Hazardous Medication Handling

Staff who work with hazardous medications must be educated about the identification of hazardous medications, their possible health effects, safety data sheets (SDS), proper procedures for handling, preparation (as appropriate) and administration, transport, spill management, and disposal.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs – Handling in Healthcare Settings outlines safe handling practices to promote patient safety, worker safety, and environmental protection. The VUMC Hazardous Medication List (HML) aligns with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings and includes charts that define appropriate PPE based on activity.

VUMC Resources

• VUMC Pharmacy Resources
  • Handling Hazardous Medications Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • VUMC Hazardous Medication List (includes PPE charts)
  • Do Not Tube List for Pharmaceuticals
• Medication Waste
  • Pharmaceutical Drug Waste
  • Pharmaceutical Drug Waste: Controlled Substances
• Policies
  • Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Management: Cancer Therapy
  • Hazardous Medication Handling
• Safety SOPs
  • Handling Contaminated Clothing
  • Hazardous Material Spill and Exposure Management
  • Hazardous Medication Receiving, Storing, Packaging and Transporting
  • Hazardous Waste Handling and Disposal
  • Pneumatic Tube System
• Training
  • Hazardous Medications (available online in the Learning Exchange)
  • PAPR Training - You must be medically cleared to wear a respirator by Occupational Health before you complete training.

Additional Resources

• NIOSH List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings
• USP <800> Hazardous Drugs – Handling in Healthcare Settings

Questions?  

For additional questions or concerns, send a message to hazardousmedications@vumc.org.