Chapter 4 Safety and Infection Control 93 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. • Whenever possible, walk on the right-hand side of hallways and stairways. Avoid walking alongside more than two people. Leave hallways open so that there are no “traffi c” problems (Figure 4.1). • Always hold on to handrails when using stairs. If you are in a hurry and are not holding on to the railing, you may fall and injure yourself. • Never run in a hallway. If you run, you can fall and injure yourself, or you may collide with another person or object. Running can also cause a panic. Walk, don’t run! • Report any lights that do not work in your facility. No one should be injured due to faulty lighting. Additionally, report any faulty electrical sources, such as electrical cords, machinery, and power outlets. • Cautiously open swinging doors. Take care to check that someone is not on the other side of a swinging door. Otherwise, you can injure yourself or someone else. • Remove obstructions from fl oors and hallways. Obstructions on fl oors and in hallways are possible tripping hazards. They might include out-of-place equipment or patients’ personal items. • Do not prop open fi re safety doors. Keep all equipment away from these doors. • Wear sensible shoes. Open-heel and open-toe shoes expose the foot to potential injury. A biohazard spill could damage your skin if you were wearing open-heel or open-toe shoes. • Make sure your uniform is neat and clean in appearance. This includes clean shoes, clean scrubs, long hair tied back, and name badge securely in place. • Store items in a safe, yet easily accessible manner. Avoid placing items on the top of cabinets, as they might fall off when you open the cabinet doors. Do not overfi ll shelves, as you do not want items falling off the shelves and posing a safety hazard. Heavier items should be stored close to the fl oor to allow everyone to reach and remove them safely. • Recognize and obey evacuation routes posted throughout the facility. It is important to be familiar with evacuation routes and plans in the event of an emergency. Floor plans should be posted with clearly marked exit routes. • Be aware of everyone around you. If you see something that concerns you, or could be dangerous, say something to the appropriate supervisor. • Practice safety in your daily life. It is easier to prevent accidents than to treat them. Be aware of potential hazards in your home and school environments. Spotmatik Ltd/Shutterstock.com Figure 4.1 Walk on the right side of a hallway whenever possible. Doing so will greatly reduce the chances of blocked pathways and collisions.