General Safety & Security
- Develop safe work habits. Safe habits result from continuous alertness and caution. The safe way is the correct way to perform each task, and safety must not be neglected in the interest of urgency. Safety learned early will provide your client/patient with the security to explore comfortably.
- Know your job/assigned tasks. Don’t guess. Before proceeding with any assignment, lab, or practical exercise, study the information provided carefully to ensure that you understand thoroughly what is required. If in doubt, ask the instructor for clarification. Be aware of safety issues and plan thoughtfully. Don’t attempt to do anything which you feel is unethical, unsafe or beyond your capacity.
- Know your environment, location of fire exits, extinguishers, location of services. Report all unsafe conditions (damage, malfunction or hazards) or acts, which may prove to be hazardous.
- Know your rights and responsibilities in the workplace – Complete the basic WHIMS Training Modules.
- All incidents must also be reported immediately. Persons in need of medical aid should be seen by the McMaster University Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) (dial 88). At Fennell, contact Security (dial 55). Clearly identify your location and the nature of the emergency.
- If you feel ill during classes or on clinical rotation, notify the instructor and/or report to the Health Services Centre for medical aid to protect yourself and others.
- Prevent the spread of infection. Clean up. Wash and sanitize hands thoroughly, and prepare work area and equipment according to the established routine.
- Return all equipment to the correct place, if not in use. Be orderly, safe efficient and respectful of your environment.
- Report faulty equipment immediately. Do not attempt to make any amateur repairs.
- Please do not leave your backpacks, bags, or any articles of value unattended.
Electrical Safety
- Dry hands before handling any electrical equipment.
- To unplug an electrical device, grip at the plug, do not twist and pull on the cord.
- Protect cords to prevent damage to the electrical insulation.
- During the normal course of work inspect cords, plugs, switches, sockets and outlets to determine damage or wear and tear. Report faulty equipment immediately.
- In the event of an electrical emergency, switch off the main supply before attempting to touch or remove the casualty. If it is an electrical fire, switch off the main supply, close the door behind you, pull the nearest fire alarm switch, and then attempt to control the fire with an extinguisher.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) or a dry chemical extinguisher may be used for fires on electrical wiring or equipment. (These extinguishers have red cylinders with black nozzles.)
