Unit Menu

  Introduction

  Unit 1 - The Basics of Veterinary Practice
  Unit 2 - Administrative Duties
  Unit 3 - Computers in the Veterinary Practice
  Unit 4 - The Vet Assistant as a Communicator
  Unit 5 - Ethics and Law in the Office
  Unit 6 - Billing / Collecting in the Office
  Unit 7 - Assisting the Vet and Grooming Basics
  Unit 8 - Preparing for Employment
  Final Exam

  Topics in this Unit

  Basics of Veterinary Practice

  Staffing the Practice
  Veterinary Settings
  Time Management
  Cross-Training
  Office Policies and Procedures
  Maintaining a Safe Facility
  Safety Hazards
  Preventing Accidental Injury
  Controlling Infection and Disease
  OSHA Guidelines
  Right-to-know Station
  Office Equipment and Maintenance
  Materials and Supplies
  Want Lists
  Inventory Management
  Activities and Unit Exam

  Student Resources

  Table Of Contents
  Meet Your Instructor
  View Your Transcipts
  Online Resource Links
  Search For A Job
  Class Bulletin Board System
  Unit Texts In Word Format

 

Veterinary Assistant DEMO - Unit 1 - Page 11

Right-to-know Station OSHA requires that the facility keep information on hazardous materials and what to do in case of an accidental exposure. Most of this information is found on the Material Safety Data Sheets. MSDS sheets explain the hazards associated with a chemical or product, including health hazards and what to do in case of exposure. If there are any special handling requirements, these too will be listed on the MSDS sheet. The facility may keep MSDS sheets and other safety-related information in a notebook or binder, and then mark the area where this information is stored as the "right-to-know station". The binder might also include: evacuation plans in the event of an emergency locations of gas and water valves for rapid shutoff locations of fire extinguishers emergency phone numbers All chemicals, disinfectants, and other products used within the practice must be labeled so that employees are made aware of the hazard associated with its use. Employers must also provide employees with personal protective equipment, which might include safety glasses, latex gloves, ear plugs, and other items designed for safety. Employers must train employees on the proper use and location of all safety equipment. It is then the employee's responsibility to use the equipment correctly and consistently. Always remain alert so that accidents are prevented whenever possible. Any incident related to safety must be reported, no matter how small it may seem. Employees should complete a written incident report whenever they are injured or hurt at the workplace. Often, there is a designated person in charge of safety issues and this is the person responsible for maintaining records of incidents and safety training. Be sure to say abreast of any new information that is added to the right-to-know station.