Handling Cytotoxic PDF

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC
DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

January 2003
MANAGING HEALTH & SAFETY

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HANDLING
CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE
HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY
* NEW Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012

On 1 December 2012, the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations
2012 (DG (S&H) Regulations 2012) replaced the Dangerous Goods (Storage
and Handling) Interim Regulations 2011 (Interim Regulations) which expired on
this date. The DG (S&H) Regulations 2012 have retained most of the legal
requirements contained in the Interim Regulations. There are only a small number
of changes. This document has not yet been updated to reflect the changes
introduced by the DG (S&H) Regulations 2012. More information on the key
changes introduced by these new regulations can be found in the guidance titled
Information about: Key changes to dangerous goods storage and handling
requirements available at worksafe.vic.gov.au/dgkeychanges and More
information about: Incident reporting available at
worksafe.vic.gov.au/incidentreporting
CONTENTS
Corporate Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Section 1 Handling Cytotoxic Drugs
What are cytotoxic drugs?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Potential health effects of cytotoxic drugs. . . . . . . . . 3
Risk control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What are the legal issues?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Integrating health and safety law into the workplace. . 5
The risk management approach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The need for consultation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 2 Managing the Risk
Building a risk assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Section 3 Health Monitoring

What is health monitoring?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
The conundrum of biological monitoring. . . . . . . . . 13
What type of health monitoring should
be provided?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Emergency procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Reporting and keeping records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 4 Training
16
Who should be trained?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Identify training requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Evaluate the training program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Keep training records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Section 5 Preparing and Dispensing Drugs 18

Alternative supply arrangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Establishing a cytotoxic preparation facility. . . . . . . . 18
Preparing cytotoxic drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Standard operating procedures for preparing
cytotoxic drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Packaging and transporting cytotoxic drugs. . . . . . . 20
Personal protective equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Maintaining controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 6 Administering drugs
22
Establishing a drug administration area. . . . . . . . . . . 22

Drug Administration Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Standard Operating Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Personal Protective Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 7 Patient Care
25
Caring for patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Transporting patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Caring for patients at home or in
community settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Section 8 Drug Treatment in

Veterinary Practice
29
Animal care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Animal care at home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 9 Spill Management
32
Standard operating procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Reporting procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Section 10 Waste Management
34
Establishing a waste management strategy. . . . . . . . 34

Identifying, containing and segregating waste. . . . . . 34
On-site waste transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Waste storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Off-site waste transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Waste treatment and disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Personal protective equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Laundering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix 1
Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Appendix 2
Legislative Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix 3
Information Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix 4
List of commonly used cytotoxic drugs. . . . . 43
Appendix 5
Example of a Material Safety

Data Sheet (MSDS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Appendix 6
Cytotoxic Drugs Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Appendix 7
Risk Assessment Template

for Cytotoxic Drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Appendix 8
Guidelines for medical practitioners in

health monitoring for cytotoxic drugs. . . . . . 49
Appendix 9
Personal Protective Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Appendix 10
Procedure for dealing with spills. . . . . . . . . . . 52
Appendix 11
Procedure for dealing with contamination

of employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
CORPORATE STATEMENT
In a range of Victorian healthcare settings, use of cytotoxic drugs is of vital importance in the
treatment of many cancers and other medical conditions.
Cytotoxic drugs are handled by professionals in numerous healthcare, community and veterinary
settings. Yet the ability of cytotoxic drugs to damage and kill cells so vital to cancer treatment
creates potential risks to those who handle them during the course of their work.
The impetus to produce this guide to handling cytotoxic drugs came from an oncology nurse,
with support from the Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch). Following advice from
the then Minister for Health, the Hon. John Thwaites, a working party was convened to produce
this publication. That group involved expert input from the fields of nursing, pharmacy and
medicine, and was facilitated by WorkSafe Victoria.
The result is an extremely comprehensive publication that covers most scenarios involving the
occupational handling of cytotoxic drugs. I thank those experts who have contributed to the
development of this guide, and hope that it becomes essential reading for Victorian healthcare
professionals who work with cytotoxic drugs.
Rob Hulls
Minister for WorkCover
HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE
SECTION 1:
HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
This guide aims to provide practical advice to employers and healthcare
workers on how to prevent or reduce the risks associated with handling
cytotoxic drugs and related waste.
This document outlines a range of tools designed to assist in the development and implementation of
safe work systems. The scenarios and suggestions are consistent with the requirements of health and
safety laws and are applicable to healthcare, community and veterinary settings. The guidelines
represent current best practice in the healthcare industry and form an industry standard.
This guide has been presented in a logical sequence, describing the importance of risk management in
the handling of cytotoxic drugs. Appendices provide practical tools for key stages of handling, preparing
and administering cytotoxic drugs, including checklists and samples of helpful documentation.
This guide applies to the clinical handling of cytotoxic drugs and related waste in healthcare
settings, and may be used in the following situations:
Hospital settings
Pharmacies - hospital and community
Analytical or research laboratories
Doctors surgeries and medical practice rooms
Domiciliary ambulatory clinics
Homes of patients
Nursing homes and hostels
Veterinary clinics
Ambulance vehicles
Pharmacy and pathology courier services
Waste collection and disposal facilities.
WHAT ARE CYTOTOXIC DRUGS?

Cytotoxic drugs are therapeutic agents intended for, but not limited to, the treatment of cancer.
These drugs are known to be highly toxic to cells, mainly through their action on cell reproduction.
Many have proved to be carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens.
Cytotoxic drugs are increasingly being used in a variety of healthcare settings, laboratories and
veterinary clinics for the treatment of cancer and other medical conditions such as rheumatoid
arthritis, multiple sclerosis and auto-immune disorders.
In the international healthcare arena, cytotoxic

materials are identified by a purple symbol
representing a cell in late telophase.
SECTION 1:
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
Current statistics show that one in three people have a life-long risk of developing cancer. There is
little scientific evidence currently available relating to whether working with cytotoxic drugs actually
increases the risk of developing cancer or not. However, in the absence of such data, a strategy of
prudent avoidance is recommended.
In the workplace, occupational exposure may occur where control measures fail or are not in place.
Exposure may be through skin contact, skin absorption, inhalation of aerosols and drug particles,
ingestion and needle stick injuries resulting from the following activities:
drug preparation
drug administration
handling patient waste
transport and waste disposal, or
spills.
Personnel likely to be involved in these activities include:
nurses and medical officers

pharmacists
laboratory staff, and
cleaning, maintenance and waste disposal staff.
Where control measures are not adequate, adverse health effects may result from occupational
exposure. Health effects attributed to cytotoxic drugs exposure amongst people preparing and
administering cytotoxic drugs include:
abnormal formation of cells and mutagenic activity

alterations to normal blood cell count
foetal loss in pregnant women and malformations in the offspring of pregnant women
abdominal pain, hair loss, nasal sores and vomiting
liver damage, and
contact dermatitis, local toxic or allergic reaction, which may result from direct contact with
skin or mucous membranes.
Health effects attributed to exposure to occupational cytotoxic drugs can be very serious.
Research shows that where a high standard of risk control is in place, threats to health
are reduced.
No exposure limits are set for cytotoxic drugs. Medical opinion is such that even low-level
exposure to cytotoxic drugs should be avoided as much as possible. Research has shown that the
implementation of suitable safety precautions reduces the incidence of adverse health effects.
Further information about research references is provided in Appendix 3 - Information Sources.
SECTION 1:
RISK CONTROL
The greatest risk of occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs is during drug manufacture and
preparation, because of the concentrations and quantities used. The first priority in protecting the
health of employees is to eliminate or reduce the risks to health so far as is practicable. This may be
implemented through:
establishment of written policies and protocols to ensure the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs
effective planning and design of the workplace
use of best practice control measures and specialised equipment such as cytotoxic drug
safety cabinets
the implementation of stringent handling procedures
training and education of employees
wearing personal protective equipment
an integrated health monitoring program that:
- includes the assessment and counselling of prospective employees before they commence any
work involving cytotoxic drugs and related waste; and
- ensures employee confidentiality is maintained.
It is paramount in healthcare settings that patients are appropriately educated before treatment,
so they understand and appreciate the health and safety requirements for healthcare employees.
WHAT ARE THE LEGAL ISSUES?

Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 employers have a legal obligation to
provide and maintain for employees, so far as is practicable, a working environment that is safe and
without risks to health. The legal requirements that specifically cover handling of cytotoxic drugs
are outlined in the table in Appendix 2 of this guide. Essentially, Victorian employers (including
manufacturers, importers and suppliers of substances) have specific and clear obligations.
Work involving the handling of cytotoxic drugs may fall within the scope of the Occupational Health
and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999.
This guide may be used to assist in ensuring work practices involving cytotoxic drugs meet the
employer duties of:
The Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999, for defined
hazardous substances, and
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985, for substances not meeting the approved criteria.
The Code of Practice for Hazardous Substances (2000) gives practical guidance on how to comply
with these regulations.
Key messages for employers
Employers who use hazardous substances have the added duty to ensure they adopt
a three-pronged approach to mitigating risk:
Step 1 Identify the hazardous substances used in the workplace
Step 2 Assess the risk to health, and
Step 3 Control any risk to health associated with their use.
SECTION 1:
INTEGRATING HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW INTO THE WORKPLACE
In implementing legal requirements, effective management of health and safety becomes essential to
protecting the health of employees. An employer should ensure that all managers, supervisors and
employees are aware of their health and safety responsibilities. This should be done by collaborating,
documenting responsibilities, and ensuring processes are in place to hold persons accountable for
occupational health and safety performance.
Figure 1: The hazard management approach
Employee
Health and Safety

Representative
Consultation
Hazard Identification
Risk Assessment
Elimination (of the hazard)

Substitution
Engineering
Evaluation of controls
Risk Control
Administration
Personal
Protective
Equipment
Trial and Implement Controls
THE RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACH

The aim of a risk management approach (outlined in Figure 1) is to eliminate or reduce the risk
of illness or injury associated with work. This generally involves a process of:
hazard identification
risk assessment
risk control, and
evaluation of control measures.
Effective management of health and safety also involves:
consultation
personnel management
training
documentation of activities, and
regular review of the management system.
SECTION 1:
THE NEED FOR CONSULTATION
Employers are required to consult with the relevant health and safety representative(s) when
assessing and controlling risks arising from the handling of cytotoxic drugs. Consultation directly
with employees will draw on their experience and knowledge. Consultation should occur:
when identifying cytotoxic drugs
during the risk assessment process
when determining which control strategies should be applied to eliminate or reduce risks
associated with the handling of cytotoxic drugs, and
when reviewing the effectiveness of control measures.
Consultation should take place as early as possible when planning to introduce new cytotoxic drugs
into the workplace. A range of mechanisms can be used to facilitate consultation, including direct
discussion, toolbox meetings, quality circles, health and safety committee meetings, quality reports,
hazard inspections, special working parties, or combinations of these.
The needs of employees and their health and safety representative(s) who come from non-English
speaking backgrounds should be considered. Enough time should be allowed for health and safety
representative(s) to confer with employees and feed their ideas back to employers.
When consulting, employers need to ensure that accurate and relevant safety information such as
Material Safety Data Sheets (if available), incident records and any other information, are made
available to employees and their health and safety representative(s).
Consultation is a vital step in the development of any risk management strategy and, in fact, is
a legal requirement. Consultation should occur directly with employees at key stages of
strategy development, implementation and review.
Key messages
Cytotoxic drugs are known to be highly toxic. For this reason, employers with staff who
handle them occupationally have an obligation to:
Work to a risk management strategy

Keep up-to-date with current practices and standards
Consult with employees at key stages of risk strategy development at planning stage,
during implementation, monitoring and review
Assess policies and procedures on a regular basis.
SECTION 2:
MANAGING THE RISK
This section outlines the risk management process that employers should
follow for identifying the hazard, and assessing - then controlling - the risk.
It leads employers through the risk management process in a logical progression.
This information may be used to design a risk management strategy.
Employees should be consulted at every stage of the risk management process.
BUILDING A RISK ASSESSMENT

STEP 1: Hazard Identification
The table below provides examples of how you can ascertain the cytotoxic drugs that are used
in your workplace.
1. IDENTIFY WHICH CYTOTOXIC DRUGS ARE USED AND STORED AT THE WORKPLACE
Obtain a copy of the manufacturer's
or importer's Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) for all cytotoxic drugs
(where available).
Ways of achieving this include:

Contact the supplier
If a Material Safety Data Sheet is not available, safety information about
the relevant cytotoxic drug should be obtained from the manufacturer
or importer.
Ensure all containers of cytotoxic

drugs are labelled with the
manufacturer's or importer's label.

