HHS says it will give 60 days' notice before ending PHE

HHS says it will give states 60 days’ notice before it officially ends the COVID-19 public...

Top 10 medical technology hazards of 2021 show impact of pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact every aspect of healthcare, and a popular annual list of...

Solving healthcare's unique cybersecurity risks

The risks of cyberattacks on hospitals and other healthcare settings was already high pre-pandemic...

Gimme a break…or a spare circuit breaker

Mac's Safety Space: One of the more common findings (as it were) over the past few years has been the condition in which a circuit breaker is in the “on” position and it is either not labeled or labeled as a “spare.” 

TJC changes EP on spare sprinkler heads again, to minimum six

Review your hospital’s inventory of different types of sprinkler heads, and then ensure you have at least six spare sprinkler heads for each type and temperature rating of those installed in your facility.

COVID-19: Keep eye on O2 storage systems, mortuary supplies as surges continue

Check your liquid oxygen storage and supply systems frequently to ensure they aren’t overtaxed if you experience a surge in COVID-19 patients.

If you need more morgue space, be sure there is a sufficient power source for any refrigerated trucks or other equipment, and work with your suppliers so you can get heavy-duty body bags for obese patients.
Also ensure staff are trained in how to handle bodies, including lift equipment, and review OSHA and CDC mortuary safety requirements.

From floor to patient: Pathogens on the ground don't stay there

After cleaning and sanitizing the floor in a patient room, how long before that floor becomes contaminated again? And how easy is the path of transmission for a floor-bound contaminant to a patient or staffer?

Quick and effortless are the answers.

According to a small study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, it only takes hours for a cleaned and sanitized hospital floor to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. And the bacteria don’t end their journey there.

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The Complete Guide to Laboratory Safety, Fifth Edition, consolidates regulations from all relevant agencies, including OSHA, The Joint Commission, CAP, CLSI, DOT, and state health departments. This book also offers customizable policies, procedures, and checklists to avoid costly fines and enhance your compliance program.

The newest edition of this proven guide includes a brand-new chapter on laboratory safety culture, plus new content on:

• The hierarchy of controls
• The four biosafety lab levels and lab coats 
• Reporting lab injuries 
• Lab coat cleaning, comfort, and materials 
• Bloodborne pathogen training
• Hazardous waste management
• The generator improvement rule 
• The EPA hazardous waste pharmaceutical rule
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bward@hcpro.com


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