How to Ensure CSSD Technician’s Safety in the Workplace

We, CSSD technicians, ought to ensure our safety in our workplace especially in Decontamination area, as we’re greatly affected and exposed to any airborne contaminants, blood borne pathogens and the chemical hazards (Disinfectants and Sterilants) we are using.

As per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, we, employees should be knowledgeable about the safety precautions to break the chain infection.

There are some basic safety precautions to comply with as per OSHA standards:

1. Proper hand washing technique
This is to reduce the risk of common infections, 40-60 sec. time needed.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This includes equipment such as Gloves, Isolation Gown, Face mask, Shoe cover, Head cover and Face shield that serve as barrier.
3. Material for Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
This serves as our book of information on how to handle, use, store and dispose any chemical solutions that we have in our area.

4. Vaccinations and General Check-up
Vaccinations are important to us, CSSD technicians, to stimulate our immune system to develop adaptive immunity to pathogens because we are surrounded by a lot of infections in our daily work.

As a CSSD technician in the company where I work for, I receive free general check-up and immunization program like Hepatitis B.

The Ministry of Health here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has this policy that every CSSD technician should undergo an annual general check-up.

This is to monitor and ensure our health and safety.