Check all containers for labels.
Set up and maintain a cytotoxic

drugs register.

List the product names of all cytotoxic drugs used at the workplace
Check the Material Safety Data Sheet and the product label to identify
cytotoxic drugs that are classified as hazardous substances. The Material
Safety Data Sheet will state whether the product is classified as hazardous.
Indicate which products are classified as hazardous.
Additional useful information may be added to the register in Appendix 6 - Cytotoxic Drugs Register. A sample Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) can
be found in Appendix 5.
STEP 2: Risk Assessment

A risk assessment determines whether there is a risk to employees health from cytotoxic drugs.
The risk assessment may be done for a work process, and may cover more than one cytotoxic drug.
The following step-by-step procedure may be used to assist with the risk assessment process.
1. DECIDE WHO WILL CARRY OUT THE RISK ASSESSMENT
Select a competent person or
team comprising employees,
health and safety representatives,
supervisors and managers.
What to look for:

appropriate skills, knowledge and experience
to evaluate the risks
a practical understanding of work being undertaken
at the workplace
an understanding of health and safety legislation
the ability to deal with the complexity of the
assessment process or the work being assessed.
SECTION 2:
MANAGING THE RISK
2. OBTAIN AND REVIEW INFORMATION ABOUT CYTOTOXIC DRUGS USED

Determine the routes of exposure.
These may include:

inhalation of aerosols, particulates and droplets
skin or eye contact through splash of liquid
ingestion through poor personal hygiene or splash of liquid
injection resulting from injuries from sharps.
Determine the form of

the substance.
This may include:

liquid
powder
solid tablet
creams, ointments and lotions for topical application.
Ascertain the potential

harmful effects.
These may include:

carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic potential
alterations to normal blood cell count
foetal loss in pregnant women and malformations in
the offspring of pregnant women
abdominal pain, hair loss, nasal sores, vomiting
liver damage
contact dermatitis, local toxic or allergic reaction,
irritation to the skin.
Consult the Material Safety Data

Sheet (or other available information
for each drug) for details of the
properties and hazards associated
with the substance.
This may include:

health hazard information
precautions for use
safe handling information.
3. EVALUATE THE NATURE OF THE WORK INVOLVING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS

Divide up the workplace and determine
where cytotoxic drugs are used.
For example:
drug preparation in the pharmacy
drug administration in the ward or daycare centre
handling, transport and disposal of cytotoxic waste on the premises
patient care after administration.
Examine the work practices

and conditions.
What to look for:

how the substance(s) is used in various jobs
the quantities used
level of potential exposure
frequency and duration of use
the number of employees that may be exposed
risk control measures already in place and their effectiveness.
(Involve employees who are working

with the cytotoxic drugs).
Review information relating to

incidents or symptoms of exposure.
What to do:
review incident records
identify any problems associated with storage and transport of cytotoxic drugs
determine whether employees have suffered any adverse effects
ascertain whether there have been any spills
determine if incidents have been reported and followed up.
SECTION 2:
MANAGING THE RISK
Conclude whether or not an injury or illness is likely to occur as a result of any identified work activity
or exposure to cytotoxic drugs and related waste.
4. EVALUATE THE RISKS
No likelihood of injury or illness.
This means that employers have
a high degree of confidence that
work practices are sound and
that employees are protected.
It may be reasonable to make such a conclusion where:

risks have been eliminated/reduced so far as is practicable
work methods employ best practice control
drug packaging features in-built breakage prevention systems
cytotoxic drugs are handled in an enclosed area, such as a properly
operational cleanroom with a laminar-flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinet
needleless drug administration systems or retractable needles are used.
Likelihood of injury or illness.

This means it is apparent that
work practices need improvement.
It may be reasonable to make such a conclusion where:

work methods do not employ best practice control
drug preparation is not conducted within a properly operational cleanroom
with a laminar-flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinet
drug administration does not employ needleless systems
housekeeping is poor
some activities involve skin contact
personal protective equipment such as gloves and skin covering
are not worn
the workforce has not received appropriate training
control measures are not maintained or serviced
no spill management system exists.
Likelihood of injury or illness is

uncertain.
This means that employers
are not sure whether work practices
are adequate to protect employees.
It may be reasonable to make such a conclusion where employers are not

sure if there is a risk to health and may require employers to do more
work, for example:
conduct wipe tests and atmospheric monitoring (if valid and interpretable
tests are available) to determine whether there is any contamination.
These tests must be individualised to each workplace, according to the
drug used.
eliminate or reduce exposure so far as is practicable.
SECTION 2:
MANAGING THE RISK
5. RECORD, REVIEW AND REVISE THE RISK ASSESSMENT

Record the work done during
the risk assessment and the outcomes
of the assessment. This will help you
measure the effectiveness of risk
controls, and may reveal areas
for improvement.
What to include:
name of the assessor
date of the assessment
the workplace/unit
the substance for which the Material Safety Data Sheet (or equivalent
information) has been reviewed
the controls in place to prevent a risk to health
a summary of the process
hazard information on the substance(s)
the degree of exposure, or nature of risk identified
why decisions about the risk were made
any information that assisted in reaching a conclusion.
Make the results of the assessment

accessible to any employee to which
the record relates.

keep copies of the assessment in accessible/commonly used files.
Review and revise the risk assessment.

The risk assessment should be
reviewed and revised as necessary
and at least every five years.

schedule regular reviews to make sure that the assessment is valid
and still applies
establish the circumstances that would trigger a review or revision,
such as:
- an incident, or near miss, resulting from the failure of the control
measures
- symptoms reported that may relate to the substance used
- a change in the product used (including its form)
- introduction of a new work process or changes to an existing process
- increase in the hours worked or frequency and duration of exposure
- increase in the quantities used
- availability of new information about the health hazards of the substances
ensure that management, supervisors, health and safety representatives
and purchasing officers feed back the outcome of the review into the
assessment process
record the date of the review or revision of the assessment, including the
outcome, and any action required to be taken, by when and by whom.
Other useful guidance material can be found in Appendix 3 - Information Sources.
STEP 3: Risk Control

The Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999 set out a hierarchy
of control (or ranking of controls) that incorporates a best practice approach to managing risks.
The employers primary duty is to eliminate any risk to health arising from the use of a hazardous
substance. Where elimination of risk is not practicable, employers must reduce the risk, so far as
is practicable.
Employers must first consider whether the risk can be eliminated. This is the most effective way
of protecting the health of employees.
1. ELIMINATE THE RISK
Eliminate the risk.
10
For example:
purchase cytotoxic drugs in ready-to-use concentrations, to eliminate
pharmacy preparation
establish supply arrangements with a company or healthcare institution
that specialises in the preparation of cytotoxic drugs.
SECTION 2:
MANAGING THE RISK
Where eliminating the risk is not practicable, employers must reduce the risk so far as is practicable.
2. REDUCE THE RISK
Substitution
For example:
Substitution involves using a less

hazardous substance or a substance
in a less hazardous form.
purchase single-dose preparations

purchase cytotoxic drugs in a liquid form rather than in a powder form
use a more dilute form of cytotoxic drug where possible
incorporate handling techniques that minimise aerosol generation
purchase drugs in vials, not ampoules
purchase drugs in plastic vials, or vials reinforced with plastic casings.
Isolation
For example:
Isolation involves separating people

from the substance by distance or
barriers to prevent or reduce exposure.
adopt closed-system operations

conduct drug preparation work in a properly designed and
secure cleanroom
place dispensed drugs in impermeable packaging for delivery to
administration areas
designate a cytotoxic drug administration area, which only permits entry
to authorised people.
Engineering controls
For example:
Engineering controls are plant or

processes that reduce the generation
of substance, suppress or contain
substances, or limit the area of
contamination in the event of
spills and leaks.
install ventilation and air-filtering systems such as laminar-flow cytotoxic

drug safety cabinets
use wide-bore needles to transfer liquids from containers in the pharmacy
use needleless injection sets for drug administration
incorporate secure storage facilities.
Administrative controls
For example:
If a risk remains, administrative

controls should be used to further
reduce the risk. Administrative controls
include work practices that help
to reduce employee exposure
to cytotoxic drugs and related waste.
allocate responsibilities for health and safety

reduce the number of employees who work with cytotoxic drugs
clean work areas regularly
keep containers of cytotoxic drugs secure and tightly lidded when not
in use
prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in work areas
develop and implement standard operating procedures for all
work activities
provide appropriate information, education and training to employees
use cytotoxic signs and labels to clearly identify all cytotoxic drugs
store cytotoxic waste in specific, clearly identified areas, separate
from other waste
develop emergency procedures to deal with spills.
The effective use of administrative

controls relies on the full cooperation
of employees, and therefore,
consultation is important during their
development. Adequate supervision
and training are paramount if work
practices are to play an effective part
in reducing employee exposure to
Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment includes:
If a risk remains, the risk should be

controlled by providing personal
protective equipment to employees
at risk. Personal protective equipment
is something worn that provides a
barrier between the person and
the hazard.
coveralls
gowns
head covering
closed footwear
overshoes
gloves of appropriate material and thickness
safety glasses
respiratory protective devices.
11
SECTION 2:
MANAGING THE RISK
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Make sure that the equipment is:

properly selected for the individual and task
readily available
clean and functional
correctly used when needed
maintained by appropriately trained staff,
in keeping with relevant standards.
Employers must ensure that all employees know how to fit and use personal protective equipment.
Guidance may be obtained from the supplier of cytotoxic drugs, suppliers of personal
protective equipment and published technical standards. Appendix 9 - Personal Protective
Equipment, includes equipment recommended for work with cytotoxic drugs.
Make the workplace safer

Employers need to ensure that all control measures are properly used and maintained. They must
not rely exclusively or primarily on administrative controls or personal protective equipment to
control the risk, as these measures depend heavily on human behaviour to be effective. The
workplace needs to be made safer, rather than placing the onus on employees to work safely in a
hazardous environment. It is important to remember that a number of risk controls will need to be
used in combination to effectively eliminate or reduce the risk.
Review control measures

Control measures should be regularly maintained, reviewed and, where necessary, improved, extended
or replaced. Controls should also be reviewed if indicated by an evaluation of risk assessments and in
the cases of near misses, incidents, injuries or a report of work-related ill health.
REVIEW CONTROL MEASURES
FOR EXAMPLE:
Maintain control measures to

ensure they perform as originally
intended and continue to provide
adequate control.
This may include:

frequent inspections
visual checks to ensure that controls are being properly applied
in the workplace
testing of equipment
preventative maintenance
remedial work.
STEP 4: Develop a risk control plan

One way of tracking proposed and implemented controls is to prepare a risk control plan. This is a
strategy that details a logical series of activities involving consultation, implementation and review.
The table below gives an indication of the issues that should be covered.
RISK CONTROL PLAN
A BASIC STRUCTURE FOR A RISK CONTROL PLAN:
A risk control plan sets out the actions

required to implement controls over
time. It also provides a useful tool to
effectively manage this process.
provide a history of health and safety activities for work involving cytotoxic
drugs, including any current control measures and their effectiveness
specify immediate, interim and long-term control measures
set priorities for putting controls in place
indicate when controls are to be implemented
specify those responsible for overseeing the implementation
record the date of completion and "sign off" by a person nominated
by management
include or refer to relevant policies and procedures for work involving
cytotoxic drugs
outline plans for the provision of training
involve employees, through consultation
provide full documentation of activities
include a process for the regular review of management systems.
12
SECTION 3:
HEALTH MONITORING
A vital aspect of the risk management program is to monitor the health
of employees. This section deals with the issues of employee health
monitoring, counselling, reporting and record keeping.
WHAT IS HEALTH MONITORING?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 requires employers to "monitor the health" of employees
so far as is practicable. What this means is that employers must conduct thorough and regular
surveillance of their employees health.
Where chemicals are used in the workplace, health monitoring refers to the process of checking
and counselling individuals to identify changes to health status caused by occupational exposure
to a substance. Health monitoring may include biological monitoring, which is the measurement
and evaluation of a substance or its metabolites in the body tissue, fluids or exhaled air of an
exposed person.
THE CONUNDRUM OF BIOLOGICAL MONITORING

