ANSWERS

1. All practice staff who come into contact with patients should regularly be immunised against what?
   Tetanus. In addition staff dealing with quarantine animals should be immunised against rabies.
2. List the 3 types of microorganism carried by cats that pose the risk of deep implantation of infection if you are bitten or scratched.
   
   • Pasteurella multocida.
   • Streptococci.
   • Fuciform organisms.
3. Cat bites and scratches inflicted upon humans must be given prompt medical attention. What may result if such injuries are ignored or if medical treatment is misdirected (sometimes solely towards the prevention of tetanus - an unlikely infection from a cat)?
   Severe septic infections that may result in the partial or total loss of use of the fingers. Antibiotic therapy is therefore essential.
4. Name the cause of 50% of work place fires.
   
   • Faults or misuse of electrical appliances.
   • Faults in electrical wiring.
   • Careless smokers.
5. How might the risk of fires be reduced?
   
   • Prohibition of smoking in the building.
   • Keep the work place clean and tidy.
   • Dispose of waste correctly.
   • Keep plug sockets uncovered.
   • Store supplies properly in cupboards and on shelves.
   • Keep large supplies of items such as newspapers in flame retardant bins.
   • Regular servicing of electrical equipment.
6. Name the 2 types of fire extinguisher that may be used on any type of fire.
   
   • Carbon dioxide (C02).
   • Dry powder.
7. What should not be used on electrical fires?
   Water.
8. List 4 common sense general fire safety rules.
   
   • Ensure that you are familiar with all fire exits.
   • Keep internal fire doors closed at all times.
   • Be aware of the fire evacuation procedure and how to raise the alarm.
   • Be familiar with the location of the fire extinguishers, how to use them and what types of fire they are suitable for.
9. Name the 3 things upon which fire depends.
   
   • Heat.
   • Fuel.
   • Oxygen.
10. Name the 3 things to put out a fire.
    
    • Cooling.
    • Starvation.
    • Smothering.
11. The dispensing of veterinary medicinal products may be hazardous. In order to ensure their safe handling, certain rules must be observed. Can you list them?
    
    • Only designated areas may be used for dispensing.
    • Be aware of the drugs that pose particular risks.
    • Use protective clothing where necessary (gloves, masks, eye shields).
    • Eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited in the dispensary.
    • No laboratory reagents, equipment or samples are to be stored in the dispensing area.
    • Only authorised personnel with sufficient training are allowed to dispense medicinal products.
    • All authorised staff must be familiar with the COSHH/risk assessments of the dispensing area.
    • Before handling a product for the first time, staff must be familiar with the specific product safety data.
    • All medicinal products must be handled and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Controlled drugs must be kept in the locked cabinet specifically for this purpose. All deliveries and use must be recorded in the registers.
    • Spillages must be cleaned up immediately in accordance with the instructions in the product safety data.
    • In the event of accidental exposure to a hazardous substance, staff must always follow the instructions on the safety data sheet. Furthermore - consult the COSHH manual; remove contaminated clothing and wash contamination from the skin/mucous membranes immediately. Report any incidents.
    • Products must be dispensed in suitable packaging and a record of each product dispensed recorded on the animal's clinical history.
    • Ensure that clients are aware of any risks associated with medicinal products dispensed for their animal/s.
    • The dispensing area must be kept clean and tidy at all times.
    • Expired products and those in unlabelled containers or of doubtful nature must be disposed of in accordance with the waste disposal operating procedures.
    • Cytotoxic drugs require SPECIAL CARE. See Q13.
12. Why must Griseofulvin not be handled by women of child-bearing age?
    It is classified as toxic for reproduction.
13. Why should disposable gloves be worn when handling corticosteroids?
    These may produce irreversible effects in the skin when absorbed. Disposable gloves should be worn when handling, and pregnant women should not handle them at all.
14. Why do prostaglandins pose a particular risk?
    
    • They may induce bronchospasm in asthmatics.
    • They may induce abortion in pregnant women.
      
