3.1.2 Preparation, Transport and Storage
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Drug Preparation Area for Nursing Personnel
A dedicated area with restricted access and free of food and drink is required. Chewing of gum in this area should not be allowed.
This designated area should not be heavily trafficked.
Signs that restrict access to authorized personnel only should be displayed.
Appropriate warning labels must be placed on all chemotherapy drug storage areas.
A sink, an eyewash station and a spill kit should be available in this space. A less desirable alternative is the availability of large volumes of saline solution for eye-washing purposes.
A plastic-backed absorbent pad should be used under tubing, syringe or sites of potential leak.
Leak-proof and puncture-proof biohazard containers should be present. All needles, syringes and other disposable items should be disposed of in these designated receptacles.
Transporting and Storing Hazardous Drugs
Transport cytotoxic drugs using a method that will prevent contamination of the environment in the event of breakage. If a clinic staff member is permitted to pick up the hazardous drug (HD), it is strongly recommended that:
- Transport of the cytotoxic drug be in a closed, leak-proof plastic bag from the pharmacy and be carried in in a rigid, shock-resistant, leak-proof container made of a material that can be easily cleaned and decontaminated.
- The bottom be covered with an absorbent, plastic-backed cloth.
- Mechanical transport systems, such as pneumatic tubes, not be used because of the stress they put on the contents, and the whole transport system would be compromised if a leak occurred.
- It is legislated that the transport container be identified with the “Cytotoxic” hazard symbol and be cleaned regularly.
- If you are not administering the drug immediately, please note whether the HD is to be stored at room temperature or refrigerated.
This guidance document was developed by Mr. Kaniska Young Tai, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto and Ms. Sylvie Kozlowskyj, Northeast Cancer Centre, Health Sciences North, Sudbury. Reviewed in consultation with Ms. Janie Lappan, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ms. Mary Jo De Courcy, Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London and Ms. Christina McCauley, POGO/The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto based on the sources in Sub-Section 3.1.7.
Disclaimer: Source Accuracy
You are welcome to download and save a local copy of this document in the Word and/or PDF formats provided. As the POGO Satellite Manual is subject to ongoing revisions and updates by POGO, we recommend you regularly check the online version posted at https://www.pogo.ca/satellite-manual/ to ensure you have the most up-to-date content. In the event of any inconsistency between the content of a local copy and the online version of the POGO Satellite Manual, the content of the online version shall be considered correct. Please see also the POGO Satellite Manual Disclaimer.
Record of Updates
Version Number | Date of Effect | Summary of Revisions |
1 | 6/28/2021 | Original version posted. |