Many methods have been used to investigate potential health effects of exposure to cytotoxic drugs.
These methods have provided results that are often inconclusive and difficult to interpret.
The ideal test should meet several requirements it should be sensitive, specific, quantitative, rapid,
reproducible and inexpensive. Importantly, the procedures for taking a sample should be noninvasive, and should not cause unnecessary duress or anxiety to the individual.
Unfortunately, there is currently no test that meets all these requirements nor is there one test
that can be used to detect the presence of all cytotoxic drugs. As a consequence, there is conflicting
opinion about the value of routine biological tests in monitoring the health of employees handling
Therefore, this guide recommends that biological monitoring should not be part of the health
monitoring program. Nevertheless, employers have a responsibility to ensure that they remain aware
of current developments for monitoring the health of employees involved in the handling of cytotoxic
drugs, and apply any new recommendations.
13
SECTION 3:
HEALTH MONITORING
WHAT TYPE OF HEALTH MONITORING SHOULD BE PROVIDED?
A health monitoring program should meet the needs of employees by providing security, care,
freedom of choice and elimination of sex bias. Employers must have regard to anti-discrimination,
equal employment opportunity and other relevant legislation. Health monitoring should be based on
the following factors:
FACTORS IN IMPLEMENTING A
HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAM
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Risk control is the key to protecting

the health of employees.
the primary focus is to eliminate, or reduce the risks to health

strive for best practice controls
ensure that control measures are maintained and working as designed.
2. A medical practitioner is appointed

to oversee the program.
the medical practitioner may be an occupational physician, oncologist,

haematologist or local general practitioner, ideally with a special interest
in cytotoxic drugs
the medical practitioner should have the necessary knowledge and skills
to provide health monitoring
core competencies, that represent a minimum standard for performing
health monitoring, are provided by the National Occupational Health and
Safety Commission (NOHSC) Competencies for Health Surveillance (1998).
Appointment means that the employer

has a formal arrangement with a
medical practitioner. All employees
should be made aware of this
arrangement.
3. Guidance is provided to the
appointed medical practitioners.
guidance is outlined in Appendix 8 - Guidelines for medical practitioners

in health monitoring for cytotoxic drugs
general guidance is provided in the National Occupational Health and
Safety Commission (NOHSC) publications Competencies for Health
Surveillance (1998) and Guidelines for Health Surveillance (1995).
4. The health monitoring program is

an integrated part of the workplace.
employees and health and safety representatives should be involved in

the development and management of the program
the employer should ensure that the appointed medical practitioner is
provided access to the workplace and any information required
the employer should involve the appointed medical practitioner in the risk
management strategies of the workplace, such as health and safety
committee meetings
history of incidents, and health and safety performance, is recorded.
5. Prospective employees are

counselled and provided information
about the risks of working with
cytotoxic drugs.
The counselling should include:

the nature of work to be undertaken
potential risks to health
how exposure may occur
the control measures in place.
6. Pre-employment and baseline

health monitoring is conducted by
the appointed medical practitioner
before an employee commences
work with cytotoxic drugs.
Pre-employment health monitoring, as outlined in Appendix 8, provides:

collection of demographic data
occupational history
medical history
physical examination
investigation (if appropriate)
health advice and counselling
a report to employer and prospective employee.
7. Health monitoring is conducted

during the period that the employee
works with cytotoxic drugs.
Health monitoring is conducted during the period the employee works with
cytotoxic drugs (as outlined in Appendix 8) and provides:
data for inclusion in health records such as health advice and counselling
medical review after a spill or sharps injury
review of control measures (for example, needleless injection sets should
be in place to eliminate the potential for sharps injuries).
8. Medical advice and counselling is

available to employees at any time
during their employment.
Employees may arrange a consultation with the appointed medical

practitioner at any time.
9. Employees are provided with

freedom of choice and have the right
not to work with cytotoxic drugs.
Appropriate and suitable alternative duties should be provided for employees

who choose not to (or are unable to) work with cytotoxic drugs. In such
cases, employees should not suffer disadvantage in relation to loss of
pay and conditions, or continuity of service. All entitlements must
be maintained.
14
SECTION 3:
HEALTH MONITORING
FACTORS IN IMPLEMENTING A
HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAM
CONSIDERATIONS
10. The results of health monitoring

are provided to the employee to
whom the results relate.
The results should be available as soon as possible.
11. Employees medical records

are confidential.
Where any form of health monitoring is undertaken, confidentiality of

employees' medical records should be ensured. Access to an employee's
medical records can be obtained only with the written consent of the
employee.
12. Health monitoring is offered on

termination of employment where
cytotoxic drugs were used.
Health monitoring on termination of employment, as outlined in

Appendix 8, provides:
data collection
final medical examination.
On termination of employment,the departing employee should receive:
a statement indicating the duration and nature of work
the results of the health monitoring conducted
a report of any incidents involving cytotoxic drugs.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Planning for emergencies is an essential part of risk management. Systems should be in place to
manage sharps injuries, spills and personal contamination. Any incident or near miss should be
reported so that the cause can be investigated and determined, and follow-up action taken if required.
For further information on emergency procedures involving exposure to employees, refer to Appendix 11 Procedure for dealing with the contamination of employees.
REPORTING AND KEEPING RECORDS

The employer should keep the following records:
a register of all hazardous substances used in the workplace, along with the current Material
Safety Data Sheet for each substance listed
risk assessment reports
health monitoring records (should be kept for 30 years)
training records for any training provided
individual employee records (medical records are to be kept confidential)
a register of drug preparation equipment and processes
records of spills, sharps injuries and contamination incidents.
Where chemicals are used in the workplace, health monitoring refers to the process of
checking and counselling individuals to identify changes to health status caused by occupational
exposure to a substance. Likewise, working with cytotoxic drugs demands strict monitoring of
employees health, acting on any changed status, reporting any incidences and keeping
appropriate records.
15
SECTION 4: TRAINING
Employers have a duty to provide information, instruction, training and

supervision to employees who handle cytotoxic drugs and related waste.
Employers should ensure that only employees who have received appropriate training, and have
obtained the required level of proficiency, handle cytotoxic drugs and related waste.
Training should occur:
at induction
prior to commencement of duties where cytotoxic drugs and related waste are involved
when new equipment is introduced or procedures change
on an ongoing basis, with a review every two years.
WHO SHOULD BE TRAINED?

The risk assessment results should be used to identify staff requiring specific training.
These staff might include:
pharmacy personnel
nursing and medical personnel
laboratory staff
veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses
ambulance officers
supervisors and managers
maintenance personnel
stores personnel
cleaners
on-site waste transporters
couriers and porters
waste handlers
waste generators.
IDENTIFY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Training and information in relation to cytotoxic drugs and related waste should cover:
occupational hazards of exposure to cytotoxic drugs and waste

legislative requirements for health and safety
legislative requirements for waste management
the risk management process
control measures and work practices to be adopted when handling cytotoxic drugs and waste
maintenance of equipment
correct selection, use, cleaning and disposal of personal protective equipment
procedures to be adopted in the event of an accident, injury or spill
access to first aid resources
storage, transport, treatment and disposal of cytotoxic waste.
Training providers can be located in the consultants directory of WorkSafe Victorias website at
www.workcover.vic.gov.au
16
SECTION 4: TRAINING
EVALUATE THE TRAINING PROGRAM

The training program should be evaluated to:
assess the effectiveness of the training (by monitoring how work is being performed) to determine
whether control measures are used
routinely monitor employees performance to ensure continued competency. Monitoring
performance will determine if further training is required.
review the training program to ensure the modules and topics provided in the training are
applicable to the work being carried out. This should be done:
- each time there is a change in work practices and/or a control measure, or
- at intervals no greater than two years.
KEEP TRAINING RECORDS

Employers should keep records of each training session provided to employees, including:
date of the session

topics dealt with at the session
the name of the person who conducted the session
the names of the employees who attended the session
course evaluations
the competencies assessed.
A strategy of continuous education should be developed and implemented to keep staff up-to-date
with policies and procedures for handling cytotoxic drugs.
17
SECTION 5:
PREPARING AND DISPENSING DRUGS
In the healthcare industry, drug preparation work poses the greatest risk
of occupational exposure to personnel. Exposure may occur through:
skin contact with cytotoxic material
spills
inhalation of aerosols and powders
sharps injuries.
Workplace design, set-up and maintenance should be formulated in accordance with the Australian
Standard (as listed in Appendix 3 - Information Sources). Cleanrooms, cytotoxic laminar flow drug
safety cabinets, and other specially designed equipment, should be in place to facilitate the safe
preparation of cytotoxic drugs. Education and training is crucial, to ensure that control measures
and safe work practices are developed, understood, implemented and maintained.
Some examples of best practice controls are:
outsource cytotoxic drug preparation work to a company that specialises in this sort of work
purchase cytotoxic drugs in a ready-to-use form, such as pre-filled syringes
purchase cytotoxic drugs in the safest form available
review health and safety information about cytotoxic drugs before making a decision
to purchase them
use facilities that meet recommended technical and safety standards
design and layout the work area according to recommended standards
adopt closed-system operations.
These control options should be considered as a priority.
The following standards represent best practice in Australia:
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) Standards of Practice for the
Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs in Pharmacy Departments (1997)
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) Standards of Practice for the
Transportation of Cytotoxic Drugs from Pharmacy Departments (1999)
ALTERNATIVE SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS

Healthcare establishments that are unable to provide facilities, equipment and training (as specified
in these guidelines) should not undertake to provide a cytotoxic drug service. Alternative
arrangements could include:
supplying prepared cytotoxic drugs in a single-dose delivery unit purchased from
a commercial source
establishing supply arrangements with a healthcare institution that has the required facilities,
equipment and trained personnel to provide prepared cytotoxic drug doses.
ESTABLISHING A CYTOTOXIC PREPARATION FACILITY

Drug preparation facilities
Cytotoxic drugs should be prepared in a purpose-designed cleanroom suite consisting of:
a cytotoxic cleanroom that houses a laminar-flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinet or
pharmaceutical isolator for drug preparation
access only through an anteroom and pass-through hatch. A secondary barrier to prevent
cytotoxic drugs contamination of the outside environment should be provided by High Efficiency
Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that supply filtered air to the cleanroom and the anteroom.
18
SECTION 5:
The following technical standards are recommended, as they describe suitable risk controls for
facilities and installation of these facilities:
Australian Standard AS 1386-1989 Cleanrooms and clean workstations
Standards for the provision of drug containment and aseptic manipulation include either:
- a separate dedicated cytotoxic drug safety cabinet installed with a carbon filter that complies
with Australian Standard AS 2567-2002 - Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets.
Installation and use of cytotoxic laminar flow drug safety cabinets should be in accordance
with the specifications of Australian Standard AS 2639-1994 Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety
cabinets - installation and use, or
- a pharmaceutical isolator that complies with Australian Standard AS 4273-1999 and
Australian Standard AS 4273-1999/Amdt1-2000 Guidelines for the design, installation and use of
pharmaceutical isolators.
Work organisation layout and design

Attention to ergonomic design principles, equipment layout and work practices will minimise
operator error. Factors to consider in work layout and design include:
the level of concentration and visual control required

precision of movements needed
design of equipment and availability of adjustable furniture such as chairs, stools and footrests
storage requirements
potential noise sources.
Further design considerations

