What is the potential risk?

Exposure to hazardous drugs poses a risk of health effects to workers. Hazardous drugs are those that show evidence of adverse health effects at low doses. These drugs include antineoplastic and cytotoxic drugs, certain hormone therapies, antiviral drugs, and antibiotic medications.

Hazardous drugs are used in a variety of workplaces, including hospitals, community pharmacies, home care and other community health services, and veterinary services. Workers may be exposed when they handle hazardous drugs or come into contact with contaminated materials, such as bodily fluids from recently treated patients or contaminated surfaces and equipment. Workers may also be exposed through the inhalation of particulates, aerosols, or vapours that are generated when handling hazardous drugs in various dosage forms.

Research performed in B.C. workplaces continually demonstrates that workplaces where hazardous drugs are handled can be contaminated with hazardous drugs.

Exposure to hazardous drugs has been associated with an increased risk of health effects, including adverse reproductive outcomes and some cancers.

Workers at risk may include pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, nurses, physicians, hospital porters and housekeeping staff, community health workers, and veterinary workers.

What industries may be at risk?

• Hospital; Pharmacy
• Veterinary hospital or veterinary services

How can I reduce the risk in my workplace?

As an employer, you need to know if there is the potential for the risk identified in this advisory to be present in your workplace. It’s your responsibility to regularly inspect your workplace, and to ensure that your safety procedures and practices control the risk. The following information highlights some of the sections of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation and Guidelines that are most relevant to this risk.

Sections 6.43–6.48 of the OHS Regulation address cytotoxic drugs.

Sections 5.54 and 5.55 of the Regulation require that employers implement an exposure control plan (ECP) when:

1. exposure monitoring under section 5.53(3) indicates that a worker is or may be exposed to an air contaminant in excess of 50% of its exposure limit,
2. measurement is not possible at 50% of the applicable exposure limit, or
3. otherwise required by Regulation.

In addition, sections 6.44–6.48 of the Regulation specify additional duties that the employer must implement to protect workers.

Where can I find resources?

You can access the following resources on worksafebc.com:

• WorkSafe Magazine: Touch me not
• Publication: Best Practices for the Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs