Controlling Exposure Risks from Illicit Substances

Do a point of care risk assessment so you understand the risks of hazards.

• Your safety is the first priority
• Don’t enter a hazard area without proper safety measures from your risk assessment
• Follow the exposure control plan. If you don’t have one you can refuse the work until safety controls are in place.
• You have the right to refuse work when you believe it creates a safety risk. [Section 3.12 of the OHS Regulation.]
• You are not required to provide care when it's unsafe. Learn more here: Duty to Provide Care.

Health Authorities:

• Report the hazard immediately to the Provincial Workplace Health Contact Centre: 1-866-922-9464

Independents & Affiliates:

• Use your employer’s hazard reporting system

Plan and implement actions from your risk assessment.

• Use the hierarchy of controls to mitigate risks and provide care only when its safe.
  

• Email [memberportal.bcnu.org] your BCNU regional occupational safety representative. They are on the contact tab in the member portal.
• Provide a brief description of the incident so they can support you.

• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Absorption
• Injection

Symptoms from exposure to chemical substances includes:

• Lightheaded
• Dizzy
• Sleepy
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Numbness
• Increased sweating
• Feeling of warmth
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting

Long-term exposure to recreational drug smoke or vapours may lead to elevated risk of illness.

A PCRA is an assessment that allows a health-care worker to assess the risks that are present for both their patient, their colleagues and themselves prior to providing care. Before each patient interaction, a health-care worker must assess the following:

• The patient
  • Are there additional precautions to consider?
  • Has the patient been asked if they have a history of recreational drug use?
  • Do you believe the patient would be able to comply with worksite policies, safely dispose of sharps, and perform routine handwashing?
• The task
  • What type of task am I carrying out?
  • Is additional equipment required to safely carry out the task?
  • Are there additional considerations? (i.e. overdose response, oxygen administration, cleaning surfaces, disposal of substances or sharps).
  • Do I need assistance?
• The environment
  • Are there smoke or vapours present?
  • Is there an unknown substance visible (solid, liquid or powder)
  • Are there sharps present?
  • Is the area safe for completing the task?
  • Is there a risk to or from other individuals?
• Am I prepared?
  • Do I know the safe work procedures?
  • Do I have the PPE needed to prevent exposure?
  • Do I have the supplies needed?

For more information on a PCRA, please visit: https://www.bcnu.org/Safe-Workplace/HealthSafety/Documents/Point_of_Care_Risk_Assesment-PCRA.pdf.

Report a near miss or exposure to your supervisor via your employer’s incident reporting system.

Complete the WorkSafeBC Exposure Control Registry.