Additional considerations in designing and setting up a cleanroom and anteroom include:
provision of access for cleaning

incorporation of smooth and durable work surfaces and furniture
installation of recessed lights
limitation of the number of surfaces and shelves, to minimise particle shedding or the
accumulation of particulate matter
installation of an accessible emergency shower outside the anteroom
maintenance of an effective airlock between the cytotoxic suite and external environment
ensuring all equipment used is dedicated to the cytotoxic cleanroom
ensuring the anteroom provides:
- the only access to the cleanroom
- access to only one cleanroom
change-room facilities for changing into personal protective equipment
ensuring the pass-through hatch has:
- no direct access to the external environment unless a High Efficiency Particulate
Air (HEPA) filter is used to control emissions
- interlocking doors, and is supplied with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered air
provision of a means of communication between the cleanroom and other areas
installation of a manometer to monitor the pressure differential within the cytotoxic
suite and record daily differential pressure readings
consideration of the installation of a manometer alarm, in case of inadequate
pressure differentials
installation of a spill switch that reverses the airflow, minimising contamination to the
external environment.
19
SECTION 5:
PREPARING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
Specific handling techniques and procedures incorporating suitable equipment (designed to reduce
the risk of exposure) should be employed, including:
Drug preparation equipment

Equipment used for preparing drugs should incorporate a closed system, where possible, and also
reduce the potential for generating high pressure. Specific methods of control include:
use of Luer-lock syringes and fittings to keep connections together

use of Luer-slip syringes (only if Luer-lock connections are incompatible) such as intrathecal needles
use of syringe-to-syringe connectors when transferring solutions from one syringe to another
use of wide bore needles to reconstitute and draw-up cytotoxic drugs
use of filter needles only when the cytotoxic drug has been removed from a glass
ampoule, or if particulate matter is visible, for example if coring of a vial rubber has occurred
use of air-venting devices to equalise pressures and to prevent the passage of powder,
aerosols and liquids.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR PREPARING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS

Standard operating procedures for parenteral preparations should be documented, and stress
the need to:
avoid using cytotoxic drugs supplied in glass ampoules. If glass ampoules must be used,
open with an ampoule breaker or a low-linting swab
contain excess drug solutions and air when priming
use techniques that avoid the generation of pressure differentials.
Tablets, capsules and topical creams should be prepared under the same conditions as
parenteral cytotoxic drug preparations.
Specific additional standard operating procedures for non-parenteral preparations
(extemporaneous) include:
using purpose-dedicated equipment

making mixtures by dispersing tablets in water
not crushing tablets in an open mortar
not counting tablets or capsules by machine
cleaning equipment immediately after use with a strong alkaline detergent with pH 10.
PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS

Cytotoxic drugs should be packaged and transported so as to provide adequate physical and chemical
protection for the drug, and protection to handlers in the event of a spill.
Drug packaging
Cytotoxic drugs should be packaged in a labelled, sealed, leak-proof container, with outer bags
heat-sealed where possible, ensuring the container:
offers protection from light where required

protects the drugs from breakage in transit
contains leakage if breakage occurs
has a childproof lid (if appropriate).
Drug transport
Containers used for transporting prepared cytotoxic drugs should be:
hard-walled and robust
made from moulded foam or other suitable packaging material capable of protecting the
product from a shock equivalent to a drop of one metre onto a concrete surface
securely closed and labelled with cytotoxic warnings.
20
SECTION 5:
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The following personal protective equipment should be provided, in conjunction with other control
measures, to personnel who prepare cytotoxic drugs:
coverall or gown
head covering
closed footwear and overshoes
protective gloves long enough to cover the elasticised cuffs of gowns or coveralls
protective eyewear
respiratory protective device (where an inhalation risk exists, for example, a large cytotoxic drug spill).
For further information on personal protective equipment, refer to Appendix 9 - Personal

Protective Equipment.
MAINTAINING CONTROLS
Equipment used to prepare cytotoxic drugs, and air-handling facilities, should be maintained under a
planned maintenance schedule.
Performance testing and inspection of facilities and equipment

Cytotoxic laminar-flow drug safety cabinets and secondary and tertiary barriers should be assessed
and certified by a suitably qualified person, as specified in Australian Standard AS 2639-1994, Laminar
Flow Cytotoxic Drug Safety Cabinets - Installation and Use.
Equipment maintenance
An effective equipment maintenance schedule should incorporate the following:
inspection of cytotoxic drug safety cabinets, isolators and High Efficiency Particulate
Air (HEPA) filters
- at regular intervals (a minimum of every 12 months)
- after relocation or mechanical/electrical maintenance
keeping test records and a summary of results in a place accessible to employees
not using a cabinet that has failed, until the fault has been rectified and the cabinet recertified
performing microbial and air-particle testing routinely, and recording the results.
Cleaning drug preparation facilities

Standard operating procedures should be documented, and stress the need to:
clean daily
use a dedicated mop and bucket
treat all equipment as potentially contaminated
provide personal protective equipment.
CONTROL MEASURES CHECKLIST
Controls covered in this section
Completed
best practice controls

establishing a cytotoxic drug preparation facility
using specially designed and dedicated equipment
standard operating procedures
packaging and transporting
personal protective equipment
maintaining controls
21
SECTION 6:
ADMINISTERING DRUGS
ADMINISTERING DRUGS
Nursing and medical personnel might be involved in administering
parenteral, oral and topical cytotoxic drugs. Exposure while
administering drugs can occur through:
handling cytotoxic drugs
spills
splashes to the skin or eyes
inhalation of airborne contaminants (which can be generated by
the expulsion of air from a drug-filled syringe), and
sharps injuries.
Workplace design, use of specially designed equipment, safe work practices and personal protective
equipment are recommended to ensure that cytotoxic drugs are safely administered. Education and
training are crucial to ensuring that control measures and safe work practices are developed,
understood, implemented and maintained.
Following are examples of ways to ensure controls are best practice:
do not undertake a drug administration service unless control measures can be provided
use the safest administration techniques available, such as needleless systems
require drugs intended for administration to be appropriately packaged, labelled and ready
for administration
use diluted cytotoxic drugs where possible
provide secure, labelled storage of waste, and use sharps containers to minimise exposure
to cytotoxic waste.
These best practice control options should be considered as a priority. A policy may help to
build these control measures into the health and safety strategy and day-to-day procedures.
ESTABLISHING A DRUG ADMINISTRATION AREA

When designing and setting up a cytotoxic drug administration area, you should consider:
allocating an area that restricts access to unauthorised persons

allowing sufficient room for movement of personnel during drug administration
providing secure storage of waste and sharps containers
providing secure storage for cytotoxic waste ready for disposal
establishing a system for obtaining and keeping health and safety information, such as Material
Safety Data Sheets, in a place accessible to employees
providing a safety shower.
DRUG ADMINISTRATION EQUIPMENT

The use of the following equipment is recommended to reduce risks:
needleless administration systems

portable trolleys to store administration equipment, to allow movement from patient to patient
disposable injection trays to contain and carry syringes to the patient
disposable gauze squares around the injection site
plastic-backed absorbent sheets or pads under the injection site
plastic, rigid-walled, wide-necked, sharps disposal containers that are readily accessible to
all operators
a spill kit as outlined in Appendix 10 - Procedure for dealing with spills.
22
SECTION 6:
ADMINISTERING DRUGS
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Standard operating procedures should be documented, and stress the need to:
follow the recommended procedures (from suppliers and the pharmacy) for the
administration of specific cytotoxic drugs
ensure the patient is involved in the process, and encouraged to alert administration staff of
any problems
maintain close supervision of the patient
use back-priming techniques
connect intravenous bags at waist level
avoid contact with drainage fluid from body cavities following administration of cytotoxic drugs,
for example, after intrapleural or intravesicular infusions
use cytotoxic labels to identify all intravenous solution flasks, syringes and pump cartridges
manage extravasation incidents promptly
dispose empty intravenous bags or flasks with the administration set still attached
discard gloves, at the completion of administration, as cytotoxic waste
wash hands following administration and disposal of cytotoxic drugs and related waste
return unused cytotoxic drugs to the pharmacy or to the source of referral.
Practices to be avoided in drug administration:
do not recap needles
do not cut down IV (intravenous) infusion sets or cytotoxic drug contaminated needles.
Topical cytotoxic agents

Topical cytotoxic agents may be in the form of ointments, lotions or eyedrops. Specific additional
control measures include:
avoiding unnecessary contact with topical cytotoxic agents

minimising contact with clothing
applying ointments and lotions as a film, using a disposable spatula
educating patients on the correct way to apply medication
disposing of all contaminated equipment as cytotoxic waste
wearing gloves at all times.
Oral cytotoxic drug administration

Oral cytotoxic agents are generally given as tablets and capsules. Specific additional control
measures include:
transferring tablets and capsules from their container into a disposable medication cup, so
as to avoid direct handling
not crushing or breaking cytotoxic drugs for any reason (eg. oral, nastrogastric or PEG
feed) outside of the pharmacy
returning tablets and capsules to the pharmacy when loose powder is observed
contacting the pharmacy if it is necessary to produce a cytotoxic drug mixture
discarding contaminated medication cups as cytotoxic waste.

Using the following personal protective equipment is recommended during the administration of
cytotoxic drugs (where there is an assessed exposure risk):
gown
closed footwear
protective gloves
protective eyewear (where there is a risk of eye splash)
respiratory protective device (where an inhalation risk exists, for example, after a large cytotoxic drug spill).

23
SECTION 6:
ADMINISTERING DRUGS

establishing a drug administration area
using specially designed and dedicated equipment
24
Completed
SECTION 7: PATIENT CARE
Nursing, medical staff and other carers might care for patients after
cytotoxic drugs have been administered. Ambulance officers might also be
involved in caring for and transferring patients who have received cytotoxic
drug treatment.
Cytotoxic drugs are primarily eliminated from the patient by renal and hepatic excretion. All body
substances might be contaminated with either the unchanged drug or active drug metabolites.
Exposure to cytotoxic waste can occur through:
handling vomitus, blood, excreta and fluid drained from body cavities
handling bedpans, urinals, emptying urinary catheter bags, colostomy/urostomy bags and
vomitus bowls
handling bed linen or clothing soiled with patient waste, or potentially contaminated with
unchanged drug or active metabolites
cleaning spills.
The period during which body substances may be contaminated with cytotoxic drugs will differ for
individual drugs and patients.
Correct workplace design and set-up, use of appropriate equipment and resources, safe work
practices and personal protective equipment are all required to ensure that the risks associated with
caring for patients are adequately controlled. Education and training is crucial, to ensure that safe
work practices are developed, understood, implemented and maintained.
Examples of best practice controls include:
reviewing the treatment history of patients before undertaking patient care

addressing the design and set-up of the workplace
using appropriate equipment and resources
reviewing health and safety information about the cytotoxic drugs administered.
These control options should be considered as a priority. To build these control measures into the
health and safety system of the patient care centre, consider developing a policy for the care of
patients who have been administered cytotoxic drugs.
CARING FOR PATIENTS

Before accepting a patient
To assist in determining whether body fluids are potentially contaminated, the following should be
documented in the patient care sheet:
the name of the drug(s) administered

the route of administration
when drug(s) was administered
whether it is being continuously administered, (for example via ambulatory pump).
Setting up a patient care area

Factors to consider when designing and setting up a patient care area, include:
allocating a secure area that restricts access to unauthorised persons
allowing sufficient room for personnel to move around
providing secure storage of waste.
25
Patient care equipment

Suitable equipment designed to reduce the risk of exposure should be employed.
The following equipment is recommended:
spill kit, as outlined in Appendix 10 - Procedure for dealing with spills

strong alkaline detergent with pH10
container for spills, where access to a waste outlet is not available
approved container for sharps, where required.
Standard operating procedures

The following standard operating procedures should be adopted:
avoid skin contact with patient body substances
prevent the generation of aerosols when handling patients' vomitus, blood, excreta and fluid
drained from body cavities
contain and clean up spills immediately
dispose waste such as urine, faeces, vomitus, the contents of colostomy/urostomy bags,
incontinence aids and disposable nappies, as explained in Section 10 - Waste Management
document the need to implement cytotoxic precautions when handling body waste during the
period of drug excretion. Verbally advise all staff caring for the patient.
alert carers by providing written instructions to patients and carers for dealing with spills in the
home, and information on spill kit contents (as outlined in Appendix 10 of this guide - Procedure
for dealing with spills).

