Handling Hazardous Substances in Care

☣️ Hazardous Substances in Health and Social Care

In health and social care environments, there are many hazardous substances that can pose a risk to staff and individuals. These may include:

• Cleaning materials and disinfectants
• Medication
• Body fluids (blood, urine, vomit, faeces)
• Clinical waste (e.g. used dressings, contaminated bedding)

🔄 Routes of Entry into the Body

Hazardous substances can enter the body through:

• Inhalation – breathing in fumes or dust
• Ingestion – swallowing substances
• Injection – e.g. needlestick injuries
• Absorption – through the skin

📋 Safe Handling Guidelines

• Always read the label and follow hazard instructions.
• Store substances securely in designated areas, away from unauthorised individuals.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by your organisation’s policies.
• Only use products in their original containers with clear labels and safety instructions.

🚮 Clinical Waste Disposal

• Human tissue must be disposed of via incineration.
• Biological waste goes in orange or yellow clinical waste bags.
• Sharps like needles must be disposed of in designated sharps containers.
• Clinical waste in home settings requires assessment and often special collection by the local authority.

🧼 Cleaning Up Body Fluids

• Clean up immediately using disposable gloves and paper towels.
• Dispose of all contaminated waste in appropriate clinical bags.
• Never place sharps in regular waste bags.

🧺 Contaminated Linen

• Wash linen immediately if at home.
• In care settings, place in designated laundry bags and wash on a hot cycle.

By following proper disposal protocols and your organisation’s agreed ways of working, you ensure a safe and hygienic environment for everyone.