WorkSafe is warning workers that handling cytotoxic medicines and associated contaminated waste may place them at risk of exposure if the gloves they use are not suitable for the task.
Cytotoxic medicines, including chemotherapy drugs, can pose serious health risks to workers who may encounter them during patient care, cleaning, waste handling, transport, dispensing and other activities. Exposure can occur in hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, aged care facilities, ambulances and pathology services, including when treatment is provided in a patient’s home.
WorkSafe is aware of incidents where employees performing tasks involving cytotoxic medicines or contaminated waste were required to wear sterile gloves. However, technical information provided with the gloves did not specify whether they were manufactured or suitable for use with cytotoxic substances.
This raises the potential for workers to be unknowingly exposed through skin absorption. Health effects associated with cytotoxic medicines can include reproductive abnormalities, genetic changes and cancer.
WorkSafe recommends that employers conduct risk assessments in consultation with HSRs and workers to identify where cytotoxic medicines and contaminated waste are used, stored and disposed of, and to which workers may be exposed.
Risk assessments should consider the full range of tasks involved, including dispensing, administration, patient care, environmental services, spill management and waste handling. Employers should apply the hierarchy of controls and, where reasonably practicable, eliminate or minimise exposure through higher-order controls. PPE should not be relied on as the sole control.
Where gloves are required, employers should ensure they are fit for purpose and specifically suitable for cytotoxic substances. This includes considering manufacturer recommendations, relevant standards such as ASTM D6978-05:2023, glove breakthrough times and whether double gloving is necessary.
Workers should also receive appropriate information, instruction and training, with signage, labelling and safety data sheets used to identify cytotoxic hazards. Consultation with workers and HSRs should cover the entire lifecycle of these substances, from procurement and use through to disposal.
You can learn more about the management of hazards associated with cytotoxic medicine at Cytotoxic medicines | WorkSafe Victoria and Managing cytotoxic medicines and related waste (PDF version) | WorkSafe Victoria
Read more: Exposure to cytotoxic medicines and associated contaminated waste | WorkSafe Victoria