Occupational hazard during hemodialyzers reprocessing

Abstract

Backgound and Objectives: The observation of hazards during processing of hemodialyzers showed the need to study these events. The aim of the study was to identify occupational accidents and hazards recognized by nursing professionals in the reprocessing of hemodialyzers. Methods: It was performed an exploratory-descriptive study in a haemodialysis unit of a university hospital using recall. Six nurses and fifteen nursing technicians answered the questions about risks in re-processing dialyzers. Results: 44 occupational hazards were reported: 30 (70%) with the participant and 14 (30%) with colleagues. Eleven (25%) were touching clean surfaces with blood visible on gloves and ten (23%) direct contact with blood. Disinfectants appeared in fifteen (34%) cases: five contacts with the skin and mucous membranes, six to toxic fumes and three unspecified. Two reports about touching surfaces possibly contaminated but no visible blood. Conclusion: The risks reported were those that could be seen or felt, such as blood spatter and germicides, strong odors. Risks not visible were rare. KEYWORDS: Occupational risks. Occupational health. Renal Dialysi. Nursing.