CSSD

Risk of:

• Infection e.g. Legionnaires' disease, CJD, Blood Borne Viral diseases.

Possible causes:

• Exposure to contaminated medical instruments e.g. via needlestick or sharp injury or contact with contaminated instruments.
• Mould growth due to high humidity levels.
• Environmental exposure via ventilation or water systems.

Risk of:

• Health effects such as respiratory problems, allergies or dermatitis.
• Fire.
• Explosion.

Possible causes:

Exposure to:

• Disinfectants and detergents.
• Dust and fibres.
• Ethylene oxide gas and mercury.
• Latex consumables.
• Nickel and chrome whilst handling or cleaning medical instruments.
• Use of flammable gases.

Lack of:

• Ventilation.
• Appropriate PPE.

Risk of:

• Fire.
• Electrocution.
• Burns.

Possible causes:

• Equipment unsuitable for use in damp or wet environment.
• Contact of equipment with water.
• Faulty equipment.
• Overloading of sockets.
• Unsafe work practices.

Risk of:

• Burns.
• Cuts.
• Explosion.
• Physical injury.
• Death.

Possible causes:

• Handling or sorting hot sterilised items or sharp instruments.
• Exposure to hot objects or steam during sterilisation.
• Lack of appropriate PPE such as gloves.
• Inadequate maintenance or inappropriate use of high pressure equipment such as autoclaves.

Risk of:

• Pain in back, hands or arms.

Possible causes:

• Standing for long periods of time.
• Repetitive motions such as reaching or stretching.
• Bending over sinks.
• Poor workstation / computer design or set up.

Risk of:

• Musculoskeletal disorders.

Possible causes:

• Carrying or lifting heavy loads.
• Pushing or pulling overloaded trolleys.

Risk of:

• Hearing damage or loss.
• Physiological effects.
• Work related stress.
• Increased risk of accidents.

Possible causes:

• Prolonged exposure to noisy equipment.

Risk of:

• Heating / skin burns.
• Eye damage - cataracts.

Possible causes:

• Exposure to UV light.

Risk of:

• Cuts.
• Infection.

Possible causes:

• Exposure to sharp items or equipment.

Risk of:

• Minor injuries such as cuts to major injuries such as broken bones, concussion and even death.

Possible causes:

• Slippery or wet floors.
• Trailing cables.
• Poor housekeeping.

Risk of:

• Heat stress.
• Burns.

Possible causes:

• High temperature and humidity.
• Heat from steam / hot water.

Risk of:

• Dermatitis.

Possible causes:

• Handling and using aqueous solutions for long periods of time.

For further information on related controls click here.