      Prostaglandins should not be handled by asthmatics or women of child-bearing age.
15. List the risks associated with cytotoxic drugs.
    
    • These drugs are potentially carcinogenic, mutogenic and teratogenic.
    • Many are extremely irritant and produce harmful local effects following contact with the skin or eyes.
      
      Staff handling these products should have received specific instruction and training.
16. Name the cytotoxic drug that is often administered intravenously to cats with lymphoma.
    Vincristine.
17. Name the cytotoxic drug that is often administered orally to dogs with Cushings disease.
    Lysodren (mitotane).
18. Why must particular care be taken when handling oil-based vaccines?
    Self-injection with such products can cause intense vascular spasm, especially where there is involvement of muscle, tendon sheaths or joint capsules, which may result in the loss of a digit.
19. Levamisol may cause idiosyncratic reactions and serious blood disorders in a small number of people. When using such products, what symptoms should you look out for?
    
    • Dizziness.
    • Nausea.
    • Vomiting.
    • Abdominal discomfort.
    • Sore throat/mouth.
    • Fever.
20. State 2 medicinal products that may cause adverse reactions to those sensitive to them.
    
    • Organophosphorus compounds.
    • Penicillin.
21. List 6 common veterinary products that contain penicillin/cephalosporin.
    
    • Ceporex/Cephalexin.
    • Clamoxyl.
    • Crystapen.
    • Fortum.
    • Orbenin.
    • Synulox.
22. Veterinary waste is a significant risk if not disposed of in the required manner. State the 4 types of clinical waste and describe how each should be correctly and safely disposed of.
    
    • Sharps (needles, blades, broken glass) - yellow sharps bin (BS 7320).
    • Used syringes and material contaminated with bodily fluids - yellow clinical waste sack with biohazard seal.
    • Special waste (expired/unwanted pharmaceuticals, empty medicine bottles/vials/pots) - green DOOP pharmaceutical waste bin.
    • Cytotoxic waste - yellow DOOP cytotoxic waste container.
23. How must any product, which is classified as flammable, infectious, corrosive, toxic, irritant or harmful, be disposed of?
    These must be sealed in a plastic bag and stored separately for collection by DOOP services. They must be clearly labelled, and DOOP services contacted prior to collection.
24. Describe how you would safely deal with a liquid spillage.
    
    • Isolate the area and warm other personnel.
    • Refer to the product data sheet/COSHH manual.
    • Adorn protective apron and gloves (plus mask and goggles if indicated).
    • Ventilate the area.
    • Mop up small spills with suitable absorbent material and dispose of this in clinical waste then wash the area thoroughly with detergent and water.
    • For large spills, use sand to absorb the liquid and then use a dustpan and brush to transfer the contaminated sand to clinical waste. Wash the area (and dustpan and brush) thoroughly with detergent and water.
    • Report the incident.
      If an inflammable liquid is split, do not turn on any electrical equipment or turn off any electrical appliances already in use since this may generate a spark that could ignite.
25. How should fragments of broken glass be picked up?
    Put on protective apron and gloves and use forceps to transfer the shards to the sharps or DOOP container (depending upon the nature of the breakage).
26. Anaesthetic gases pose particular risks due to their inflammable nature. How might the risk of explosion be reduced?
    
    • No naked flames or spark producing materials to be used in designated areas where explosive gases are used.
    • No electrically operated fires to be used in designated areas where explosive gases are used.
27. List safety rules that reduce the risk of anaesthetic gas pollution.
    
    • Avoid mask induction if a suitable, safe alternative is available.
    • Use closed circuit anaesthesia where possible.
    • Inflate endotracheal tube cuffs.
    • Fill the vaporiser in a well-ventilated environment.
    • Deal with the spillage of volatile agents immediately according to the COSHH data sheet.
    • Use an effective scavenge system.
    • Regularly inspect circuits and endotracheal tubes for signs of damage.
    • Ensure that the anaesthetic machine is inspected and serviced every 6 months by a qualified engineer.
    • Use methods of monitoring anaesthetic gas pollution on a regular basis.
28. State the 2 main risks associated with electricity.
    
