1104 - Don’t Cry Over Spilled Chemicals: Smart Spill Management Tips

Learning Outcome: At the completion of this session, attendees will gain insightful knowledge on defining a chemical exposure and identify appropriate interventions necessary to manage spills effectively.

Overview/Abstract: When caring for patients in the perioperative setting, caregivers are exposed to a variety of toxic and hazardous chemicals. Exposure of these chemicals can cause negative health effects, such as skin corrosion, eye damage, or carcinogenicity (Cahn, 2022). In order to prevent employees from experiencing these detrimental outcomes, health care organizations must adhere to federal, state, or local regulations when handling and disposing hazardous chemicals (AORN Environment of Care, 2023). Every caregiver practicing in these specialty areas must receive education on the institution’s standards and policies before encountering hazardous chemicals.

This presentation focuses on the strategies implemented to educate health care leaders and caregivers on managing a chemical spill or exposure that could occur in their clinical areas of practice. Perioperative educators will present a power point presentation discussing the steps that caregivers should take to contain and clean the spills as well as the individuals to contact for assistance. The presenters will also discuss how they developed a simulation activity with a chemical spill scenario, where caregivers can apply their knowledge by following the recommended interventions that were covered in the didactic portion of the presentation. During this educational session, instructors will observe the learner's actions and provide feedback in a safe, learning environment. This blended teaching method can assist individuals with retaining this information when encountering chemical spills in their clinical environments.

Description of Current State: Caregivers may often find themselves unsure of the appropriate steps to take when faced with chemical exposures in their clinical areas. This includes whom to notify, the correct procedures for cleaning or containing spills, and the necessary protocols for evacuating the affected area.

It is crucial to address this knowledge gap, as improper handling can lead to prolonged exposure of hazardous chemicals, jeopardizing the safety of both patients and caregivers present. Discussing the development and enhancing training programs to ensure that all staff members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in these situations can be beneficial for all individuals involved.

Description of Desired/Achievable State: The presenters will explore educational strategies aimed at assisting caregivers in applying this knowledge following any exposures that may occur in the perioperative environment. As a result, the attendees can incorporate these teaching methods into their institution's training programs so that caregivers will be better equipped to manage situations such as chemical spills, using the protocol discussed.

Audience Engagement: The presentation will include a power point presentation with photographs and bullet notes discussing the content. The presenters will also share their own personal stories of chemical spills that have occurred when they were practicing in the perioperative environment, and will ask the audience to share their experiences as well. At the end of the presentation, the presenters will allow the audience to ask questions.

Additional Information:

Content/Topics: 1. Definition of a chemical spill/exposure, including major and minor spills.
2. The individual to notify when a chemical spill occurs.
3. Managing major exposures.
4. Managing minor exposures.
5. Chemical spill kits.
6. Managing formalin spills.
a. formalin storage
b. formalin training
7. Education of managing chemical spills.
a. power point presentation
b. simulation educational activities

References: AORN, (2023). Environment of Care, 10.2.

Cahn, J. (2022). Hazardous and Harmful Chemicals in the Perioperative Environment.

AORN Journal, 115(1), 85-94.

https://aorn.us/Jan22 -b2b