SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

CYTOTOXIC SUBSTANCES (VETERINARY USE)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Only those persons who have received appropriate training and have attained the required level of proficiency are to handle cytotoxic drugs and related waste.
Task sequence
1. Storage and handling

Identified hazards in task

Unauthorised access
Hazardous exposure

2. Provision of information
3. Use of substances

Exposure to hazardous
materials

4. Avoiding contact

Exposure to hazardous
materials

5. Clean up of spills

Exposure to hazardous
material

SWP210 Version 1.2

Key processes to be followed

Store in a secure area, with access limited to authorised persons only.
Storage area must be clearly marked with appropriate signage.
Storage area should be designed to minimise risk of damage to containers.
Ensure integrity of all packaging when storing, and labelling of packages.
Persons handling cytotoxic substances must wear required protective
clothing and equipment if risk of exposure exists.
Current MSDS for all substances must be available in each area where used.
All persons must be advised of location of MSDSs and risk information.
Protective clothing and equipment must be worn when administering drugs.
All cytotoxic drugs must be administered by or under the supervision of a
registered veterinary practitioner.
All animals receiving cytotoxic drug treatment must be identified with signs.
Ensure that animals are restrained or controlled during drug administration.
Appropriate spill control kits must be readily available in all areas.
Persons handling animals must wear protective clothing and equipment.
Equipment to clean up spills, faeces, etc, is to be available in all areas.
Avoid skin contact with animal excreta and body fluids.
Clean equipment immediately after use with an appropriate cleaning agent.
Place sign stating RECEIVING CYTOTOXIC DRUG THERAPY on
cages of animals undergoing treatment.
Isolate affected area direct persons not involved in clean up to stay clear.
Display signs, restrict access, and call for assistance if required.
Don respirator first, then other appropriate protective clothing and PPE.
Carefully cover liquid spills with absorbent material do not splash.
Cover dry material with absorbent mat, wet carefully to dissolve material to
allow absorption by the mat.
Gather absorbed material, including all broken glass.
Wash affected area several times with detergent; work from edge to centre.
Dry affected area with absorbent towels or other suitable materials.
Place all collected waste into a cytotoxic waste disposal bag for disposal.
Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after clean up completed.

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon28/02/2014byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

Precautions / PPE required

Restrict access to storage areas.
Identify PPE requirements.
Packaging must protect containers.
Labels with all required data must
be placed on all containers
(including syringes, IV bags, etc).
MSDSs must conform to NOHSC
guidelines for MSDSs.
The following PPE is required
Coveralls or gown; impervious
inner and outer gloves; eye
protection; dust mask;
waterproof apron and boots.
Wash hands thoroughly.
See above for PPE requirements.
Provide paper towelling;
cleaning detergent; small shovel
or scoop; waterproof inner and
outer gloves.
Wash hands thoroughly.
See above for PPE requirements.
Only persons involved in actual
clean up to enter affected area.
Avoid splashing or generation of
dust or aerosols when covering.
Ensure that all spilt material is
absorbed before commencing to
clean area.
Ensure area is completely dry
before allowing re-entry.
Dispose of all contaminated PPE.

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SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

CYTOTOXIC SUBSTANCES (VETERINARY USE)
Task sequence
6. Direct exposure of
persons

Identified hazards in task

Exposure to hazardous
material
Penetrating injuries, skin
and other body contact
Eye splash or contact

7. Reporting and recording

of incidents

Reporting of incidents

Key processes to be followed

Immediately remove outer gloves, gown and any contaminated clothing.
Contaminated clothing should be separately bagged, machine washed
separately, and line-dried.
Wash affected skin with soap and flush thoroughly with copious amounts of
water.
Immediately flush eye with isotonic saline solution for at least 15 minutes.
Report incident to supervisor immediately.
Seek immediate medical advice and further medical attention as necessary.
Document all exposures, making sure that all details are recorded.
All spills, exposures or contaminations must be reported as soon as
practicable to supervisors or management.
All incidents and procedures followed must be recorded in a spills register.
Incidents involving carcinogenic substances must be reported to the Health
and Safety authority in the appropriate State or Territory.

Precautions / PPE required

Dispose of all contaminated PPE.
Avoid contact with contaminated
clothing wear gloves.
Do not administer antiseptic or
anaesthetic drops or ointments.
Use saline solution to flush eyes.

All supervisors should be trained

in procedures to be followed.

PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions are to be
observed, and suitable safety signs as
indicated displayed in areas where these
procedures are carried out.

SWP210 Version 1.2

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon28/02/2014byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

www.assaohs.com.au

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