Breakable items such as glassware, crockery, glass tubing, and glass rods are
processed through CMS. Some of the equipment you use will contain pressurized
steam and pressurized gas; other equipment will be electric. All these substances are
potentially hazardous if not used and handled properly.
b. Accident Prevention. Two of the most important ways to prevent accidents
is to keep machinery and equipment operating properly and to use the machinery and
equipment in a proper and safe manner. Other ways to prevent accidents include:
(1)
Eliminating or controlling all hazards in the work area.
(2)
Establishing safety rules for each technician or each step.
(3)
Ensuring that all personnel strictly follow the rules of a safety program.
(4)
Using a safety program to teach all personnel to practice safety all the
time.
2-12. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN CENTRAL MATERIEL SERVICES
Safety within CMS is important to both the patient and CMS personnel.
a. Patient Safety. Set up ways to ensure that items sterilized in CMS stay
sterile until they are used. Ensure that soiled items do not come in contact with
patients.
b. Personnel Safety.
(1) Any person working in CMS should report any unsafe condition or
possible hazard immediately.
(2) All personnel in CMS should take an active part in the accident
prevention program.
(3) Personnel should report any accident, no matter how small, to the
proper person.
(4) All personnel should know the posted fire evacuation plan and take part
in fire drills for CMS as well as for the whole hospital.
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