Modified Guidelines on Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs

In response to numerous case studies andhazardous drugs. It introduces several new
inquiries, several guidelines for the administrationequipments and latest technologies for the
of Cytotoxic and antineoplastic drugs in the workprotection of workers potentially involved in
place, were published in the year 1986. Surveyshandling of drugs. It also carries updated
of that period showed lack of standardization ininformation regarding important aspects of
the use of engineering controls and personalmedical surveillance and list out currently used
protective equipments. No doubt, these fieldshazardous substances in the treatment processes.
have undergone several improvements inProvisions for the establishment of a suitable drug
subsequent years but problems still persist. Thehandling area and safe removal of contaminated
sound knowledge of the harmful effects ofwaste are also included in the guidelines. Safety
Hazardous Drugs on our lives and together withequipments such as closed transfer devices and
the information gathered from various researchbiological safety cabinets are designed to protect
studies, have prompted healthcare sectors toworkers from spilling and drippings of drugs while
revise their guidelines for safe handling of theseprocessing and transfer from one container to the
drugs.other. Also annual evaluation and review of
Recommendations made in recent guidelines are indegree of implementation and effectiveness of
parallel with current scientific knowledge. Theythe guidelines are to be made by drug safety and
cover all the occupational sectors where drugshealth plan.
are used in concentrations (potentially moreCorrect work practices are essential to worker
hazardous form) such as hospitals, medical clinicsprotection. Therefore, manipulations should not be
and drug manufacturing companies. The measuresmade in the implementation of guidelines. All
that provide more protection to the employeespersonnel (physicians, nurses, pharmacists,
working with pharmaceuticals are commonlyhousekeepers, employees) involved in receiving,
employed.transport or storage of the hazardous drugs
The guidelines provide criteria for classification ofmust be well aware of information regarding the
drugs as hazardous and discuss the significance ofhazards of these drugs in the work area.
workers education and training sessions in handling