Editing Infection Control and Safety (section)

== Electrical and Environmental Safety ==

* Use three-prong grounded plugs and hospital-grade equipment. Do not use adapters that defeat the ground pin.
* Inspect cords before use. '''Remove frayed or damaged equipment from service, tag it, and report it.''' Do not attempt repair.
* Grasp the plug body, not the cord, when unplugging. Do not run cords under carpet, across walkways, or through doorways.
* Do not overload outlets or daisy-chain power strips. Keep electrical equipment away from water and never handle it with wet hands.
* Patients with invasive lines that reach the heart, such as pacing wires or a central catheter, are vulnerable to microshock from very small leakage currents. Reduce unnecessary electrical devices at the bedside and use only equipment cleared by biomedical engineering.
* '''Hazardous drugs''' such as antineoplastics require chemotherapy-rated gloves (double gloved), a closed-front gown, eye protection, a closed system transfer device, and preparation in a biological safety cabinet. Handle excreta with PPE for at least 48 hours after administration per policy, and use a spill kit for spills.
* '''Radiation safety:''' apply time, distance, and shielding. Limit time near the source, maximize distance, wear a lead apron and dosimeter, and for a patient with a sealed internal implant keep long-handled forceps and a lead container in the room, never touch a dislodged implant with bare hands, and restrict pregnant staff and visitors and children.
* '''Safety Data Sheets''' must be readily accessible for every chemical in the workplace.
* '''Latex allergy:''' identify at-risk patients (spina bifida, multiple surgeries, healthcare workers), schedule them as the first case of the day when possible, and stock a latex-safe cart.
* '''Biohazard and waste segregation:''' regulated medical waste in red bags, sharps in rigid puncture-resistant containers, and cytotoxic waste in yellow containers per policy.