Prevention Guide - Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs - Irsst

9. TRANSPORT AND STORAGE FOLLOWING PREPARATION
9 TRANSPORT AND STORAGE FOLLOWING PREPARATION
9.1 Issues and Risks
The breaking of a drug container through a fall or otherwise may expose the workers present and contaminate the
environment through the spread of liquids, powders or aerosols or the diffusion of vapours.
Direct contact with a container (as the outside of the container may be contaminated if it was not properly cleaned
following preparation).
9.2 Exposed Workers
‣ Pharmacy Department workers (e.g. pharmacist, clerk, pharmacy technician)
‣ Outpatient clinic and care unit workers (e.g. nurse, patient service associate, inhalation therapist)
‣ Transport workers (clerk, etc.)
9.3 Preventive Measures
9.3.1 Drug Transport RATING: +++
Transport hazardous drugs using a method that will prevent contamination of the
environment in the event of breakage.
RECOMMENDATIONS
9.3.1.1 Hazardous drugs should be placed in a closed, leakproof plastic bag (e.g. Ziploc ® type).
9.3.1.2 Transport of the hazardous drug in a closed, leakproof plastic bag, from the pharmacy to
an area not adjacent to the preparation area (e.g. care unit, outpatient clinic, home care),
must be done in a rigid, shock-resistant, leakproof container made of a material which can
be easily cleaned and decontaminated in the event of a drug leak. The bottom should be
covered with an absorbent, plastic-backed cloth.
9.3.1.3 The transport container must be identified with the “Cytotoxic” hazard symbol.
9.3.1.4 Mechanical transport systems which put stress on the contents should not be used to
transport antineoplastic type hazardous drugs.
‣ Lifts may be used if the drugs are in rigid containers.
‣ Pneumatic conveyors should not be used unless:
the cartridges are sturdy and leakproof;
there is an effective system for decontaminating the tubes in the event a
cartridge breaks or leaks;
there are dedicated cartridges for the transport of hazardous drugs which are
identified as such, using a colour code or the “Cytotoxic” hazard symbol. The
cartridges should allow the contents to be viewed prior to opening. The
cartridges should be cleaned regularly to remove chemical contamination;
the drug tolerates the transport (the stability of certain drugs requires very
gentle transport).
While it is generally agreed that antineoplastic hazardous drugs should not be transported
via mechanical means (e.g. pneumatic conveyors), there is no consensus regarding the
other, non-oncology, hazardous drugs. The members of the Committee feel that the proper
labeling of these drugs with the word “Caution” on an appropriate container (e.g.
leakproof Ziploc ® type bag) is sufficient for sending these drugs with non-hazardous
drugs via mechanical means.
PREVENTION GUIDE – SAFE HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS DRUGS ASSTSAS 9-1