• physical (ionizing radiation, electricity, changing light intensities, noise)
• biological (bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms)
• chemical (drugs, solvents, acids, bases, waste anesthetic gases, cleansers)
• ergonomic (lifting in awkward positions, working in tight spaces)
• psychological (dealing with crises, death, abuse by patients, emotional stress, shift work)

Exposure to many of these factors may result in acute symptoms. More commonly, exposure can result in latent symptoms, which can result in chronic disease states, occurring perhaps years after initial exposure.

Although occupational health hazards in the cardiac catheterization laboratory are not a new phenomenon, increased attention has been raised due to the concerns of the transmission of hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus. Knowledge of potential health hazards and a clear understanding of effective protective strategies must be practiced by every health care professional working in the cardiac catheterization laboratory and in any part of the health care facility.

The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) believes that the control of workplace hazards should be a major concern of both facility administrators and health care professionals. Occupational injuries and diseases are potentially preventable. Heath care professionals, working with hospital administrators, should design and implement policies and procedures that reduce the incidence of occupational injuries and diseases.

Responsibilities:

Each individuals actions can be instrumental in reducing the incidence of occupational injuries and diseases To help meet this goal each individual needs to:

• Develop an awareness and understanding of environmental health and safety risk.
• Promote self-protection
• Practice specific routines that reduce contact with hazards and decrease the chance of an accidental injury.
• Utilize indicated personnel protection equipment.
• Timely reporting of existing or potential workplace hazards.

Administrative Responsibilities

Facility administrators are responsible for protecting the health and well- being of all individuals employed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory against actual and potential health hazards. To meet this goal facility administrators need to:

• Provide a safe, healthful, and clean workplace.
• Establish adequate environmental health and safety policies.
• Provide employees with information on known or suspected health hazards.
• Implement and evaluate a job training program that addresses environmental safety issues and hazard recognition. This training should be continually updated and given on at least an annual basis.
• Institute an employee health program that assures confidentiality and offers appropriate medical surveillance.

Although it is not possible to remove all actual and potential health and safety hazards from cardiac catheterization laboratories the SICP believes that the goal must be to provide an optimal workplace.

Charles C. Barbiere, RN, CCRN, RCVT, CCT, CRTT, EMT
President, SICP