A facility has received a shipment of hazardous drugs. What is the right way to handle the unpacking process to reduce risk of exposure?
Answer (2)
To safely unpack hazardous drugs, use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow steps including preparation, notification, careful handling, inspection, and proper waste disposal. Document any discrepancies and ensure clean-up afterward to prevent potential exposure. These protocols help minimize the risk of harm when managing dangerous substances.
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Handling the unpacking process of hazardous drugs requires strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all staff involved and to prevent any potential exposure to harmful substances. Here are the key steps that should be taken:
Preparation: Before unpacking, ensure you have protective gear ready. This includes gloves, lab coats or gowns, masks, and eye protection. Make sure that anyone involved is properly trained in handling hazardous materials.
Designated Area: Perform the unpacking in a designated area specifically set up for handling hazardous materials. This area should be well-ventilated and have minimal traffic to reduce contamination risk.
Use of Biological Safety Cabinet: If possible, unpack the drugs in a biological safety cabinet or a containment primary engineering control (C-PEC) to minimize the potential for airborne contaminants.
Inspect Packaging: Before opening any packaging, inspect it for damage or leaks. If any are found, do not open the package and follow the facility’s protocol for handling spills or leaks.
Careful Unpacking: When opening containers, do so carefully to avoid spills or releasing any powder or liquid. Use appropriate tools if necessary, and ensure any discarded packaging is disposed of according to hazardous waste procedures.
Documentation: Log the receipt of each drug, noting the condition of the package upon arrival and the handling and storage requirements. This is important for tracking and compliance with regulations.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of any packaging and protective gear in specially marked hazardous waste containers, ensuring they are sealed properly to prevent contamination.
Decontamination: After unpacking, follow decontamination procedures for the area and equipment used, as well as for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Review and Restock: Ensure that all storage of hazardous drugs complies with the safety data sheets (SDS) provided by the manufacturer. Check that storage areas are appropriately labeled and arranged.
By following these comprehensive steps, the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs can be significantly minimized, safeguarding the health of personnel and the integrity of the facility.