    • Electric shocks.
    • Fire.
29. List the rules that must be followed when using electricity.
    
    • Avoid using adapters - they may overheat and cause a fire.
    • Do not use equipment with a damaged cable or plug. Always report any faulty electrical appliances to the relevant area safety officer.
    • Always make sure the power is switched off before inserting a plug in a socket. Turn the power off before removing the plug.
    • Always switch off and unplug electrical appliances prior to cleaning.
    • If switches, plugs or sockets get hot, turn off the power and immediately report them to the area safety officer - they may be a fire hazard.
    • Never touch light switches or handle any electrical appliance with wet hands.
    • Only a qualified person should ever carry out repair and maintenance.
    • Take care with trailing cables as these represent a trip hazard.
30. Manual handling activities account for over 25% of work injuries and work days lost. Describe safe manual handling principles adopted to reduce the risk of injury to personnel.
    
    • Plan the action - assess the weight of the load, where it has to go and how it may be handled. If a lifting aid is available - use it.
    • Check that your path is clear, well lit and anticipate any turns etc.
    • Seek assistance for awkward or heavy objects. A heavy object is anything that you cannot comfortably lift, lower, pull, push or carry without straining.
    • Assess the need for protective clothing.
    • Decide on the correct technique (see Q28).
    • Split up bulk packs if possible. Do repeat journeys to lessen the load.
    • Take breaks.
    • Do not perform manual handling operations if you know that to do so will put you at risk. If you are concerned - say so!
31. Describe the correct lifting technique.
    
    • Avoid stooping, twisting and bending.
    • Keep your back straight and feet comfortably apart when lifting and lowering.
    • Bend at your knees, not your back when picking up or lowering an object.
    • Lift in stages: first take the load to the knees, then to the carrying position so the middle of the load is level with your waist.
    • When lifting, use your legs to provide the lift.
    • Take a firm hold of the load, using a power grip (not a pinch grip) whenever possible.
    • Keep the load close to your body when lifting, lowering or carrying.
    • Keep your arms as close to the side of your body as possible.
    • Make all movements as smooth as possible and do not jerk.
    • Make sure the load does not obscure your view.
    • When you lower the load, lower it to your knees and then to the floor (keeping your feet apart and your back straight).
    • Bend your knees when you are working low. Keep your back straight and your knees bent.
32. Pregnant women must follow certain rules to ensure their health and that of the unborn baby. What tasks must NOT be undertaken by anyone who is pregnant or suspects that they may be?
    
    • The taking of radiographs.
    • The handling of developer and fixer in radiographic developing.
    • Assisting with any procedure where volatile anaesthetic agents are used.
    • The handling of certain drugs (Lutalyse, any product containing griseofulvin, any cytotoxic product, any product containing corticosteroids and any hormone products).
    • Lifting or carrying of heavy objects/animals.
    • The handling of cats or litter trays unless protective gloves are worn (due to the risk of toxoplasmosis).
33. List 6 common veterinary drugs that contain corticosteroids.
    
    • Canaural ear drops.
    • Dermobion cream.
    • Fucidin H ointment.
    • Maxidex eye drops.
    • Panolog ointment.
    • Tiacil eye drops.
34. List 6 common veterinary drugs that are hormone products.
    
    • Apstil.
    • Florinef.
    • Nandoral.
    • Neo-Mercazole.
    • Ovarid.
    • Soloxine.
35. Disinfectants used in small animal practice are generally low risk, providing due care is taken. List 6 factors that will ensure the safe use of such products.
    
    • Refer to the COSHH manual or product data sheet if you require further information.
    • Wear a protective apron and gloves when using.
    • Dilute according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling the product.
    • Do not mix disinfectants.
    • Always dry off floors or ensure that a "slippery floor" hazard sign is in place to prevent other personnel from having an accident.
36. What is meant by "ergonomics"?
    The design of the workplace and equipment to suit individual people.