The following personal protective equipment is recommended when handling anything potentially
contaminated with unchanged drug or active metabolites:
gown (where there is a risk of splash)
closed footwear
protective gloves
protective eyewear (where there is a risk of splash to the eye).
TRANSPORTING PATIENTS
Transport within an establishment
Patients may need to be relocated to another area of a hospital or treating centre while cytotoxic drug
administration is in progress. The following control measures should be in place:
constant medical or nursing supervision of the patient during the relocation
immediate access to emergency assistance in the event of a spill of cytotoxic drug or waste.
Transport by ambulance
Control measures used in patient care should be adopted for transporting patients by ambulance.
CARING FOR PATIENTS AT HOME OR IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Patients might receive cytotoxic drug therapy in a day hospital, doctors surgery, domiciliary
ambulatory clinic, at home or in a residential aged-care facility. Nursing, medical staff and others
often care for patients in these situations.
Healthcare establishments or households unable to provide facilities, equipment and a level of care
as specified in these guidelines, should not undertake to provide care to patients receiving cytotoxic
drug therapy. Instead, these patients should be transferred to a hospital or centre that has the
required facilities, equipment and trained personnel.
26
The role of the treating facility

Carers of patients receiving cytotoxic drug therapy should be provided with written information about
cytotoxic drugs and the precautions to be taken while caring for patients during the time the drug
may be excreted. Carers should be advised about special requirements of the particular drug used.
The role of the treating facility is therefore to:
ensure cytotoxic drugs are appropriately packaged and labelled
ensure that facilities and equipment meet recommended standards
provide instruction to home carers.
Setting up a patient care area

The following facilities should be provided:
hand washing facilities

laundry facilities
access to a sewered toilet
secured waste storage.
Equipment used in patient care

The following equipment is recommended:
spill kit, as outlined in Appendix 10 - Procedure for dealing with spills

strong alkaline detergent with pH 10
container for spills, where access to a waste outlet is not available
approved container for sharps disposal, where required
waterproof gloves
cloth or wash gauze
strong plastic bag.

Standard operating procedures should be developed with the assistance of the treating facility, and
stress the need to:
avoid skin contact with patient body substances
prevent the generation of aerosols when handling patients body waste
dispose of waste such as urine, faeces, vomitus, the contents of colostomy/urostomy
bags, incontinence aids and disposable nappies, as outlined in Section 10 - Waste Management
contain waste generated from drug administration in a dedicated sharps container
keep waste containers secure and appropriately labelled
clean up spills immediately
provide written instructions on how to manage a spill in an ambulatory situation.
27
Information for patients and carers

The hospital or domiciliary service should provide the patient and/or carers with written health and
safety information. The following information should be included:
precautions to take where a carer is pregnant or breast-feeding

the usual routes of excretion of the cytotoxic drug administered
the approximate time cytotoxic residues might continue to be excreted
equipment needed for the home nursing of a patient receiving cytotoxic drug therapy
home storage of drugs
the correct way to take prescribed medication
precautions to take when handling body waste
the correct way to deal with a spill
the correct way to launder contaminated clothing and bed linen
management of cytotoxic waste
- disposal of body waste
- items that should be discarded
- secure storage of cytotoxic waste
- precautions when transporting waste containers
- emergency procedures
- accidental exposure to patient body waste
- first-aid management
- accidental ingestion of cytotoxic drugs
disposal of drugs that are no longer required.
setting up a patient care facility
patient care equipment
transporting patients
requirements for patient care at home or in community settings
28
Completed
SECTION 8: DRUG TREATMENT

IN VETERINARY PRACTICE
Veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal attendants and cleaners might be
involved in handling cytotoxic drugs and related waste during the treatment
and care of animals. Cytotoxic drugs are used primarily for treating animals
such as dogs, cats, birds and horses.
In veterinary practice, exposure to cytotoxic drugs can occur when:

preparing drugs
administering drugs
caring for treated animals.
Exposure can occur through:
skin contact with cytotoxic drugs or animal waste
spills of cytotoxic drugs or animal waste
inhalation of aerosols
sharps injuries.
Workplace design, use of cleanrooms, drug safety cabinets, and other specially designed equipment
should be in place to facilitate the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs and related waste. Education and
training is crucial to ensuring that control measures and safe work practices are developed,
understood, implemented and maintained.
The following best practice controls should be considered a priority for implementation:
purchase cytotoxic drugs in a ready-to-use form to eliminate drug preparation work
refer animals for cytotoxic drug treatment and care to a veterinary practice equipped to provide
the service
use a diluted form of cytotoxic drugs where possible
purchase cytotoxic drugs in the safest form available
review health and safety information about cytotoxic drugs before making a decision to
purchase them.
Drug administration should be undertaken (where relevant) as outlined in Section 6 Administering
drugs. Standard operating procedures for veterinary practice include:
ensuring parenteral or oral cytotoxic drugs are administered under the supervision of
a registered veterinary practitioner
using signs to identify animals receiving cytotoxic drug treatment.
ANIMAL CARE
Particular attention should be paid to preventing environmental contamination, as contaminated
excreta is not as easily contained as for human patients. Additional control measures for veterinary
practice include:
Setting up an animal care area

When setting up an animal care area, it is important to:
allocate a secure area that identifies restricted access to unauthorised personnel

allow sufficient room for personnel to move
provide secure storage of waste
establish a system for obtaining and keeping health and safety information (such as Material
Safety Data Sheets) in a place accessible to employees.
29

Suitable equipment for animal care
The following equipment should be provided where possible:
animal cages designed to contain and flush excreta directly into the sewerage system
sealable, labelled bags to contain waste products, as outlined in Section 10 - Waste Management
a spill kit, as outlined in Appendix 10 - Procedure for dealing with spills
absorbent pads for cleaning.

Standard operating procedures should be developed, and should stress the need to:
place a sign stating receiving cytotoxic drug therapy on the cage of animals
use purpose-dedicated equipment
clean equipment immediately after use with a strong alkaline detergent with pH 10
avoid skin contact with animal excreta and body fluids
keep animal cages clean
adopt cleaning techniques that avoid skin contact, contain waste, and prevent the generation
of aerosols
ensure that animals are immediately washed down if they become contaminated, being careful
not to generate aerosols
dispose of cytotoxic waste as outlined in Section 10 - Waste Management.

The following personal protective equipment should be considered when caring for animals:
coverall or gown
protective gloves
protective eyewear
rubber boots
waterproof apron.
For further information on personal protective equipment refer to Appendix 9 - Personal

ANIMAL CARE AT HOME

Carers at home might be involved in administering cytotoxic drugs and/or caring for animals
receiving cytotoxic drug therapy.
The role of the treating facility

Owners, or other carers of animals receiving cytotoxic drug therapy, should be provided with written
information about cytotoxic drugs, and informed of the precautions to be taken while caring for
animals during the time the drug may be excreted. Carers should also be advised about special
requirements of the particular drug used. The role of the treating facility is to:
ensure cytotoxic drugs are appropriately packaged and labelled
provide written instruction to home carers.
30

Information for carers
The following written information should be provided to home carers:
reasons for taking precautions in the handling of cytotoxic drugs and related waste
precautions to take with interaction between the animal and people in the home - especially
small children, the aged, and women who are pregnant or breast feeding
how to store cytotoxic drugs at home
equipment which might be needed for the animal's care at home
route of excretion of drugs and how to dispose of body waste
the approximate duration that cytotoxic residues might be excreted after drug administration
spills and procedures for cleaning up
laundering contaminated bedding
emergency procedures for accidental exposure or accidental ingestion of cytotoxic drugs
how to dispose of drugs that are no longer required.
Equipment used in animal care

Suitable equipment designed to reduce the risk of exposure should be employed. The following
equipment is recommended:
paper towelling
strong alkaline detergent with pH 10
a small shovel or implement to scoop-up faeces
waterproof gloves.

Standard operating procedures should be developed with the assistance of the treating facility, and
should stress the need to:
avoid breaking tablets when administering cytotoxic drugs

monitor and contain the urinating habits of the animal where possible
dilute animal excretions by gently hosing down affected areas
keep animals confined to the home during periods when the drug may be excreted
clean up faeces by scooping with a shovel and burying
clean or discard soiled articles after use
wash hands following any contact with cytotoxic drugs, animals receiving treatment, or related
waste products
dispose of contaminated items (such as gloves) as cytotoxic waste.
Completed

setting up a drug treatment facility
use of suitable equipment
requirements for animal care at home
31
SECTION 9:
SPILL MANAGEMENT
Any person handling cytotoxic drugs and related waste might be involved in dealing
with a spill, which might occur:
when preparing, storing and transporting packaged drugs
during administration or transport of patients with chemotherapy in-situ
from body substances contaminated with cytotoxic drugs
when cytotoxic waste is handled.
This section deals with setting up a spill management strategy, determining who
should be trained, managing spills, reporting spills, and standard operating
procedures.
The employer should establish a spill management strategy with the assistance of personnel involved
in preparing, administering, transporting and managing cytotoxic drugs. Safe work policies and
practices should be developed, understood, implemented and maintained by all personnel who
handle cytotoxic drugs and those who may be involved in managing spills.
The way a spill is managed will differ according to the toxicity, form and volume of the cytotoxic drug
involved. Spills should be classified according to where they occur, and managed accordingly.
SPILLS
HOW TO MANAGE
In situations including drug

administration, patient care
and transportation
Use the procedure outlined in Appendix 10 - Procedure for dealing

with spills.
Within a cytotoxic drug safety

cabinet and a cleanroom

with spills.
As recommended in Appendix C of Australian Standard AS 2639-1994
Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets installation and use.
Outside a cytotoxic drug safety

cabinet, but within a cleanroom

with spills.
As recommended in Appendix C of Australian Standard AS 2639-1994
Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets installation and use.
All areas where cytotoxic drugs and related waste are handled should have the following readily
available:
a spill kit as outlined in Appendix 10 - Procedure for dealing with spills
adequate supplies of absorbent and cleansing material.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Standard operating procedures should specify:
the training of employees in spill management

spill management strategies for all types of spills
how to deal with contamination of employees
reporting procedures.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
Employers should have a system in place for employees to report spills or personnel contamination
to management as soon as possible. The following information should be included in an incident
report:
the type of incident
action taken to manage the spill
action taken to prevent future occurrences.
32
SECTION 9:
SPILL MANAGEMENT

Completed
setting up a spill management strategy

managing spills
reporting procedures
33
SECTION 10:
WASTE MANAGEMENT
This section identifies the key elements when setting up a waste
management strategy, identifying, segregating and containing waste,
transport, storage and disposal of waste, and personal protective equipment.
Cytotoxic waste includes any residual cytotoxic drug that remains following patient treatment and any
materials or equipment potentially contaminated with cytotoxic drugs, such as:
unused cytotoxic pharmaceuticals

sharps and syringes
intravenous infusion sets and containers
ampoules and vials
personal protective equipment and clothing
dressings and bandages
linen.
As cytotoxic waste is hazardous to human health and the environment, it is a prescribed waste and
subject to strict regulation by EPA Victoria. A key element of any waste management strategy is to
create policies and systems to avoid and minimise waste.
ESTABLISHING A WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Each employer should develop and periodically review a strategy to safely manage cytotoxic waste.
Guidance to assist with the development of policies and procedures can be obtained from the EPA
Victoria publication entitled The Manual for the Management and Disposal of Biomedical Wastes
in Victoria.
Key elements of a waste management strategy:
designate a person to be responsible for ensuring an efficient waste disposal system
is maintained and complies with legal requirements
create policies and systems to avoid and minimise waste
develop and implement cradle to grave policies for managing cytotoxic waste, in consultation
with the units generating the waste, waste handlers and waste disposal staff. There should be
an understanding of the chain of responsibility and involvement of all levels in policy development
and implementation
undertake an audit to identify cytotoxic waste generated by the establishment
develop and implement a control strategy, which includes:
- procedures for the identification, segregation, packaging, storage, transport, administration
and disposal of cytotoxic waste
- a system for the management of cytotoxic waste generated by outpatients and domiciliary
services under the direction of a hospital
- a transport (internal and external) and disposal flowchart (from the waste generator to
the disposal site).
IDENTIFYING, CONTAINING AND SEGREGATING WASTE

