Allergies

(The “Allergy Action Plan Form – Allied Health” is available in the Appendix.)

It is the student’s responsibility to disclose the necessary information about any allergies or medical conditions that may affect them while in lab or on placement to their supervisor. It is also the student’s responsibility to prepare and follow an appropriate protocol/plan to deal with the allergy/condition while in lab or on placement, and to review this with their supervisor.

Allergy Protocol

1. Student to inform program coordinator and lab professor(s) in writing of any drug or medical equipment allergies (using Allergy Action Plan form).
2. Students to indicate the severity and type of allergy.
   1. If unknown – student to seek advice from family physician.
   2. If unsevere or only on ingestion – student to have Benadryl or similar on hand for all lab periods (in nearby locker).
3. If student has been advised of Epi-Pen or similar by a Health Care Practitioner in the past, student to have that on hand in the lab (and to inform professor and lab tech of location).
4. If unsevere reaction but may be due to airborne – student to wear mask and gloves during lab periods where exposure is probable (provided in lab).
5. If warranted under advice from professor/coordinator – student may be excused from specified lab activities where exposure may be a risk (if possible – recreate activity with placebo and/or other ingredient).
   1. Student to understand they still need to perform the required lab activities for evaluation.
6. Student has the responsibility to evaluate if the environment is safe for them, as the lab setting is no different from a real clinic. If ascertained as unsafe, inform professor of the lab and decide together on action going forward.
7. Based on above, student to create an action plan (with advisement from coordinator) and submit to all lab professors and coordinator and to keep a copy for themselves – keep with lab materials in case of reaction.
8. Student to also share this action plan with any/all placement supervisors.

Latex Sensitivity

The IAHS Building is attempting to create a latex reduced environment in recognition of the health hazard latex exposure poses to some people (including anaphylactic shock and death). Therefore, students along with all IAHS staff and faculty are requested to avoid bringing latex based items into the building. Some areas will be identified as potential Latex risk areas (e.g. Professional Practice Collaboratory (PPC), 2^nd Floor and OTA/PTA Lab Area, Room 460). Students are required to be informed of available health services (see Section 8 – Health Services). If they have any such sensitivities it is recommended they share this information as appropriate with relevant faculty.

Scent Awareness

IAHS campus is a scent awareness facility. Please be respectful of others who have sensitivities to scents by reducing or eliminating the use of scented products. To contribute to the scent awareness effort the 3rd floor washroom, room number 327 & Lower level washroom B113 are now designated as scent free. Meaning no air freshener is used and cleaning agents all scent free. Please refer to Mohawk and McMaster’s scent awareness information.

Exposure to scented products can adversely affect some people. Some people report mild irritation while others must avoid exposure completely. Scented products can include perfumes, after shave, cologne, scented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants; or products such as air fresheners, scented candles and cleaners.

Be considerate of others who may be sensitive and avoid using scented products in the workplace.

Many clinical sites are also scent-free environments. Be sure to familiarize yourself with each location’s policies and expectations.