Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs

In the Regulation
Where preparation
activities involving
cytotoxic drugs take
place at the facility, an
approved BSC must
be provided and used.
See section 6.53 of
the Regulation.
Where a BSC is used,
it must be equipped
with a continuous
airflow monitoring
device where
cytotoxic drugs are
present. See section
6.53(1)(c) of the
Regulation.
17.2 Equipment
Appropriate equipment for using hazardous drugs in veterinary
practice may include:
••
An approved BSC, if any preparation activities take place at the
facility.
••
Safety-engineered sharps or needleless systems for the
administration of hazardous drugs. Although not a regulatory
requirement in veterinary practice, these reduce the risk of
exposure to workers.
••
Equipment dedicated for use with animals receiving hazardous
drugs.
Refer to Appendix 6 for information on how to select equipment
that is appropriate for use with hazardous drugs.
17.3 Guidelines for safe work practice
Best practices for the use of hazardous drugs in veterinary settings
include:
••
Where possible, purchasing hazardous drugs in a form that is ready
to administer, to avoid preparation activities at the practice facility
••
Where possible, referring animals to specialized treatment centres
••
Identifying animals who have received hazardous drugs, such as
by placing signs on cages or kennels
••
Prohibiting the use of pressure washers to clean cages, kennels,
and stalls of animals being treated with hazardous drugs to
minimize the spread of aerosolized contamination
••
Supplying disposable towels for cleaning cages, kennels, and
animals, where practicable
Animals who have received hazardous drugs should also be cared
for with safe handling precautions after their treatment (see Chapter
18, “Patient Care”).
17.4 Cleaning
Cleaning and decontamination of the veterinary practice facility
should take place regularly to reduce contamination with hazardous
drug residues. This includes:
••
Regular cleaning of animal excreta
••
Regular cleaning and decontamination of the treatment area
••
Gently hosing down cages and kennels to avoid producing
aerosolized contamination
Best Practices for the Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs 43