Hospital Codes, Safety, Exposure Control, Emergency Plans Handout

Hospital Codes, Safety, Exposure Control, Emergency Plans Handout

Procedure for calling any code: Dial 500; tell operator what code to announce and location of code. Code Blue Cardiopulmonary Arrest To call a Code Blue, dial 500 and tell the operator you have a Code Blue and give the location of the code. Initiate CPR! Code Brown Security/Male Assistance A Code Brown will be announced in the event that a patient of visitor becomes unruly and causes an emergency disruption of disturbance. When the switchboard announces a Code Brown all-available male hospital personnel will respond. Code Yellow Disaster Plan Internal Disaster- Any occurrence that threatens the functioning of the hospital (Bomb treat, fire explosion, wind damage, etc.) External Disaster (Minor)- involvement of relatively small numbers of casualties (6-12 Patients depending on severity.) External Disaster (Major)-involvement of large numbers of casualties (more than 12 victims and/or severe injuries in numbers less than 12) Note: See the Emergency Plan Manual for more information. The Emergency Plan is located on every unit in the Red Emergency Plans Manual. If a Code Yellow is called while you are on duty, see your Emergency Plans Manual to identify your role. Code Grey Severe Weather In the event that a weather situation arises that may be life threatening to patients, visitors, and staff the Administrator/designee will notify the Operator/ ER registration to call a CODE GREY.

Power interruptions-generators will be utilized to keep building operations functioning. Flooding/Tidal Surge- Sandbags can be obtained from the parish barn. Low lying equipment, computers, files can be moved to higher ground. Wind damage- In the event damages are done to the facility from severe winds facility can be taped or boarded. Tornadic Conditions-If there is a funnel cloud reported with in a 5 miles radius of the hospital, the administrator/designee will immediately direct that the following be carried out. o Patients- Patients who cannot be moved from beds will have their beds removed from their rooms, starting with the bed nearest the doors. If such a bed cannot be removed from the room, the beds will be positioned so that patient can be protected from flying glass. o Outside offices all persons shall move to the most interior portions of the building, or relocate to the main building if possible. Note this plan can be reviewed in the Red Emergency Plans Manual Hurricane Preparedness When a tropical depression or hurricane nears or enters the Gulf of Mexico the safety director will monitor the progress of the storm. All personnel will be kept informed and will be directed according to the Hurricane Preparedness protocol. This plan can be reviewed in the Red Emergency Plans Manual. Code Black Bomb Threat Any Hospital personnel that received a bomb threat should immediately initiate Code Black procedures. The receiver of the call should notify their supervisor immediately. If a bomb treat is called, you should remain calm and do not alarm patients or visitors and wait for instructions from your supervisor. If a bomb threat is made in person follow the same procedure, but closely note the subjects description. 1. Take the treat seriously 2. Prolong the conversation as much as possible 3. Be alert for distinguishing voice characteristics 4. Note distinguishing characteristics 5. Ask where the bomb is located 6. Ask what time the device is to be activated 7. Note if the caller indicated knowledge of the hospital by his description of location. Following the treat notify Administration, Security/Plant Services, Safety Office and Police and refer to Emergency Plans Manual for Bomb Threat Procedure Plan.

Code Red Fire If you discover a Fire: RACE R= Rescue anyone in immediate danger A= Activate the fire alarm system C= Confine, Contain the fire, and close all doors E= Extinguish the fire only if your safety is assured To operate the fire extinguisher: PASS P= Pull the Pin A= Aim Low-Point nozzle at the base of the fire S= Squeeze the trigger S= Sweep from side to side In the event of a fire, pull manual pull station if possible, if not dial 500 to inform the operator/er registration of the fire and its location. The announcement of a fire in the hospital will come from the PBX operator/ ER registration. The announcement will be Code Red (and the location of the fire) the cancellation signal is CODE RED, ALL CLEAR Three kinds of fire extinguishers are available with in the hospital. Class B-C (CO2)- flammable liquids and electrical Class B-C (Halon)- flammable liquids and electrical Class ABC-all types CODE RED FIRE PLAN The fire plan is established to maintain a fire safe hospital environment by minimizing the treat of loss of life and property. Fire prevention is the fundamental aspect of the fire plan. Employee s prompt and efficient reaction to a fire code is to be accomplished through continuing education and drills to avoid confusion and indecision in the event of an actual fire emergency.

1. General Information: Definition of terms Chime: An audible signal that is sounded when the fire alarm is activated. General Alarm: A system that activates all visual and audible alarms with in the hospital. Smoke detector: A device that detects smoke particles. Sprinkler: A device that releases water when activated. Pull Switch: A device that activates general and zone alarms Attitude Maintain a cool and calm attitude during a fire. Never shout FIRE Reassure patients. Alarm System The sprinkler system, the smoke detection system of a manual pull station can activate the alarm system. Each will activate the visual and audible alarm located at PBX and ER registration which are monitored 24 hours a day by hospital employees. Sprinkler o This system is activated when a temperature of 165 degrees is reached at any sprinkler site. o Smoke partition doors will close on the floor where sprinklers are activated. o A visual and audible alarm will occur on the floor where the sprinklers are activated. Smoke Detectors o This system is activated when smoke particles are present. o Smoke partition doors will close on the floor where smoke detectors are activated. o A visual and audible alarm will occur on the floor where the smoke detectors are activated. Manual Pull Stations o This system is activated by the use of designated switches located by each exit. o Smoke partition doors will close throughout the floor in which it is pulled. o All visual and audible alarms will occur throughout the floor NOTE: The general alarm pull station located at the PBX and the fire panel in Plant Operations may be pulled and will activate the visual and audible alarms and smoke partition on all floors.

