<\/a>are many chemicals used in the perioperative environment. Various chemicals are required for sterilization and disinfection, cleaning, patient care, and specimen preservation. All perioperative team members who work with chemicals must be trained in and understand the safety measures when working with hazardous materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\nInstitutions are required to follow and comply with Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations and follow safety policies and procedures. All personnel must receive regular training in WHMIS regulations and follow the protocols to ensure a safe environment of care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of chemicals used in the OR environment<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Sterilization and disinfection<\/strong><\/p>\n \n - Ethylene oxide<\/li> \n
- Aqueous glutaraldehyde <\/li>\n
- Sodium hypochlorite <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Cleaning and antiseptic solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n \n - Alcohol-based hand hygiene products <\/li>\n
- Surgical prep solutions <\/li>\n
- Room\/surface cleaning solutions <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Patient treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n \n - Antineoplastic drugs (including chemotherapy medications) <\/li>\n
- Non-antineoplastic drugs that can cause infertility or may enter breastmilk <\/li>\n
- Latex \u2013 Gloves or patient care items can contain latex. Many hospital environments have moved to become latex-free or latex friendly.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Specimen preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n