Bedroom

Risk of:

• Infection e.g. Legionnaires' disease, blood borne virus.

Possible causes:

• Direct contact with infected blood or body fluids via needle stick or sharps injury, broken skin or splashes to mucous membranes.
• Inhalation of airborne droplets of respiratory secretions spread by coughing, sneezing etc.
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.
• Failure to use standard precautions.
• Stagnation of water system or failure to maintain water system.

Risk of:

• Adverse health effects such as allergies, eye irritation, dermatitis, birth defects, cancer.
• Fire, explosion, hit by flying projectiles.
• Suffocation.

Possible causes:

• Eating and drinking in inappropriate areas.
• Needlestick injuries.
• Failure, rupture or leakage of compressed gas cylinders or fittings.
• Insecure or unrestrained gas cylinders.
• Mixing incompatible chemicals.

Exposure to:

• Latex consumables e.g. gloves, catheters.
• Medications or excreted, unmetabolised drugs in patient's urine or faeces.
• Hazardous drugs due to inhalation from over pressurised vials or connecting and disconnecting intravenous tubing.
• Hazardous risk waste.
• Detergents and disinfectants.

Risk of:

• Burns.
• Electric shock.
• Death.
• Fire.

Possible causes:

• Lack of equipment maintenance.
• Handling sockets or equipment with wet hands.
• Overloading of sockets.
• Residents using unsuitable electrical equipment.

Risk of:

• Musculoskeletal disorder.

Possible causes:

• Adopting sustained awkward postures e.g. bending to assist resident feeding, bending whilst making, moving or adjusting beds.

(such as wheelchairs, pump beds, hoists, electrical equipment).

Risk of:

• Cuts and bruises.
• Electric shock.
• Crushing injuries.

Possible causes:

• Caught in moving parts.
• Lack of maintenance and thorough examination.

Risk of:

• Burns.
• Smoke inhalation.
• Death.

Possible causes:

• People smoking in inappropriate areas.
• Arson.
• Obstructed fire escape routes.
• Resident / visitor introducing electrical item.
• Contamination of oxygen or nitrous oxide supply system with oil or grease.
• Malfunctioning medical equipment.

Risk of:

• Musculoskeletal disorders.

Possible causes:

• Uncooperative resident.
• Awkward load liable to shift or drop.
• Preventing resident falling e.g. from a bed or commode chair.
• Lack of or unsuitable mechanical handling aids.
• Overexertion from lifting, transferring or repositioning patients.
• Improper lifting technique.
• Incorrect sling being used for the hoist.
• Failure to maintain manual handling devices.

Risk of:

• Puncture wound.
• Infection.

Possible causes:

• Needle stick or sharp instrument injury whilst carrying out nursing activities e.g. taking blood.
• Handling of broken glass or porcelain.
• Cuts from razor blades when assisting residents washing.

Risk of:

• Digestion problems.
• Heart disease.
• Sleep problems.

Possible causes:

• Changing shifts.
• Working nights.

Risk of:

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

Possible causes:

• Trailing cables, loose medical tubing or nurse call bells, phone cords or computer cables.
• Wet slippery surfaces e.g. due to leaking soap dispensers, water, urine or food.
• Dry slippery surfaces e.g. due to dust, taclum powder or plastic wrapping.
• Lack of sockets.
• Assisting unsteady residents.
• Poor housekeeping.
• Unsuitable footwear.

Risk of:

• Physical injury and / or psychological effects.

Possible causes:

• Nursing residents especially confused or vulnerable residents.
• Resident reaction or resistance to nursing procedures or care e.g. taking blood.
• Aggressive colleagues.
• Dealing with angry or stressed family members.
• Robbery due to working where drugs are kept.