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Chapter-53 Occupational Safety in Hospitals

BOOK TITLE: Hospital Administration

Author
1. Joshi DC
2. Joshi Mamta
ISBN
9788184486766
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10358_53
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2009
Pages
11
Author Affiliations
1. Academy of Hospital Administration, Lucknow, India
2. University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
Chapter keywords
occupational safety, occupational health, healthcare organizations, Ethylene Oxide, radiation exposure

Abstract

This chapter discusses occupational safety in hospitals. Occupational health should aim at the promotion and maintenance of highest degree of physical, mental, and social well being of workers of healthcare organizations. The healthcare providers, while rendering healthcare to the people are exposed to various risks. Ethylene Oxide (ETO) possesses several physical and health hazards that merit special attention. ETO is used within central supply as a sterilant for items that cannot be exposed to steam sterilization. In liquid form, Ethylene oxide can cause eye irritation and injury to the cornea, frostbite, and severe irritation and blistering of the skin upon prolonged or confined contact. Radiation exposure includes staff exposure to radiation from portable and fixed X-ray machines as they are used for diagnostic procedures.

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