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Injury Prevention Resources for Health Care - Cytotoxic Drugs

Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI) and Ergonomics | Ceiling Lift Resources | Violence | Needlestick Injuries | Infectious Diseases | Latex Allergies | Home Care | Cytotoxic Drugs | General Resources

The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the health care industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.

Preventing Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care Settings

The purpose of this Alert is to increase awareness among health care workers and their employers about the health risks posed by working with hazardous drugs and to provide them with measures for protecting their health. Health care workers who prepare or administer hazardous drugs or who work in areas where these drugs are used may be exposed to these agents in the air or on work surfaces, contaminated clothing, medical equipment, patient excreta, and other surfaces.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
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Handling Cytotoxic Drugs in the Workplace

Cytotoxic drugs are handled by professionals in numerous healthcare, community and veterinary settings. Yet the ability of cytotoxic drugs to damage and kill cells so vital to cancer treatment creates potential risks to those who handle them during the course of their work. This comprehensive publication covers most scenarios involving the occupational handling of cytotoxic drugs. (Dated January 2003)
Source: WorkSafe Victoria
* PDF (703 KB)

Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs

In response to numerous inquiries, OSHA published guidelines for the management of Cytotoxic (antineoplastic) drugs in the work place in 1986. At that time, surveys indicated little standardization in the use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment (P.E.). Although practices improved in subsequent years, problems still exist. In addition, the occupational management of these chemicals has been further clarified. These trends, in conjunction with many information requests, have prompted OSHA to revise its recommendations for hazardous drug handling.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
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Hospital eTool - Pharmacy Module

This eTool focuses on some of the hazards and controls found in the hospital Pharmacy setting, and describes standard requirements as well as recommended safe work practices for employee safety and health.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
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Cytotoxic Drugs

Cytotoxic drugs are toxic compounds and are known to have carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or teratogenic potential. With direct contact they may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and ulceration and necrosis of tissue.
Source: ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)
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Cytotoxic Agents, Safe Handling Standards

This Policy covers the preparation, administration, and disposal of cytotoxic agents. Cytotoxic agents may also be referred to as antineoplastics or chemotherapy. These drugs may be administered by many routes. This policy refers to all routes of administration. (Dated August 2001)
Source: BC Cancer Agency
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Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs

This guide aims to raise awareness among employers and employees of the hazards associated with cytotoxic drugs and the precautions to take when handling them. In particular, it focuses on the relevant regulatory framework, including risk assessment, and prevention and control of exposure. It will interest pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, medical and nursing staff, veterinary practitioners and others involved in handling these drugs and related waste. (Dated September 2003)
Source: Health & Safety Executive, UK
* PDF (66 KB)

Handling Hazardous Drugs Safely at Home

This information provides tips on handling hazardous drugs safely at home. By working safely with these substances, you can lessen the chance of exposing yourself and the environment to these chemicals.
Source: National Institutes of Health
* PDF (102 KB)

Cytotoxic Drugs

This guide explains the duty of an employer in a health care facility to protect workers who are likely to be exposed to cytotoxic drugs. Such worker exposure may occur at health care facilities such as hospitals, Special Care and Personal Care Homes, cancer and other medical clinics, and in home care situations.
Source: Saskatchewan Labour
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