Identifying waste
Cytotoxic materials are universally identified by a purple symbol representing
a cell late in the process of division, known as telophase. Labels should be dark
purple and bear the telophase symbol. The container should be identified with the
words "CYTOTOXIC WASTE".
34
SECTION 10:
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Containing waste
The requirement for packaging and transporting cytotoxic waste is set out in Section 4 (Packaging
and transport) of The Manual for the Management and Disposal of Biomedical Wastes in Victoria.
The following control measures should be implemented:
package the waste inside a multi-walled paper bag with a polyliner, and place in a cardboard
carton for transport to the waste disposal facility
a leak proof plastic bag will be sufficient for use in the home and should be labelled appropriately
(refer to Section 7 - Patient Care)
store sharps in a rigid-walled container according to Australian Standard AS 4031-1992,
Non- reusable containers for the collection of sharp medical items used in healthcare areas.
Segregating waste
Cytotoxic waste should be segregated from other waste streams through the development and
implementation of the following control measures:
develop procedures in consultation with staff who work in areas that produce waste, and
those responsible for the provision of support services
segregate waste at the point of generation and at the earliest possible stage
incorporate efficient waste disposal methods into patient care procedures
ensure that non-rigid receptacles are placed in a rigid-walled container such as a wheelie
bin (of the appropriate colour and labelling) for transport to the collection area
keep cytotoxic waste separate from the rest of the waste stream during internal transport
and storage
keep bins secured with mobile or fixed stands.
ON-SITE WASTE TRANSPORT

The following control measures should be implemented when transporting waste within
the site:
when transporting waste from user sites, use dedicated hardcarts, trolleys and pails to prevent
operator contact with the waste
ensure handcarts, trolleys and pails are appropriately labelled and kept clean, in accordance
with infection control and other relevant standards
undertake waste collection rounds frequently to minimise housekeeping hazards associated with
the accumulation of waste at user sites
manage spills that occur during on-site transport as outlined in Section 9 - Spill Management
do not use waste disposal chutes to transport cytotoxic waste, as there is a high potential for breakage.
WASTE STORAGE
Employers should consider the following factors when storing cytotoxic waste:
store in a dedicated, identified and secure storage area with adequate lighting and ventilation
locate away from drains and other sensitive areas
storage areas should facilitate cleaning and decontamination
seal cytotoxic waste bins prior to collection, and do not open or reprocess on site
place sealed bins or bagged material in specially designed, large receptacles whilst awaiting
collection for off-site transport
where waste is stored for more than 72 hours prior to disposal, the waste should be refrigerated,
particularly where waste is mostly organic and can decompose
provide appropriate labelling.
Further information about waste storage can be found in Section 3 (Waste storage) of The Manual for
the Management and Disposal of Biomedical Wastes in Victoria.
35
SECTION 10:
WASTE MANAGEMENT
OFF-SITE WASTE TRANSPORT
Waste generators (such as healthcare facilities) have legal obligations for the cytotoxic waste they
generate. These legal obligations extend beyond the on-site handling of the waste. Generators
must ensure:
that any person who transports waste has the required permit
that the waste is disposed of to a facility licensed to handle cytotoxic waste.
EPA Victoria is responsible for ensuring the proper transport of cytotoxic waste in Victoria. The
Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Environment Protection (Prescribed Waste) Regulations 1998
regulate the transport of prescribed waste, which includes cytotoxic waste.
There are three principal statutory requirements for the transport of prescribed waste:
appropriate permits
transport certificates
vehicle signage.
Permits
No permit is required if:
the vehicle transports cytotoxic waste less frequently than three times in any calendar month; and
its gross load-carrying capacity is less than 1000 kg; and
no fee or reward is received for transporting the cytotoxic waste.
Transport certificates
Transport certificates are required under the Environment Protection (Prescribed Waste) Regulations
1998. Transport certificates help to ensure obligations are discharged by documenting the transfer
of each shipment of prescribed waste from the generator to the transporter, and then to the
treatment or disposal facility. The waste generator is required to send a copy of the certificate to
EPA Victoria. Transport certificates are to be completed, even where the transporter is exempt from
permit requirements.
Vehicle signage
Permitted vehicles used to transport any volume of cytotoxic waste are subject to special
requirements to display information, as set out in Schedule 3 of the Environment Protection
(Prescribed Waste) Regulation 1998. The vehicle must display both a dangerous goods label and
the cytotoxic waste symbol.
WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

Waste treatment must render the waste non-infectious and unrecognisable, and must meet
standards to protect the environment. At the time of writing this guide, incineration is the only
acceptable technology for treating cytotoxic waste. All incinerators used for the treatment of
cytotoxic waste must be licensed with EPA Victoria and meet the prescribed standards.
Patient waste such as urine, faeces, vomitus and the contents of colostomy and urostomy bags
may be disposed of in the normal sewage system. The following limitations should be noted:
sewerage authorities do not allow disposal of incontinence aids to sewer. Further information
can be obtained from the relevant sewerage authority
where materials such as incontinence aids are contaminated with visible blood, or originate
from patients with communicable diseases, they are classified as clinical waste and must be
handled accordingly
the operation of on-site sewerage treatment systems such as septic tanks might be affected by
cytotoxic waste. Further information should be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier of
the system.
36
SECTION 10:
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Personnel engaged in the routine handling (i.e. excluding spill situations) of cytotoxic waste for
on-site transport should wear the following:
industrial work-wear
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industrial gloves
safety boots.
Protective clothing should be used whether the waste appears to be properly packaged or not,
and should be removed as soon as possible if it becomes contaminated.
For further information on personal protective equipment refer to Appendix 9 Personal Protective Equipment.
LAUNDERING
Laundering contaminated personal protective equipment
Special precautions are required for the laundering of non-disposable personal protective equipment
that may be contaminated with cytotoxic drugs. The requirements of the manufacturer or supplier of
the personal protective equipment should be followed. Systems should be established to:
protect laundry personnel from cytotoxic drug residue
prevent contamination of other materials being laundered
ensure personal protective equipment is decontaminated prior to sterilisation or reuse.
Laundering contaminated linen

Linen contaminated with cytotoxic drugs or related waste should be placed in plastic bags at the
point of contamination for subsequent laundering. Bed mattresses should be cleaned with
decontaminating solution.

The following personal protective equipment should be used when handling soiled linen that is
contaminated with unchanged drug or active metabolites:
gown
protective gloves.
SUMMARY OF CONTROL MEASURES

Completed
establishing a waste management strategy

identifying, containing and segregating waste
waste transport
waste storage
waste treatment and disposal
Further information about managing cytotoxic waste can be obtained from:

EPA Victoria
Environment Protection (Prescribed Waste) Regulations 1998
The Manual for the Management and Disposal of Biomedical Wastes in Victoria.
37
APPENDIX 1:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TERM
EXPLANATION
alginate bag
bag made of artificial fibres spun from a constituent of kelp.

The fibres become gelatinous when moist and so are biodegradable.
alkaline detergent
detergent that has basic properties (ie with a pH 10).
aseptic manipulation
activity performed so as to exclude micro-organisms.
aseptic suite
work space free from micro-organisms in the working area.
auto-immune disease
alteration of the function of the immune system causing it to attack the

bodys own cells.
biological monitoring
measurement and evaluation of a substance or its metabolites in the body

tissue, fluids or exhaled air of an exposed person.
carcinogen
substance or physical agent with the potential to cause cancer in certain

circumstances or to make cancer more likely to occur.
cradle-to-grave
a method for managing waste to minimise risks to the environment and

human health through the development of waste minimisation plans.
For hazardous waste it also involves the identification of the generator and
nature of the waste; tracking of the waste to the disposal facility by
manifest; the requiring of permits for generators, storage facilities, and
disposal sites; and the enforcement of regulations to ensure compliance.
cytogenic
to do with the formation of cells.
cytotoxic
harmful to cells of the body, particularly those that reproduce rapidly.
hazardous substance
substance listed in the List of Designated Hazardous Substances produced by

the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, or a substance
that meets the criteria for a hazardous substance, set out in the Approved,
Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances declared by the National
Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
hazardous substances register
regularly maintained list of the product names of all hazardous substances

used in a workplace, accompanied by an up-to-date Material Safety Data
Sheet for each substance.
health monitoring
monitoring of individuals for the purpose of identifying changes to health

status due to occupational exposure to a substance.
HEPA
[High Efficiency Particulate Air] filter
filter that is made to be at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing an

aerosol of particles with a diameter of 0.3 micrometres when tested with
a standardised procedure.
38
APPENDIX 1:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TERM
EXPLANATION
lyophilised cytotoxic drugs
cytotoxic drugs preserved during manufacture by being rapidly frozen and

dehydrated in a vacuum.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
a document that describes the properties and uses of a substance,

including identity, chemical and physical properties, health hazard
information, precautions for use, and safe handling information.
mutagen
substance with the potential to change DNA, the part of a body cell that
controls its growth and multiplication. Being a mutagen also gives a
substance the potential to cause cancer.
oncology
relating to cancer.
parenteral
not through the alimentary canal but instead by injection through some
other route (e.g. intravenously).
pH
measure of how strongly acidic or basic a substance is when dissolved in

water. Acids have a pH less than 7; bases have a pH greater than 7.
PPE
abbreviation for personal protective equipment.
renal excretion
removal of a substance from the blood by the kidneys. From the kidneys,
the excreted substance passes into the urine.
reproducible test result
extent to which multiple measurements of a characteristic by a particular

test are likely to be in agreement.
respirable
aerosol whose particle size and density enables it to reach the alveoli of a
persons lungs by traversing the bodys narrowest air tubes.
risk assessment
evaluation of the probability that an adverse health effect may occur under
the conditions that are likely to develop. Risk assessment of the use of a
substance will take account of its toxicity, the frequency and duration of
exposure, control measures in use (engineering, administrative, or personal
protective equipment) and their effectiveness, and conditions of use.
risk control
control of factors associated with an increase in the probability of a toxic

effect occurring. There is an ordered priority for selection of the means
to reduce the level of an occupational exposure. Following is a list of risk
controls, ranked from the most desirable form of control to the least
desirable: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls
(e.g. local exhaust ventilation), administrative controls, personal protective
equipment (PPE).
risk management
analysis and judgment that uses the results of risk assessments to produce
decisions about environmental actions to be initiated, ie the giving of
priorities to various risks, the delivery of risk-averting outcomes and the
continuing audit of outcomes and trends.
systemic
affecting a persons inner organs.
telophase
last stage in the division of a single body cell into two identical cells.
teratogen
agent capable of causing harm to an embryo or foetus to produce birth defects.
workplace
any place, whether or not in a building or structure, where employees or

self-employed persons work.
39
APPENDIX 2:
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
A range of State and Federal laws and regulations aim to provide people with safe and healthy work
environments.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT 1985

Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 employers have a legal obligation to
provide and maintain for employees, so far as is practicable, a working environment that is safe and
without risks to health. Under the law, the qualification of duties with the term "so far as is
practicable" is used to place some reasonable limits on a duty. It should not be seen as an excuse to
avoid taking measures to control a risk.
For further information on the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985, or to obtain a copy of A Guide
to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 contact your local WorkSafe Victoria office.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS1999

Work involving the handling of cytotoxic drugs falls within the scope of the Occupational Health
and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999 when the substance meets the criteria set out
in the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission publication entitled Approved Criteria
for Classifying Hazardous Substances.
The aim of the Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999 is to protect
people at work against risks to health from using hazardous substances. While many cytotoxic drugs
are classified as hazardous substances by their manufacturer, there are some cytotoxic drugs that
the manufacturer considers do not meet the Approved Criteria. In such circumstances, the work
involving the cytotoxic drug is not specifically covered by the Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous
Substances) Regulations 1999. However, the employer is still required to provide and maintain a safe
and healthy workplace under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985.
In addition to the employer obligations outlined in the Regulations mentioned above, manufacturers,
importers and suppliers who supply hazardous substances to workplaces are required to provide
certain information about their product.
The Code of Practice for Hazardous Substances (2000) gives practical guidance on how to comply with
the Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999. This publication can be
obtained from any WorkSafe Victoria office.
OTHER LEGISLATION AND STANDARDS

Other legislation and standards covering the handling and storage of cytotoxic drugs (and related
waste) also need to be considered when implementing safe work systems. For example:
Drugs and poisons legislation administered by the Department of Human Services

