Occupational risks evaluation in a centralized antineoplastic agent preparation unit

Abstract

Objective:The global professional risk assessment applied to the central unit of antineoplastic agent preparations is part of a mandatory approach required by the European legislation for workers. This study identified the hazardous situations related to the staff activity and then enabled the preparation of a formal plan of occupational prevention.Methods:The nature of study approved by a working group constituted by experts was the global risk analysis. After identifying the hazardous situations, the global risk analysis estimated the risk level of each hazardous situation based on a criticality score, including severity and frequency. The global risk analysis highlighted the initial and residual risks after establishing a plan to reduce the high criticality risks.Results:Hence, 33 unacceptable hazardous situations were identified. The critical categories of professional risks were “Product, emissions, and waste risks” with 17 (55%) hazardous situations; “Psychosocial risk factors” with 8 (24%) hazardous situations; and “Risks related to work equipment” with 6 (18%) hazardous situations. Once the risk reduction plan was in place, all hazardous situations were considered under control. The corrective actions led to a reorganization of human resources, the update of protection protocols, and optimization of ergonomic work tools. Staff-specific medical monitoring and regular surface contamination tests have been scheduled annually. In addition, initial and continuous training, specific to product and waste risks, has been updated.Conclusion:The global professional risk assessment related to centralized antineoplastic agent preparation unit generated failure in our system and enabled corrective actions for staff safety.

Blood contamination of the pharmaceutical staff by irinotecan and its two major metabolites inside and outside a compounding unit

“…6,16 In light of this knowledge, although several authors over the last two decades have contributed to establish that pharmaceutical workers handling antineoplastic drugs in compounding rooms are exposed to a risk of direct contamination, very few have focused on contamination in rooms directly adjacent to the compounding room. 13,14,16,18,33 To our knowledge, this study is the first to compare these two types of areas by means of a blood contamination assessment. Safety measures and specific formal training about antineoplastic drugs in the adjacent areas are not specifically recommended, contrary to compounding units, because workers are not handling AD.…”