out OVR form.
For an accidental needle prick, the last step involves proceeding to the staff health clinic with a filled out OVR form.
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The Hepatitis B surface antibody result of 10 IU and above indicates that the employee is immune.
The Hepatitis B surface antibody result of 10 IU and above indicates that the employee is immune.
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Chest X-rays are mandatory for all employees regardless of their age.
Chest X-rays are mandatory for all employees regardless of their age.
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The SHC nurse checks the employee record for the last vaccination and the Hepatitis B antibody titer during a health examination.
The SHC nurse checks the employee record for the last vaccination and the Hepatitis B antibody titer during a health examination.
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Employees exposed to Hepatitis and HIV are not required to receive counseling during their follow-up.
Employees exposed to Hepatitis and HIV are not required to receive counseling during their follow-up.
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The SHC physician must update the employee on their immunization status after reviewing their laboratory results.
The SHC physician must update the employee on their immunization status after reviewing their laboratory results.
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A booster dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine is required if the antibody level is below 5 years.
A booster dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine is required if the antibody level is below 5 years.
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Meningococcal meningitis vaccine is provided only to travelers going to Mecca during Hajj.
Meningococcal meningitis vaccine is provided only to travelers going to Mecca during Hajj.
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If an employee has an unknown vaccination status, the nurse will conduct serology tests without needing a physician's request.
If an employee has an unknown vaccination status, the nurse will conduct serology tests without needing a physician's request.
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If the source individual is known to be Hepatitis C positive, the exposed individual requires no follow-up by the staff health clinic.
If the source individual is known to be Hepatitis C positive, the exposed individual requires no follow-up by the staff health clinic.
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Employees are permitted to donate blood after being exposed to viral Hepatitis or HIV without any restrictions.
Employees are permitted to donate blood after being exposed to viral Hepatitis or HIV without any restrictions.
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Study Notes
Staff Health and Safety Policy
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Policy Purpose:
- Medically screen all employees for existing diseases/chronic conditions.
- Establish a system for pre-employment and periodic employee health examinations at the healthcare facility.
- Provide guidelines for managing needle/sharp injuries and blood/body fluid exposures in healthcare workers.
- Define guidelines for annual employee immunization updates.
- Improve PPE use to protect both HCWs and patients from exposure to infectious agents and reduce the opportunities for transmission of microorganisms in healthcare facilities.
- Safeguard staff from workplace health, safety hazards, and violence.
- Ensure staff files (vaccinations, illnesses) are secure and accessible.
- Includes a security management program to prevent and prepare for security incidents. This includes security procedures, in-service training, continuing education, and monitoring and evaluation of incidents to improve care.
- Standard precautions must be observed to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens (HIV, HBV, HCV) and other diseases caused by needle pricks, etc
- PPE must be available in all departments or specific known locations.
Definitions
- PPD Test: Purified Protein Derivative. Also known as a Monteux test.
- SHC: Staff Health Clinic.
- OPIM: Other Potentially Infectious Materials, including: human body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures), any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids where differentiation is difficult or impossible.
- Percutaneous Injury: Needle pricks or cuts with sharp objects.
- Immunization: The process strengthening an individual's immune system against an agent (immunogen) through various techniques, most commonly vaccination. Vaccination prepares the body's immune system to fight or prevent infection.
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PPE: Personnel Protective Equipment (gloves, gowns, aprons, face protection, masks); used to protect employees from infectious materials.
- Healthcare workers are responsible for choosing appropriate PPE based on the situation and potential exposures (e.g., blood, other body fluids).
- Specific types include:
- Gloves (general purpose, examination, sterile)
- Gowns/aprons (fluid-resistant, sterile)
- Face masks (surgical, particulate)
- Eye protection (goggles, face shields)
- Caps/Footwear (surgical caps, closed-toed shoes)
- PPE use for transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet, airborne).
- Training is mandatory on proper use, limitations, care, and disposal of PPE.
- Documentation and reporting of adverse reactions (allergies/sensitivities) are needed.
- Proper technique for donning and doffing PPE is crucial.
