Prevention Guide - Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs - Irsst
Prevention Guide - Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs - Irsst
Prevention Guide - Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs - Irsst
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5. RECEIVING AND TRANSPORT<br />
5 RECEIVING AND TRANSPORT<br />
5.1 Issues and Risks<br />
<strong>Drugs</strong> from suppliers usually arrive at the institution’s receiving dock. Depending on the institution, the unpacking<br />
and storage are done either upon receipt or in the pharmacy. In the first instance, the workers are not trained to handle<br />
hazardous drugs. It is thus preferable for these procedures to be performed in the pharmacy itself. In some<br />
institutions, delivery is made directly to the pharmacy.<br />
5.1.1 Risks<br />
Damaged parcels or containers represent a significant exposure risk. Liquid leaks can contaminate<br />
surfaces, while powders or aerosols can contaminate the air.<br />
A container broken in a fall or in some other way may expose the workers present and contaminate<br />
the environment via the spread <strong>of</strong> liquids, powders or aerosols or through the diffusion <strong>of</strong> vapours.<br />
Manufacturers and suppliers do not guarantee that the containers are free <strong>of</strong> contamination. The<br />
containers must thus be considered contaminated, unless effective packaging and segregation<br />
techniques have been used.<br />
5.2 Exposed Workers<br />
Receiving or transport clerks (e.g. stock-keeper, storeroom clerk)<br />
Hygiene and Sanitation Department workers<br />
Pharmacy Department workers (e.g. pharmacist, clerk, pharmacy technician)<br />
5.3 Preventive Measures<br />
5.3.1 Selection <strong>of</strong> <strong>Drugs</strong> RATING: +++<br />
Select hazardous drugs such that the risks are limited.<br />
RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
5.3.1.1 Institutions should ensure that purchases take into account the recommendations regarding<br />
hazardous drugs. If the purchases are made through group purchasing agreements, the<br />
Heads <strong>of</strong> the Pharmacy Departments involved should see to compliance with this<br />
recommendation.<br />
5.3.1.2 Whenever possible, choose hazardous drugs whose distribution form limits exposure risks<br />
and facilitates preparation and administration. For example, if the choice is between an<br />
already diluted product and a powder which requires reconstitution, preference should be<br />
given to the product already in solution.<br />
<br />
CSA, Z317.10-01, Section 4.1<br />
PREVENTION GUIDE – SAFE HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS DRUGS ASSTSAS 5-1
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