Sluice Room

Risk of:

• Infection e.g. Legionnaires' disease, blood borne virus.

Possible causes:

• Stagnation of water system or failure to maintain water system.
• Inappropriate storage and disposal of healthcare risk waste.

Risk of:

• Adverse health effects such as burns, dermatitis and respiratory problem.
• Fire.
• Resident/visitor being able to access hazardous chemicals.

Possible causes:

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as cleaning chemicals and disinfectants.
• Sensitisation to latex e.g. use of powdered latex gloves.
• Mixing incompatible chemicals.
• Chemicals not stored appropriately.

Risk of:

• Burns.
• Electric shock.
• Death.
• Fire.

Possible causes:

• Faulty or damaged equipment e.g. damaged plugs and cords.
• Wet contact with electrical equipment.
• No or poor maintenance of equipment.
• Overloading of electrical sockets.
• Improper use of equipment.
• Residual Current Device (RCD) not working.

Risk of:

• Strains in the neck, back, shoulder or arms and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Possible causes:

• Adopting awkward or stooped postures whilst cleaning or vaccuming e.g. reaching above shoulder height, bending below knee height, working in confined space.
• Using equipment that requires considerable effort to use or repetitive gripping action.
• Lifting heavy equipment e.g. vacuum cleaners.
• Poorly designed or unsuitable equipment.

Risk of:

• Minor injuries such as cuts and bruises to serious injury.

Possible causes:

• Lack of space resulting in goods falling from shelf.
• Unsafe system of stacking.

Risk of:

• Smoke inhalation.
• Burns.
• Death.

Possible causes:

• Overloaded sockets or extension leads.
• Faulty equipment.
• No or poor maintenance of equipment.
• Blocked or obstructed fire exits.
• Accumulation of rubbish.
• Escape routes not clearly marked.
• Goods stored too close to lights.

Risk of:

• Back injury, sprains and strains.

Possible causes:

• Lack of mechanical handling equipment e.g. trolleys and other aids.
• Lifting and moving heavy items such as furniture.

Risk of:

• Minor injuries such as cuts to major injuries such as broken bones, concussion and even death.

Possible causes:

• Uneven floors, loose or torn carpeting, broken tiles.
• Obstructed floors, surfaces or aisles.
• Trailing leads / electric cords across walkways.
• Unsafe system of work for mopping floors.
• Poor housekeeping.
• Poor lighting.
• Unsuitable footwear.