Health legislation administered by the Department of Human Services
Waste management legislation administered by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Legislation covering the storage and transport of dangerous goods, administered
by WorkSafe Victoria
Professional Standards of Practice for the Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs in Pharmacy Departments
(1997) endorsed by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.
Further information about other relevant legislation is provided in Appendix 3 - Information Sources.
40
APPENDIX 3:
INFORMATION SOURCES
STATUTES, STANDARDS, CODES AND GUIDANCE NOTES
The following Acts, Regulations, Standards, Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes apply to work
involving handling of cytotoxic drugs and cytotoxic waste.
Acts and Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985

Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999
Dangerous Goods Act 1985
Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 1995
Environment Protection Act 1970
Environment Protection (Prescribed Waste) Regulations 1998
Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations 1996
Australian Standards
Australian Standard AS 1386-1989, Cleanrooms and clean workstations
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715-1994, Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory
protection devices
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1716-1994, Respiratory protective devices
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1716-1994/Amdt1-1996, Respiratory protective devices
Australian Standard AS 2013-1989, Cleanroom garments - Product requirements
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2243.1:1997/Amdt 1-2000, Safety in laboratories
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2243.2:1997, Safety in laboratories Chemical aspects
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2243.3:2002, Safety in laboratories Microbiological aspects
and containment facilities
Australian Standard AS 2243.4:1998, Safety in laboratories Ionizing radiations
Australian Standard AS 2243.5:1993/Amdt 1-1994, Safety in laboratories Non-ionizing radiations
Australian Standard AS 2243.6:1990, Safety in laboratories Mechanical aspects
Australian Standard AS 2243.7:1991, Safety in laboratories Electrical aspects
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2243.8:2001, Safety in laboratories Fume cupboards
Australian Standard AS 2243.9:1991, Safety in laboratories Recirculating fume cabinets
Australian Standard AS 2243.10:1993, Safety in laboratories Storage of chemicals
Australian Standard AS 2567-2002, Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets
Australian Standard AS 2639-1994, Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets - installation and use
Australian Standard AS 4031-1992, Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharp medical items
used in healthcare areas
Australian Standard AS 4031-1992/Amdt1-1996, Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharp
medical items used in health care areas
Australian Standard AS 4273-1999, Guidelines for the design, installation and use of
pharmaceutical isolators
Australian Standard AS 4273-1999/Amdt1-2000, Guidelines for the design, installation and use of
pharmaceutical isolators
Codes of Practice
Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code). Federal Office
of Road Safety, Federal Department of Transport and Communications, Australian Government
Publishing Service, Canberra, 6th edition, September 1992
Code of Practice for Hazardous Substances
Code of Practice for Manual Handling
Guidance Material
Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Standards of Practice for the Safe Handling of
Cytotoxic Drugs in Pharmacy Departments. March 1997, Australian Journal of Hospital
Pharmacy 1999; 29(2): 108-16
Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Standards of Practice for the Transportation of
Cytotoxic Drugs from Pharmacy Departments, March 1999, Australian Journal of Hospital
Pharmacy 2000; 30(3): 116-17
41
APPENDIX 3:
INFORMATION SOURCES
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines for Laboratory Personnel
Working with Carcinogenic or Highly Toxic Chemicals, Australian Government Publishing
Service, Canberra, 1990.
National Health and Medical Research Council, National Guidelines for the Management of
Clinical and Related Wastes, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1988.
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Occupational Health Record Keeping.
Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, June 1985.
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Reports on Ethics in Epidemiological
Research, National Health and Medical Research Council Medical Research Ethics Committee,
Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1985.
Worksafe Australia, Guide for the Prevention of Eye Damage, Australian Government Publishing
Service, Canberra, December 1989.
WorkCover Authority of New South Wales Guidelines for handling cytotoxic drugs and related
waste in health care establishments (2nd edition). 1995, New South Wales Government.
Department of Training and Industrial Relations, Guide for Handling Cytotoxic (Anti neoplastic)
Drugs and Related Waste. November 1997, Queensland Government.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria Publication 268, Manual for the Management and
Disposal of Biomedical Wastes in Victoria (2nd edition), November 1993.
WorkSafe Victoria, A Guide to Risk Control Plans. September 2001, Victorian Government.
Technical Reports
Baker ES and Connor TH. (1996) Monitoring occupational exposure to cancer chemotherapy
drugs. Review Article. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacists 53:2713-2723.
Sessink PJM and Bos RP. (1999) Drugs Hazardous to Healthcare Workers Evaluation of Methods for
Monitoring Occupational Exposure to Cytostatic Drugs. Aids International Limited.
42
APPENDIX 4: LIST OF
COMMONLY USED CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
This list contains cytotoxic drugs currently used, however this listing is not exhaustive.
The information provided is current at the time of writing this guide.
DRUG
TRADE NAMES
Altretamine
Hexalen
Amsacrine
Amsidyl
L-Asparaginase
see Colaspase
Bleomycin
Blenoxane
Blenamax
Bleomycin sulfate
Busulfan
Myleran
Capecitabine
Xeloda
Carboplatin
Carboplatin
Carmustine
Bicnu
Chlorambucil
Leukeran
Cisplatin
Cisplatin
Cladribine
Leustatin
Colaspase
Leunase
Cyclophosphamide
Cycloblastin
Endoxan
Cytarabine
Cytarabine
Dacarbazine
Dacarbazine
D.T.I.C.
Dactinomycin
Cosmegen
Daunorubicin
Daunorubicin
Daunorubicin liposomal
Dauno Xome
Docetaxel
Taxotere
Doxorubicin
Adriamycin solution
Doxorubin
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin liposomal
Caelyx
Epirubicin
Pharmorubicin
Etoposide Phosphate
Etopophos
Etoposide
Etoposide
Vepesid
Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Efudix
Fluorouracil
Fludarabine
Fludara
Fotemustine
Muphoran
Gemcitabine
Gemzar
Hydroxyurea
Hydrea
Idarubicin
Zavedos
43
APPENDIX 4: LIST OF
COMMONLY USED CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
DRUG
44
TRADE NAMES
Ifosfamide
Holoxan
Irinotecan
Camptosar
Lomustine
Cee Nu
Melphalan
Alkeran
Mercaptopurine
Puri-nethol
Methotrexate (MTX)
Ledertrexate
Methoblastin
Methotrexate
Mitozantrone
Novantrone
Mitozantrone
Onkotrone
Mitomycin-C
Mitomycin C
Oxaliplatin
Eloxatin
Paclitaxel
Anzatax
Taxol
Procarbazine
Natulan
Raltitrexed
Tomudex
Temozolomide
Temodal
Teniposide
Vumon
Thioguanine
Lanvis
Thiotepa
Thiotepa
Topotecan
Hycamtin
Vinblastine
Velbe
Vinblastine sulfate
Vincristine
Oncovin
Vincristine sulfate
Vindesine
Eldisine
Vinorelbine
Navelbine
APPENDIX 5: EXAMPLE OF A
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
Page x of y (Shows the page number and the total number of pages in the MSDS).
Date of Issue (Indicates the date of issue or review of the MSDS. A MSDS must be reviewed
at least every five years so it should not be more than five years old).
Statement of Hazardous Nature (It must contain a statement that the substance is hazardous).
Company Details
Company:
Address:
Telephone number:
Emergency telephone number:
(Details, name and contact number of the manufacturer or importer.

Important for seeking further information about the substance or its use).
Identification
Product name:
(Identifies the substance by product name).
Poisons schedule number:

Use:
Describes its use, appearance and form (ie. whether the substance is
a solid, liquid or gas).
Physical description/properties:
Appearance:
Indicates the properties of the substance, or its ingredients.

The properties that are commonly described include: volatility (boiling
point, vapour pressure and if known, evaporation rate), solubility (in water
and/or other substances or solvents) and odour (level at which substance
is detectable by smell). This information is useful in assessing the
potential hazards associated with exposure to the substance.
Boiling point/melting point:

Vapour pressure:
Specific gravity:
Flammability limits:
Solubility in water:
Other properties:
Ingredients:
Identifies the ingredients contained in the substance and their proportions.
Chemical name:
Proportion:
Health Hazard Information

Health effects:
Acute:
Swallowed:
Eye:
Skin:
Inhaled:
Describes the immediate and long-term health hazards of the substance

for each of the different ways it can enter the human body (routes of
exposure). If known, the level of exposure that may give rise to a particular
health effect should be indicated. Employers need to be aware of the
health effects and be able to recognise the symptoms of exposure.
Chronic:
First Aid:
Swallowed:
Eye:
Skin:
Inhaled:
First aid facilities:
Advice to doctors:
Provides first-aid information for employers and medical practitioners.

Be familiar with these procedures, so that prompt action can be taken if
an incident occurs.
45
APPENDIX 5: EXAMPLE OF A
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
Precautions for Use

Exposure standards:
States NOHSC exposure standard(s), if any, for the substance or its

ingredients. Employers need to know this and ensure that employees
exposure does not exceed the standard.
Engineering controls:
Provides information about appropriate risk controls for the substance.

Advice on controls should relate to the range of tasks that are normally
performed using the substance (eg. decanting or spraying the substance).
Personal protection:
This information should not be limited to controls that rely on safe

worker behaviour or the use of personal protective equipment; guidance
on engineering controls such as ventilation should also be given. Where
personal protective equipment is recommended, it should specify the exact
type. For example, if gloves are recommended, the type of gloves that are
suitable [Viton, Nitrile, Rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)] should be
specified, instead of just "impervious gloves".
Safe Handling Information

Storage and transport:
Spills and disposal:
46
Provides information on storage, dealing with spills, and methods

of disposal.
47
PRODUCT NAME
Person compiling register:
Site/area:
Company:
LOCATION OR PROCESS
WHERE PRODUCT USED
Date for review of register:
IS PRODUCT A
HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCE? Y/N
Y/N
DATE
MSDS*
Y/N
DATE
RISK MANAGEMENT
Date:
/
ACTION/COMMENTS
APPENDIX 6: CYTOTOXIC DRUGS REGISTER
48
Possible health effects
CYTOTOXIC DRUGS USED:
PROCESS DESCRIPTION:
Routes of exposure
Current control measures
DATE:
Are additional control

measures required?
(if yes, state what & reason)
NAME OF PERSON PERFORMING ASSESSMENT:
Actions
APPENDIX 7: RISK ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE FOR CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
APPENDIX 8: GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL

PRACTITIONERS IN HEALTH MONITORING
FOR CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
1. PRE-EMPLOYMENT AND BASELINE HEALTH MONITORING BEFORE THE EMPLOYEE COMMENCES

WORK WITH CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
1. Collection of demographic data
name and unique company identification number

date of birth
gender
address
date commencing employment
descriptive job title to include the Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) and Australian
Standard Industrial Classification (ASIC)
places of previous employment.
2. Occupational history
past work history, including previous work with cytotoxic drugs

potential current exposure
whether suitable control measures are in place for handling
cytotoxic drugs.
3. Medical history
presence of symptoms
general health
smoking history
personal history of cancer
family history of cancer in first relatives
history of asthma or other systemic allergic reactions or states
(examples include systemic reaction to bee sting or allergic skin disorders)
is the employee taking immuno-suppressive therapy?
is the employee pregnant or breast-feeding?
4. Physical examination
general physical examination.
5. Investigation
no diagnostic test currently gives a sensitive, specific and interpretable

indication of early or likely health effects arising from occupational
exposure to cytotoxic drugs or their metabolites
the medical practitioner should focus on the risk factors outlined in the
occupational history, and the outcome of the physical examination
the medical practitioner should perform any investigations that may be
appropriate as a result of the examination.
6. Health advice and counselling
The appointed medical practitioner should provide medical advice and

counselling to the employee, including:
the potential health effects associated with exposure to cytotoxic
drugs and related waste
the optimum standard of control measures to expect in the workplace
the results of the health monitoring, including any abnormal findings
the potential risks to employees planning parenthood, or those who are
breast-feeding or pregnant.
7. Report
the appointed medical practitioner should provide a report to the employer

and prospective employee advising that the employee has
received assessment and health advice
confidentiality of medical records is to be maintained. Access to
medical records is to be only by written consent of the employee concerned.
49
APPENDIX 8: GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL

