subject: Cytotoxic Drugs and CoSHH Law [print this page] Cytotoxic Drugs and CoSHH Law Cytotoxic Drugs and CoSHH Law
This article examines the use of cytotoxic drugs and the hazards associated when using them. It focuses on the precautions needing to be followed under CoSHH and will be of interest to those currently working in hospitals, oncology units and hospices etc.Cytotoxic drugs are extensively used in the treatment of cancer. They are able to deter tumour growth by interfering with cell division. However, they not only affect tumour cells but may also damage normal cells. Therefore, this can result in significant side effects in patients or others exposed. Concerns have been raised as to the risks to health care workers involved in the preparation and administration of cytotoxic drugs.For the most part, cytotoxic drugs are hazardous substances, according to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) legislation. A few are deemed to be carcinogenic and hence are subject to Appendix 1 of the CoSHH Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) which gives further guidance on the control of carcinogenic substances. Under CoSHH, employers have a legal responsibility to assess the risks arising from employees handling cytotoxic drugs plus anybody else who could be impacted by this kind of work, and to take sufficient measures to protect their health.The first precaution to take is to assess the risk. Identify which cytotoxic drugs are handled and what the possible harmful effects on health are. Examine who could be harmed from exposure to the drug and how they could be harmed, such as drug leakage during preparation. The next step is to determine how likely that cytotoxic drugs could cause ill health and decide if existing controls are sufficient or if more should be done. Keep a record of the findings from the CoSHH risk assessment and review annually as well as when any significant changes occur throughout the year.It is imperative that exposure to the drugs is controlled. Drugs should always be stored in a lockable safety cabinet and when is use, exposure should be controlled at source. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves when necessary.Other more specific control measures contained within the assessment will include organising work to reduce the quantities of drugs used, the number of employees exposed and keeping the duration of exposure to a minimum. Use good hygiene practices and ensure all staff are trained in the handling of cytotoxic drugs. Staff should be trained in the risks associated with contamination and the procedures to follow if spillages occurr. Health records should also be kept for staff.
