Prevention Guide - Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs - Irsst

6. UNPACKING AND STORAGE
6.3.3 Unpacking and Cleaning Procedure RATING: ++
Establish an unpacking and cleaning procedure.
RECOMMENDATIONS
6.3.3.1 Workers assigned to unpacking should check the integrity of the delivery containers
and their contents at the time of unpacking. In the event of breakage or leaking, they
should treat the damaged contents as a spill (see 12.3.4.8).
6.3.3.2 Workers assigned to unpacking should cover the work table with a disposable, plasticbacked,
absorbent pad on which to place the containers. This pad will also absorb any
contamination.
6.3.3.3 The hazardous drug containers should be cleaned at the time of unpacking, before being
placed in storage. To do so, the hazardous drugs must be removed from their individual
packaging:
‣ if the drug is light-sensitive, provide a storage system limiting exposure to light.
‣ note that drugs removed from their packaging often cannot be returned to the
manufacturer.
‣ do not remove the plastic film covering certain vials; this film is added by the
manufacturer at the end of the production line, in order to limit contamination of the
outside of the vials by hazardous drugs.
If containers are not cleaned at the time of unpacking, they should be stored separately
from those which have been cleaned. Uncleaned containers should be cleaned before
entering the preparation circuit.
6.3.3.4 All hazardous drug containers should be cleaned to reduce external contamination from
the distributor or manufacturer. There is no ideal universal solvent. However, tests
performed by the INSPQ at the Committee’s request have confirmed that the use of a
disposable cloth and a household detergent and water solution was effective in
removing contamination on the outside of the vials. The use of premoistened towelettes
(e.g. Wet-Ones) was also shown to be effective. (Note: The tests were done with
cyclophosphamide. The cloth or towelette used was discarded after cleaning four vials.)
However, this procedure must not increase the risk of incidents/accidents due to
damage to the hazardous drug label. The wearing of protective gloves is the first step to
be taken prior to the decontamination of drugs. (+)
6.3.3.5 Plastic bins and safe carts (i.e., which limit the risk of falls/breakage) should be used for
transporting hazardous drugs.
ASHP, p. 1175, 1183 ♦ NIOSH, p. 12 ♦ OPQ, Section 6.2.3
PREVENTION GUIDE – SAFE HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS DRUGS ASSTSAS 6-3