Healthcare facilities deal with dangerous materials often, like blood, gases, and lethal drugs. As such, they need protocols in place to handle any emergency. There are several OSHA hazardous waste regulations all businesses must abide by, including developing an emergency response plan.
Creating a hazardous waste emergency response plan will reduce accidents and maintain health and safety standards. Medical practices have different procedures depending on the size of their staff, local laws, and the nature of their work. However, the best plans all feature some of the same guidelines.
Be Clear About Responsibilities
Problems happen when people don’t know who to turn to in times of emergency. Subsequently, communication breakdowns occur and make the issue even worse. Your emergency response plan should clearly define each person’s responsibilities.
Many facilities find it helpful to have one point of contact. Larger hospitals may designate one emergency leader per department. These people will streamline communication and stay on top of emergency protocols to minimize confusion.
Post Signs That Explain Procedures
Everyone needs to be aware of emergency procedures. This includes what to look for, how to report conditions, and who to call. Sending a singular memo isn’t enough; you need to post permanent signs communicating your emergency response plans all around your facility.
Hang laminated notices with bold colors and large fonts. Disperse a monthly newsletter mentioning your plan’s key points. You should also post evacuation routes and facility maps around your establishment, so people know the quickest ways to get out.
Provide Training To Prepare Staff
Creating a hazardous waste emergency response plan is only part of the job—you also need to make sure it works in the real world. Many healthcare facilities fail when dealing with emergencies regarding dangerous materials because they don’t practice the plans they develop.
You need to prepare staff for different situations by providing adequate training. Simulate emergencies to determine how people respond. From there, you can see which parts of your plan work and what might need some attention.
You should also perform regular safety audits and update your plan as things change around your practice. Ultimately, a prepared hospital is a safe hospital. Your hazardous waste emergency response plan doesn’t just protect your staff—it also protects your patients.
