Health and Aged Care

South Australia has new work health and safety laws. While this information remains relevant, the references to legislation may not be current.

Design and handling of surgical instrument transport cases

The surgical instrument transport case is used to transport surgical instrument trays and medical supplies between the supplier, courier and hospital's central sterilising supply department (CSSD). Inspections within industry have found that transporting and handling of road cases, tubs and surgical instrument trays present manual handling risks across the health sector.

This guide provides practical guidance for designers, manufacturers, suppliers, couriers and users of the surgical instrument transport cases, with particular emphasis on safe design. Handling of this equipment is addressed through workplace design and safe work practices, involving the designer through to the end-user in the hospital. The guide also addresses the obligations of duty holders who are associated with the handling of these cases and their contents, in particular, suppliers, couriers and hospital personnel.

Safe handling of cytotoxic drugs

In recognition of the potential occupational health and safety risks from working with hazardous drugs, including cytotoxic drugs, monoclonal antibodies (MABs) and BCG, a policy has been developed to describe SA Health's position on the safe handling of hazardous drugs and related waste.

Links

Safe handling of hazardous drugs
Link to SA Health website

Guide to the Safe Design of Aged Care Facilities

These guidelines are intended to provide general best practice information about safe design for the aged care industry. They are intended as a starting reference point for considering safe design as part of the development/redevelopment of a facility and/or a product. They are to be read in conjunction with the national publication 'Guidance on the Principles for Safe Design at Work'.

Mercury exposure during Maintenance/Repair of Sphygmomanometers and Mercury Spill Procedures in Hospitals

After receiving a number of enquiries about mercury exposure SafeWork SA conducted a survey to determine the extent of the problem.

View the Report on Mercury Exposure from the link below.