* EC: Menacing Meds: How to safely manage hazardous drugs in the health care environment[®] [REF: EOC, P&T, RN] EC News, March 2014, Vol 17, #3, Pg 8  JCe1403_B6

EC.02.02.01 requires the safe handling of hazardous materials and wastes, to include hazardous drugs.  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a hazardous drug is one that  exhibits one or more of six characteristics in humans or animals to include: Carcinogenicity, Teratogenicity/Developmental toxicity, Reproductive toxicity, Organ toxicity and Genotoxicity.  Did you know the NIOSH 2012 listing of such drugs includes Clonazapam and Risperidone?  Knowing this is the first step.  An equally critical step is to label such medications in a manner indicating their risk, and store them safely and properly dispose (EP8) of them if/when wasted. The article also addresses the reduction of risk from such drugs through the use of engineering controls (e.g., dedicated/safe room), administrative controls (e.g., appropriate policies, procedures, education and training) and personal  protective equipment (PPE).  Page 10 includes sidebars that provide recommended content for Spill Kits and tips for effectively managing spills. 

Tip: Consult the current NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs (PDF) to help identify any you might have on your formulary/in your pharmacy.  Make staff aware of their existence and what is necessary to safely manage their use.  

See also this article comment for [Key Def] of Hazardous Drug.