Volunteer Handbook - Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Code Orange: Code orange is called for a bomb threat. If you receive a bomb threat call, keepthe caller on the phone. Be alert to the caller’s voice, sex, age, background noises and anythingthey will tell you about the bomb.Notify 2911.MSDS: MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet and contains information about each solutionand chemical used in the hospital and how to use them safely. All containers must be clearlylabeled as to the contents, hazardous warnings and manufacturer. Never use anything without alabel on it. MSDS information is conveniently found on the system intranet and always available.Chemical spills should be reported to the department where the spill occurred.Infection Control:Studies have shown that over 100,000 people die every year from infections they acquire while inthe hospital. We are determined to make Roper St. Francis Healthcare facilities as clean and safeas possible.The number one thing we can do to prevent infection is the simplest – wash our hands. Everyonewho has patient contact MUST wash their hands before and after contact with a patient or theirenvironment. Don’t be afraid to remind others of this requirement. Keep your nails short andtrimmed. Wash your hands thoroughly and for 10 – 15 seconds.Wash your hands!♦ Before handling patient’s food and trays.♦ Before eating and after using the restroom.♦ Before and after caring for each patients.♦ After handling patient’s articles or equipment.♦ Before leaving any clinical area such as the lab or physical therapy.Volunteers should make every effort not to expose themselves to blood and body fluids. Whenworking with patients we need to all be aware of ways that disease is spread and how to protectour patients and ourselves. Volunteers should not enter the rooms of patients on IsolationPrecautions.(SCRUBS Mentoring students will get specific instructions regarding Isolation Precautions.)The expression “Standard Precautions” means treating all patients and body fluids as if theywere infectious. The term “PPE” stands for Personal Protective Equipment – the gloves andmasks used by healthcare workers to do their job safely. It is important to know how to protectyourself. A copy of the hospital’s Infection Control Plan is now online but always available. If youever see an exposed needle or sharp – report it to the first healthcare worker you see so it can bedisposed of properly.Handwashing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection.Body mechanicsYour health and safety is very important to us! Avoid unnecessary injuries byusing proper body mechanics. The basic principals are:♦ When turning, pivot with your feet and avoid twisting your body.♦ Analyze the work to be done and ask for help with heavy work.♦ Distribute the weight to be carried evenly.♦ Maintain a wide base of support and use a secure grip.♦ Tighten your abdominal muscles, time and coordinate your lift.♦ Push rather than pull.12