Effective Guidelines on Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs
In the year 1986, various safety measures and guidelines were published in response to the numerous surveys and case studies
. These guidelines included the administration of antineoplastic and cytotoxic drugs in drug manufacture and handling units. That time no protective equipments were used and also there was lack of standardization in the use of control methods. Now these guidelines have been modified but entire problem is not yet solved. There are still questions whose answers are yet to be found out. Hazardous effects of drugs on mankind have made healthcare sectors to modify their guidelines.
Guidelines that are formulated today take into account all the consequences of exposure to perilous drugs in drug manufacturing and administration units. Several safety measures and control equipments have been designed by specialists and technocrats to avoid the occupational exposure to harmful drugs.
The guidelines provide the criterias to differentiate between hazardous and non-hazardous drugs. Also it focuses more on organizing seminars and workshops for all drug manufacturers and health care workers so that they can have complete knowledge about drugs and their handling. It also introduces new tools and machineries for the safety of workers engaged in manufacture and handling.
These guidelines also include the provisions for creating a particular drug handling area and disposal of disinfected wastes. While processing and transferring the drugs from one place to another, there are chances of spillage of these drugs which can be very fatal. Workers should use biological safety cabinets and closed system devices to minimize these harmful situations.
Good management practices are mandatory for worker's protection. Hence these guidelines should be properly used without any manipulations. All the professionals like pharmacists, nurses, physicians, employees and housekeepers involved in storage and transportation of hazardous drugs must be well acquainted with the harmful characters of the drugs.
Effective Guidelines on Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs