subject: Safe handling of Hazardous drugs is mandatory in all workplaces [print this page] Harmful effects of exposures to hazardous drugs have drawn the attention of healthcare organizations. They are formulating guidelines based on this problem. But these guidelines should be properly adopted by all workers and staffs to combat the perilous effects of harmful toxins. Various training programs and workshops are frequently arranged to create awareness among all the persons engaged in drug related activities.
Professionals engaged in different drug related activities like drug manufacture, administration, handling, transport, storage and disposal are more prone to harmful exposures. These can cause various short term health disorders like skin and eye irritation, infections and allergies and long term effects like respiratory and reproductive disorders, congenital malformations, chromosomal aberrations, infertility, leukemia and even cancer. Hence safety guidelines should be properly incorporated to minimize the risks of exposures to hazardous drugs.
These guidelines provide the safety measures during accidental spillage and leakage of harmful toxins. These perilous chemicals can enter the body through dermal contact, inhalation and ingestion of drug vapors and aerosols. These situations can be avoided by using personal protective equipments like hand gloves, masks, gowns, respirators etc. Biological safety cabinets and closed system drug transfer should be used in workplaces to decrease the chances of exposures to hazardous drugs.
These safety guidelines and programs form and indispensable part of all drug related industries and organizations. These should be well incorporated to shun the risks of exposures and maintain a safe environment to work. Workers should be regularly updated with all new tools and techniques required for safe handling of harmful drugs.
Safe handling of Hazardous drugs is mandatory in all workplaces
