Hazardous Drugs: Safe Handling Across Pharmacy, Nursing, Housekeeping, and Veterinary Work

Implement hazardous drug controls across the full lifecycle.

WorkSafeBC warns hazardous drug exposure can cause serious health effects, and contamination can occur beyond compounding areas, affecting multiple worker groups. WorkSafeBC provides safe work practices and describes regulatory changes affecting hazardous drug controls.

Controls must cover receipt, preparation, administration, spill response, cleaning/decontamination, and waste. PPE selection and correct donning/doffing must be trained and verified. Document controls, training, and corrective actions as due diligence evidence.

• Actionable takeaways

  Map lifecycle exposure points; implement decon and spill controls; train/verify all worker groups including housekeeping and veterinary staff.