Do you work with or around hazardous drugs (HDs)? If so, new workplace safety standards – including the required use of shoe covers – are on the horizon!
USP <800>, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention’s new standard for handling HDs in healthcare settings, is set to add significant safety standards for all healthcare workers, as well as patients and the general public, who have access to facilities where HDs are prepared. This includes pharmacists, technicians, nurses, physicians, physician assistants, home health care workers, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians. In addition, entities that store, transport, prepare, or administer HDs are affected, including pharmacies, hospitals, other healthcare institutions, patient treatments clinics, physicians’ practice facilities, and veterinary offices.
USP <800>, effective July 1, 2018, is primarily aimed at addressing the entire life cycle of an HD so that all who might come in contact with one are protected.
While [USP <800>] focuses on the protection of health care workers, it’s also about patient safety. By keeping ourselves safe, we are protecting our patients as well.
– Patricia C. Kienle, RPh, MPA, FASHP
Growing evidence – accumulated over decades by USP, ONS, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, and the CDC – indicates that occupational exposure to the 200+ HDs commonly used in healthcare settings can cause acute and chronic health issues. In addition, over 100 studies have documented evidence of HD contamination in the workplace, including the presence of HDs in workers’ urine. With nearly eight million healthcare workers exposed each year, USP <800> aims to prevent HD exposure, and therefore, any resulting health effects.
Read more about the evidence of HD exposure and studies here .
Updates from USP <797> to USP <800> include required changes in the following areas:
Review USP <800> update details here.
BootieButler’s shoe covers meet USP <800> guidelines: they help create a cleaner, safer, more efficient workplace for those working with or around HDs.
Shoe cover KBNS40-600 (constructed of durable spun bound polypropylene), in particular, is a protective, durable, lightweight, economical, anti-skid, and anti-static option.
Learn more about the Bootie Butler Automatic Shoe Cover
Article via BootieButler
This website uses cookies.