sterile processing
By Tony Thurmond , CRCST , CIS , CHL , FCS
Current , Accessible Safety Data Sheets Critical for Safe SPDs
Quality- and safety-focused sterile processing ( SP ) professionals arrive at work each day with the intent of performing their many critical duties to the best of their ability and with the hope that no safety issues befall them or their teammates . They don ’ t go to work , change into their personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and say to themselves , for example , “ Today is the day I will receive a dangerous chemical burn .”
But what if today actually is the day a chemical-related safety event occurs ? Is there a proper plan in place for managing the situation and preventing future injuries and incidents ? Make no mistake , the numerous chemicals , sterilants and products SPDs rely on daily can present a serious safety threat , and everyone working in the department must know how to protect and care for themselves or their colleagues if an accident or exposure occurs . Knowing where to look for guidance is paramount for stemming the risks — and ensuring ready access to manufacturer safety data sheets ( SDSs ) should rank among the SPD ’ s highest priorities .
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) requires each employer to make SDSs available for every chemical used in a working facility and department . SP leaders must ensure all SDSs are readily accessible to their employees and that all team members know how to access SDSs for the products used in their department . If the SPD has a manual for the chemicals used , it must be readily accessible , and if SDSs are kept on a computer , all employees should have computers available for quick access and reference . All SDSs must be current and include the most up-to-date information ( chemical manufacturers are required to provide an SDS for every chemical produced , and these vendors must update their SDSs as often as required to remain OSHA compliance ). SP leaders should regularly review SDS content to ensure all employees are using the latest version .
SDS versus IFU
To promote a safe workplace , it ’ s essential that SP professionals understand the differences between SDSs and instructions for use ( IFU ) and not confuse their purpose . IFU provide directions of how to use the product whereas SDSs are directives that guide through proper storage , exposure , care and management of an exposure , and proper disposal of the chemical . According to OSHA ’ s Hazard Communication Standard , SDSs must be presented in a user-friendly , 16-section format .
Section 1 – Identification : Identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses and supplier contact information .
Section 2 – Hazard ( s ) identification : Includes chemical hazards and warnings related to those hazards .
Section 3 – Ingredient composition / information : Identifies product ingredients outlined on the SDS , including impurities and stabilizing additives . This section also includes information on substances , mixtures and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed .
Section 4 – First-aid measures : Describes the initial care that should be administered by untrained responders to an individual who was exposed to the chemical .
Section 5 – Fire-fighting measures . Includes recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical , including suitable extinguishing techniques , equipment and fire-related chemical hazards .
Section 6 – Accidental release measures : Provides recommendations on appropriate response to spills , leaks or releases , including containment and clean-up practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people , property or the environment . It may also include recommendations that distinguish between responses for large and small spills ( for incidents where spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard ).
Section 7 – Handling and storage : Provides guidance on safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals ( including chemical incompatibilities ).
Section 8 – Exposure controls / personal protection : Indicates exposure limits , engineering controls and PPE measures that can minimize employee exposure .
Section 9 – Physical and chemical properties : Identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture .
Section 10 – Stability and reactivity : Describes reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information .
Section 11 – Toxicological information : Identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such information is unavailable ( includes routes of exposure , related symptoms , acute and chronic effects , and numerical measures of toxicity ).
Section 12 – Ecological information : Provides information to evaluate environmental impact of the chemical if released into the environment .
Section 13 – Disposal considerations : Provides guidance on proper disposal practices , recycling or reclamation of the chemical ( s ) or its container , and safe handling practices .
Section 14 – Transport information : Includes guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical ( s ).
Section 15 – Regulatory information : Identifies safety , health and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS .
Section 16 – Other information : Indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made and may also state where changes have been made to the previous version .
www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • march 2022
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