HOUSEKEEPING IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES




NOTE TO DISCUSSION LEADER:

Before coming to this talk, you might walk around the hospital and
visit various work stations t note safety hazards attributable to
poor housekeeping habits. Report what you discover to employees
attending the safety talk.


HOUSEKEEPING IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

If you want to learn about attitudes toward safety, just take a
look at housekeeping habits. Good housekeeping is really one of the
most important aspects of safety. Of the 1,883 Ohio hospital
accidents and injuries reported in 1979, a total of 343 were the
result of falls from the same level and 122 resulted from striking
against objects. These are the kinds of accidents you can expect if
you practice poor housekeeping. Good housekeeping is not just
something for hospital housekeepers-- good housekeeping should be
practiced by everyone.

The hospital could spend a large sum of money to improve the
quality and safety of the work environment, but the environment
would still be unsafe if you and your co-workers did not practice
good housekeeping. Safety entails everyone working as a team to
maintain good housekeeping standards. Make sure you follow the
rules to prevent accidents by practicing good housekeeping.

ù Make sure all containers are labeled; the labels should be
legible, not blurred by liquids that have run down the outsides of
the containers.

ù Do not store supplies where they may be mistaken for something
else. For example, it is not a good idea to store cleaning powders
with staples like sugar, flour and salt.

ù Be familiar with special chemicals, gases and liquids that are
used in your work area, and know the ones that can and cannot be
stored together. Some substances, like oxygen and fuel gases, have
the potential for disasters when stored in close proximity.

ù Dispose of hazardous substances--like flammable liquids and
chemical reagents used in the hospital laboratory--by the safe
method prescribed. If you aren't sure how to dispose of a
substance, check with your supervisor.

ù Clean up your work area immediately after completing each task;
never leave an area cluttered with tools or supplies that could
present tripping hazards.

ù Clean up spilled liquids right away; they can cause slips and
falls.

ù Pick up broken glass immediately with a broom and dustpan, never
with your hands.

ù Do not allow "debris," such as cleaning rags and newspapers, to
accumulate anywhere in the hospital, because this creates a serious
fire hazard.

ù Respect "Wet Floor" signs; they are used for your protection.

Good housekeeping is one of the most important aspects of any fire
safety plan. Accumulated debris can cause lres, and clutter in
hallways slows movement of personnel and equipment during fires.
So, those who want to prevent fires should begin with good
housekeeping.

In addition to all the safety benefits it contributes, good
housekeeping results in a more pleasant working environment. Almost
everyone prefers cleanliness and neatness to filth and clutter

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