Physical Hazards of Medicine

Physical Hazards of Medicine

·        Hospital hazards:

o   Biological (infection control): 

§  Blood and body fluid exposure (e.g. risk of seroconversion following needle stick HBV 30%, HCV 3%, HIV 0.3%) 

§  Tb (high prevalence ® high index of suspicion, wear face mask in high risk situations, ensure contact tracing)

§  Meningitis (spread via respiratory secretions, need close contact, wear mask) 

§  MRSA (spread via direct contact, could be almost totally managed by hand-washing). Manage via vaccination, possible prophylaxis 

§  First aid after exposure (needle stick, splash, spill, bite): rinse affected area under running warm water for at least 3 minutes, squeeze a puncture wound gently, paint with povidone-iodine or isopropyl alcohol 

o  Chemical (drugs, latex, hand washing ® hand dermatitis: usually irritant dermatitis not allergic dermatitis ® dose dependent) 

o  Ergonomics (patient handling, keyboards)

o  Physical (lasers, radiation, heat, noise)

o  Stressors (shift work, overload – usually insidious)

·        Behaviour:

o  Knowledge doesn‟t change behaviour

o  Consider own and patient safety

o  Hazard vs. risk vs. perceived risk