Chapter 4 Safety and Infection Control 103 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. The radiation safety principle is represented by the acronym ALARA, which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This principle takes into account three factors: 1. time, or duration of exposure 2. distance from the source of radiation 3. shielding devices used Fire Safety Fire is one of the most feared disasters in healthcare facilities. A fi re, or a threat of fi re, is extremely frightening to patients, especially those who are unable to leave the facility on their own. Healthcare workers must be trained to recognize fi re risks and respond in a professional manner. The most common causes of fi re include matches, heating and cooking equipment, electrical equipment, fl ammable liquids, and smoking (which is prohibited in all healthcare facilities). Fire can occur in any situation where three elements—fuel, heat, and oxygen—are present. These three elements form what is called the fi re triangle. If one of these elements is missing, a fi re will not take place. A fi re extinguisher stops the actions of a fi re triangle and puts out the fi re. There are fi ve types of fi re extinguishers (Figure 4.8 on the next page). Fire extinguishers must be placed at various locations in the health- care facility and kept in working order at all times by regular, careful inspections. fi re triangle term for the three elements—fuel, heat, and oxygen—needed to start and maintain a fi re Think It Through Think It Through Does your family have a fire evacuation plan? Do you have fire extinguishers in the home? If so, do you know where they are located or how to use them? If your family has a fire evacuation plan, explain it. If you do not have a plan, discuss creating one with the members of your household. Burns are classified in degrees. The three degrees of burns that are most relevant to the healthcare worker include first-, second-, and third- degree burns. • First-degree: the skin is usually red and very painful, and it heals in 3–5 days. • Second-degree: blisters can be present, and the wound will be pink or red in color, painful, and appear to be wet. These burns will take several weeks to heal. • Third-degree: all layers of the skin are destroyed, extending into tissue. Affected areas can be black or white, and are typically dry. Third-degree burns may take months to heal, and could require skin grafts—the surgical transfer of healthy skin to the burned area. You will learn more about burns in chapter 12. Burn Degrees Extend Your Knowledge Extend Your Knowledge Apply It 1. Have you ever had a burn that was more serious than a first-degree burn? 2. Name situations in your home or workplace that could possibly result in burns.