Fire Code In the event of a fire, pull manual pull station if possible, if not, dial 500 to inform the operator/er registration of the fire and its location. The announcement of a fire in the hospital will come from the PBX operator/ ER registration. The announcement will be ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL, CODE RED (and the location of the fire) Locations will be announced as per the table at the end of section. The cancellation signal is ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL, CODE RED, ALL CLEAR. Fire Extinguishers Three kinds of fire extinguishers are available within the hospital. Class ABC- all fire types Class B-C (CO2)- flammable liquids and electrical fires. Class B-C (Halon)- flammable liquids and electrical fires. A floor plan of each floor is attached at the back of this manual identifying fire zones. II. Employee Education New Employees In general orientation all new employees will be oriented to the hospital wide response to CODE RED. During departmental orientation of a new employee, the director will identify the location of the nearest pull stations, fire extinguishers and exits or stairwells. Continuing Education All employees will attend and annual in-service reinforcing the hospital wide response to CODE RED. Each employee will participate in an annual departmental safety inservice. Fire drills will be conducted monthly and during construction as per Interim Life Safety Measures bi-monthly. Participation is mandatory. III. Employee Responsibilities When directly participating in a code red, the employee will follow these specific guidelines. Remove any person in immediate danger Sound the alarm or notify the operator Contain the fire by closing all doors.

If the situation warrants, choose the proper fire extinguisher and attempt to put out the fire. If the fire is too large, exit and follow the evacuation plan. The Kardex should always be protected to account for patients. Employees not directly participating in a code red will follow these specific guidelines. Close all doors in work area. Assist other departments if necessary Wait for the all clear to be called. CODE ORANGE In the event of the release of or contamination of the building, visitors, patients or staff by a hazardous or biological agent or material a Code Orange must be called. The operator will immediately inform the person on Administrative call. This person or their designee will be the emergency coordinator and shall have the authority to commit the resources needed to carry out the Hazardous Material and Wasted Contingency Plan Located in the Hazardous Materials and Wasted Plans Manual. If the spill or release of a hazardous or biological material is within Iberia Medical Center, the area where the spill occurred must be secured and entry restricted. If needed, personnel will be evacuated. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the suspected chemical must be consulted for proper clean up and first aid procedures, use absorbent dikes to initially contain the spill. If the MSDS is unavailable use the dikes to initially contain the spill and gather as much information about the chemical as possible, to report to the Emergency Coordinator. If the spill or release is within the outside community, all entrances to the facility must be locked except for the Main Emergency Room Entrance which access will be controlled by Security /Plant Services. If patients, visitors, or staff needs decontamination, follow Decontamination Policy. Code White A Code White will be announced in the event that a patient, visitor, or staff threatens immediate death or bodily damage to himself or others using a weapon. When the switchboard announces a CODE WHITE, local law enforcement will be called. Only Security/ Plant Services, house supervisor, and administrator or designee will respond to the area called, and will also be responsible for gathering any information to be given to the local law enforcement agency.

Code Pink Infant/child abduction A code Pink is used to prevent the unauthorized removal of infants or children from the Nursery, Labor& Delivery, mother s rooms or the pediatric wing. All departments shall cooperate with the procedures. This policy shall ensure that all hospital personnel and outside agencies are notified appropriately. The goal is to locate and reunite the infant/child with the family. HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATION It is your responsibility to know the chemicals in your workplace. Use the following information to familiarize yourself with the materials. Information sheets entitled Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available in the back of the yellow Hazardous Materials and Waste Manual that can be found on every unit and in the Safety Directors office. They contain the following information: Substance name Hazardous ingredients Precautions and safety equipment First-aid procedures Spill and disposal procedures All containers should be labeled with the name of the chemical, name and address of the manufacturer, and physical and health hazards of the product. It is up to you to always wear personal protection, and the proper mask, when using hazardous chemicals. The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) requires training; you must protect yourself by handling chemicals safely. If you spill a chemical follow these steps: Isolate the area Follow MSDS guideline for the chemical Notify your supervisor and the Hospital Safety Director immediately. ELECTRICAL SAFETY All equipment used in patient rooms must have a grounding plug (three prongs). Use Red outlets for Emergency Power Report any electrical hazards or incidents immediately to the Maintenance Department DO NOT run electrical cords through doorways. DO NOT continue to use faulty equipment. DO NOT use damaged equipment, broken plugs, or frayed cords.