- Policies include specific procedures for various exposures (needle pricks, mucocutaneous/blood/body fluid, and human bites). Exposure reporting initiates a formal process involving medical evaluation and follow-up, if indicated.
- Hepatitis B, C and HIV screening, PPD test, baseline serology testing, and annual re-contracting screenings are performed. Results are documented in employee records.
- New Employee Checklist: Used to check new employee preparation and for staff health.
Employee Screening and Immunization
- Health examinations: New employees undergo medical examinations upon hiring, and all employees – including highly exposed staff – annually for chronic conditions.
- Baseline screening: All employees are screened for Hepatitis B, C, and HIV, PPD testing during their first screening. Follow-up yearly.
- Immunizations: Appropriate vaccines are provided based on screening results, with details (type, route, dose, side effects) communicated to employees. Immunization status is checked annually during re-contracting. Employees are responsible for scheduling SHC appointments.
Staff Health Clinic Procedures
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New employee procedures: New employees complete a checklist, receive a health record number, and have a health record created, including information about allergies, contact information, employment habits, and existing conditions.
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Initial assessment: Weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are taken and documented.
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Physical Examination: The physician performs physical examinations, including vision and colour-coding.
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Laboratory investigations: Includes a comprehensive list of required blood tests (CBC, renal profile, hepatic profile, random glucose level, malaria parasite, syphilis, HIV antibody screen, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B surface antibody, Hepatitis C antibody, ABO & RH group, urine analysis, stool analysis & C/S, measles antibody, varicella antibody, rubella, urine pregnancy test), chest X-ray, and ECG (if over 40).
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Follow-up: After 72 hours, the SHC physician reviews results, updates employee's immunization record, and confirms Hepatitis B/C results (if positive, contacts infection control).
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Student/Trainee policy: Prior testing results (up to six months old) from other healthcare facilities, including serology tests and the PPD test, are accepted in exchange for periodic examination.
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Illness reporting: Sick employees, those with skin lesions, or injuries report to the Staff Health Clinic; handling IV fluids/medications restricted until cleared. Reports are sent to relevant departmental heads.
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Exposure Reporting: Report percutaneous injuries and mucocutaneous exposures (blood/body fluids/human bites) to the medical director.
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Exposure management: Detailed procedures for accidental needle pricks (bleeding, washing, covering, alcohol, reporting, OVR form, SHC evaluation) and mucocutaneous exposures are provided and followed. Follow-up for potential hepatitis C, HIV, and Hepatitis B exposures is tailored by the SHC.
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Counseling and Restrictions: Employees exposed to viral hepatitis and HIV receive counseling; blood, plasma, and tissue donation restricted. Pregnant/lactating mothers (HIV+) receive counseling/education regarding breastfeeding. Safe sexual practices are advised/documented.
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Vaccination Administration:
- Hepatitis B (3-dose series for non-immune employees). Further vaccination or boosters depend on serology results (e.g if Hepatitis B surface antibody is below 10 IU, give a dose) and time since last dose
- Additional vaccines (Varicella, Measles, Rubella) are administered based on screening results.
- Meningococcal Meningitis (Hajj travelers if available).
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (every 5 years for low immunity status).
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PPE Usage: Gloves (general purpose, examination, sterile), gowns/aprons (fluid-resistant, sterile), face protection (masks, eye protection), caps, closed-toe footwear are emphasized.
- Specific use of PPE according to potential exposures (contact with body fluids, invasive procedures).
- Comprehensive details of when and how to use different PPE types for various procedures and potential exposures are specified. Appropriate use of PPE for different precautions is detailed.
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Employee Education: Employees receive education on PPE needs, proper use, limitations, maintenance, and disposal.
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Incident Reporting: Reporting of adverse reactions to PPE.
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Security Measures: Proactive risk assessments evaluate facility security against various incidents (assaults, bomb threats, burglary...).
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Security procedures: Security procedures, in-service orientation, continuing education, and monitoring and evaluation of incidents are established in the security plan.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the important aspects of the Staff Health and Safety Policy. This quiz covers employee health screenings, management of needle injuries, PPE usage, and immunization guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety in healthcare settings.