- Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Occupational Health and Safety Questions and Answers Flashcards

What fire safety considerations are specific to the medical device reprocessing department?

Answer: Flammable chemicals (alcohol, ETO), compressed gases, electrical equipment, and lint/packaging materials all present fire hazards requiring specific controls

The reprocessing department contains multiple potential fire sources including flammable chemicals, electrical sterilization equipment, compressed gas cylinders, and combustible packaging materials. Staff must know fire prevention, response, and evacuation procedures.

What is the role of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) in a reprocessing department?

Answer: The JHSC includes worker and management representatives who identify hazards, review incidents, recommend improvements, and promote workplace safety

JHSCs are required by Canadian OHS legislation in most workplaces. They provide a formal mechanism for workers and management to collaborate on identifying and resolving health and safety issues.

What are the requirements for emergency eyewash and shower stations in the reprocessing department?

Answer: Eyewash stations and emergency showers must be within 10 seconds walking distance of areas where corrosive or hazardous chemicals are used, and must be tested regularly

Staff working with hazardous chemicals (disinfectants, sterilants) require immediate access to eyewash and shower stations in case of splash or spill. These must be accessible within 10 seconds of travel and tested weekly.

What is a post-exposure management protocol for chemical splash injuries in the reprocessing department?

Answer: Immediate flushing of the affected area, removal of contaminated clothing, consultation of the SDS for specific first-aid measures, and medical evaluation as indicated

Chemical splash injuries require immediate decontamination (flushing with water), referral to the product's SDS for specific first-aid guidance, and medical evaluation to assess injury severity and determine appropriate treatment.

What are the requirements for workplace violence and harassment prevention in the reprocessing department?

Answer: Canadian OHS legislation requires a written policy, risk assessment, training, reporting mechanisms, and investigation procedures for workplace violence and harassment

All Canadian employers, including healthcare facilities, are legally required to have programs addressing workplace violence and harassment, including policies, training, reporting procedures, and investigation processes.

What respiratory protection may be required for reprocessing staff and when?

Answer: Respiratory protection such as N95 respirators or chemical cartridge respirators may be required when engineering controls are insufficient to keep airborne chemical concentrations below OELs

When engineering controls (ventilation) cannot adequately control airborne exposure to chemical vapours (glutaraldehyde, ETO, OPA), appropriate respiratory protection must be provided, fitted, and used according to a respiratory protection program.