PRACTITIONERS IN HEALTH MONITORING
FOR CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
2. DURING THE PERIOD THAT THE EMPLOYEE WORKS WITH CYTOTOXIC DRUGS
8. Data for inclusion in health records
any risk assessments carried out at the workplace

descriptive job titles, with relevant start and finish dates. Jobs within
areas where cytotoxic drugs are used should be clearly identified
results of workplace monitoring such as wipe tests or performance
testing of control measures
results of the investigation of spills and exposure events.
9. Health advice and counselling
as described in point 6
this should be offered by the employer annually and may be initiated
at any time by the employee.
10. Medical review
conduct a medical review as soon as possible in the following situations:

- after a reportable spill or sharps injury occurs
- if an employee advises she is pregnant, or is breast-feeding
the review should take account of the previous medical examination
and include:
- health advice and counselling
- report
- follow-up the review in one month.
11. Control measures
Monitor the availability, type, maintenance and frequency-of-use of control

measures (for example, needleless injection sets should be in place to
eliminate the potential for sharps injuries).
3. ON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT WHERE CYTOTOXIC DRUGS ARE USED

12. Data to be collected
The following data should be collected:

date of termination
reason for termination:
- ill health (provide details)
- other reasons
date and cause of death if in service.
13. Final medical examination
conduct a medical examination including the factors already described

medical history
physical examination
investigation
health advice and counselling
provide a report to the employer and employee. Medical reports regarding
individual employees should be provided to the employer only with the
written consent of the employee.
50
APPENDIX 9: PERSONAL
TYPE OF PERSONAL
DESCRIPTION
STANDARDS
Coverall or gown
long-sleeved coverall or gown of impermeable

material, eg. made from bonded polyethylene
fibre (Tyvek )
gowns and coveralls may incorporate head covering
coveralls and gowns should have a closed front
and elasticised cuffs
may be disposable or can be processed through
a laundry facility capable of handling garments
contaminated with cytotoxic drugs
coveralls should be changed at least daily, or if
overt contamination results. Coveralls have a
limited life span and should be discarded when
full protection can no longer be guaranteed.
oversleeves can give added protection to the
forearms (a vulnerable area of exposure).
Australian Standard AS 2013.1

1989 Cleanroom garments Product requirements
Head covering
if coveralls without hoods are worn, caps must be

worn to contain hair and reduce contamination.
They should fit snugly around the head and in the
case of a coverall, also around the face.

Closed footwear
closed footwear with soles made of a skidresistant plastic or other suitable

non-shedding material.

Overshoes
overshoes of a similar impermeable material

as the coverall or gown
overshoes should be high enough to cover the
trouser cuff of the coverall
the soles should be made of a skid-resistant
plastic or other suitable non-shedding material.

Protective gloves
long polyvinyl chloride (PVC), surgical latex,

or purpose-manufactured gloves
operators not wearing special-purpose gloves
should be double gloved, and the outer glove
should be replaced at regular intervals or after
overt contamination
should be long enough to cover wrist cuffs of the
coveralls while the arm is being bent or stretched
should be changed at regular intervals, or
whenever contamination is apparent or
perforation occurs.

Protective eyewear
goggles or protective glasses with side shields.

Respiratory protective
device (where an
inhalation risk exists)
suitable respiratory protection of a standard

recommended in Australian/New Zealand
Standard AS/NZS 1715-1994
surgical masks should not be used, as they do
not provide respiratory protection
when containing liquid spills, respiratory
protective equipment with a combined organic
vapour and particulate filter (A1P2) is recommended
if respiratory protective equipment is required
when handling cytotoxic drugs outside a cytotoxic
drug safety cabinet, a full-face chemical splash
shield with P2 disposable respirator is recommended.
Australian/New Zealand Standard

AS/NZS 1715-1994 Selection use
and maintenance of respiratory
protective devices.
51
APPENDIX 10: PROCEDURES

FOR DEALING WITH SPILLS
CONTENTS OF A SPILL KIT
Spills should be handled using a "spill kit". A commercially prepared spill kit will effectively control
spills of up to one litre. A spill kit should be accessible to employees and contain the following:

coverall or gown
head covering
closed footwear or overshoes
protective gloves
protective eyewear
respiratory protective device (where an inhalation risk exists)
For further information on personal protective equipment refer to Appendix 9 - Personal
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Type of equipment
Additional information
Instructions for use

Safety signs
to assist in isolating and identifying the spill
Absorbent material
generous quantities of swabs, absorbent towels, alginate-impregnated

mats, spill pillow and/or other purpose-designed absorbent material
Dustpan and broom
to collect glass fragments
Plastic waste bag
clearly labelled with cytotoxic telophase symbol
Waste container
clearly labelled with cytotoxic telophase symbol
Strong alkaline detergent
with a pH 10 (for example, Decon-90 or Extran)
A supply of clean water
PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH SPILLS

Spills during drug administration, patient care and transport
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
52
Secure the area and place signs if required.

Assess the situation and determine how to deal with the spill.
Access the nearest spill kit.
Allocate responsibility for managing the spill.
Use the personal protective equipment provided in the spill kit.
Contain and cover the spill with appropriate absorbent material provided in the spill kit.
If the spill involves a powder, carefully place a mat over the powder, ensuring minimal dust
production, then carefully wet the mat so that the powder dissolves and is absorbed by the mat.
Gather absorbed material, being careful to collect any broken glass.
Discard collected waste into the cytotoxic waste container.
Wash area with alkaline detergent.
Rinse area thoroughly.
Dry the affected area with absorbent towels or swabs.
Discard the waste into the cytotoxic waste container.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Complete an incident report.
Inform management.
Ensure that the spill kit is replenished and maintained.
APPENDIX 10: PROCEDURES

FOR DEALING WITH SPILLS
Spills within a cytotoxic drug safety cabinet and a cleanroom
All personnel handling cytotoxic drugs in cytotoxic drug safety cabinets and cleanrooms must be
familiar with the procedures to follow in the event of a spill. They must be familiar with Appendix C of
Australian Standard AS 2639-1994 Laminar flow cytotoxic drug safety cabinets installation and use.
NB. Within a clean room, all personnel are wearing personal protective equipment.
Small Spills
1. Clean immediately using available absorbent material.
2. If the spill involves a powder, carefully place a mat over the powder ensuring minimal dust
production, then carefully wet the mat so that the powder dissolves and is absorbed by the mat.
3. Gather absorbed material being careful to collect any broken glass.
4. Discard collected waste into the cytotoxic waste container.
5. Wash area with alkaline detergent.
6. Rinse area thoroughly with purified water.
7. Dry the affected area with absorbent towels or swabs.
8. Wipe the affected area with sterile alcohol 70%.
9. Discard the waste into the cytotoxic waste container.
10. Change gloves.
Large Spills
1. Access the nearest spill kit.
2. For large spills, a spill pillow to absorb the fluid may be used, this may be placed on the floor
of the cabinet or in the sump area as needed.
3. Follow items 2. 9. above (ie. same as for small spills).
4. If personal protective equipment is contaminated, discard it into a cytotoxic waste container
and don new personal protective equipment.
5. Change gloves.
6. At the end of the shift, complete an incident report.
7. Ensure that the spill kit is replenished and maintained.
Spills outside a cytotoxic drug safety cabinet but within in a cleanroom

Treat as already described with the following additional step:
1. Activate the spill switch.
53
APPENDIX 11: PROCEDURE FOR DEALING

WITH CONTAMINATION OF EMPLOYEES
Procedure for dealing with contaminated clothing and personal protective equipment
1. Immediately remove gloves or gown and any contaminated clothing and dispose of in the
cytotoxic waste bin.
2. Package and launder clothing that is not overtly contaminated.
3. Complete an incident report.
4. Inform management.
Procedure for dealing with direct skin, eye and other body contact of employees
1. Wash the affected skin and flush thoroughly with copious amounts of water.
2. For eye exposure, immediately flood the affected eye with clean water by continuous irrigation
for a period of 15 minutes.
3. Do not administer antiseptic or anaesthetic drops or ointments.
4. Report to supervisor immediately.
5. Seek immediate medical advice and seek medical attention as necessary.
6. Complete an incident report.
7. Inform management.
8. Seek medical review with the appointed medical practitioner as outlined in point 10 of
Appendix 8 Guidelines for medical practitioners in health monitoring for cytotoxic drugs.
54
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This guide was prepared by the Cytotoxic Drugs Working Party. The guidelines aim to provide a
practical health and safety standard for the healthcare industry in workplaces where cytotoxic drugs
(and related waste) are handled.
The working party is the primary reference group for development of the guidelines. Members
represent a range of stakeholders dedicated to improving health and safety in the healthcare
industry. Without their participation, this project would not have been possible.
MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY:
Australian Nursing Federation (Vic Branch)
Jeanette Sdrinis
Cancer Nurses Society of Australia Melbourne Regional Group
Vicki McLeod
Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute
Michael Dooley
Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA)
Jill Davis
Victorian Private Hospitals Association
Mary Milsom
WorkSafe Victoria
Kerri Ryan (Project Manager)

Fay Haslam
Raquel Reino
In addition to working party members, Dr John Jacono and Dr David Goddard have provided medical
advice and opinion on the topic of health monitoring, and EPA Victoria has provided technical advice
on waste management. Their assistance has been most valuable and is warmly appreciated.
These guidelines were adapted from:
Guide for Handling Cytotoxic (Anti neoplastic) Drugs and Related Waste prepared by the
Queensland Department of Training and Industrial Relations; and
Guidelines for handling cytotoxic drugs and related waste in healthcare establishments prepared
by the New South Wales WorkCover Authority.
55
VICTORIAN WORKCOVER AUTHORITY

WorkSafe Victoria offers a complete
range of health and safety services.
Emergency response
Advice, information and education
Inspections and audits
Licensing and certification
Publications
Head Office
Victorian WorkCover Authority
Level 24
222 Exhibition Street,
Melbourne Vic 3000
GPO Box 4306
Melbourne Vic 3001
Telephone
9641 1555
Fax
9641 1222
Toll free
1800 136 089
Local Offices
Ballarat
Bendigo
Dandenong
Geelong
Melbourne
(628 Bourke Street)
Mildura
Mulgrave
Preston
Shepparton
Traralgon
Wangaratta
Warrnambool
Publications
Telephone
Fax
5337 1400
5443 8866
8792 9000
5226 1200
9941 0500
5021 4001
9565 9444
9485 4555
5831 8260
5174 8900
5721 8588
5562 5600
9641 1333
9641 1330
Website
www.workcover.vic.gov.au
Email
info@workcover.vic.gov.au
WorkCover Advisory Service
24th floor
222 Exhibition Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Telephone
9641 1444
Fax
9641 1222
Toll free
1800 136 089
WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority

VWA588/01/12.02

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HANDLING CYTOTOXIC

DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

MANAGING HEALTH & SAFETY

* NEW Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012

Section 1 Handling Cytotoxic Drugs

What are cytotoxic drugs?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Section 2 Managing the Risk

Building a risk assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Section 3 Health Monitoring

Who should be trained?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Section 5 Preparing and Dispensing Drugs 18

Section 6 Administering drugs

Establishing a drug administration area. . . . . . . . . . . 22

Section 7 Patient Care

Caring for patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Section 8 Drug Treatment in

Section 9 Spill Management

Standard operating procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Section 10 Waste Management

Establishing a waste management strategy. . . . . . . . 34

List of commonly used cytotoxic drugs. . . . . 43

Example of a Material Safety

Cytotoxic Drugs Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Risk Assessment Template

Guidelines for medical practitioners in

Personal Protective Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Procedure for dealing with spills. . . . . . . . . . . 52

Procedure for dealing with contamination

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

WHAT ARE CYTOTOXIC DRUGS?

In the international healthcare arena, cytotoxic

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

Personnel likely to be involved in these activities include:

nurses and medical officers

abnormal formation of cells and mutagenic activity

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL ISSUES?

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

Health and Safety

Elimination (of the hazard)

Trial and Implement Controls

THE RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Effective management of health and safety also involves:

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

Work to a risk management strategy

Assess policies and procedures on a regular basis.

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

BUILDING A RISK ASSESSMENT

Ways of achieving this include:

Ensure all containers of cytotoxic

Ways of achieving this include:

Set up and maintain a cytotoxic

Ways of achieving this include:

STEP 2: Risk Assessment

What to look for:

HANDLING CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE

2. OBTAIN AND REVIEW INFORMATION ABOUT CYTOTOXIC DRUGS USED

These may include:

Determine the form of