Safety Data Sheets

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Course Name: Exploration of Health Science Professions

  Career Cluster/Program Name: Health Science

  Course Number: 8400310

  Course/Program Type: Middle School Orientation/Exploratory

  CIP Number: 03179999EX

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson should be used with the Case Study "Sterile Processing Technician" (See CPALMS Resource ID 222010). It can be preceded by other lessons for this case study: “Medical Career Safety Scenarios” (See CPALMS Resource ID 221145), “Safety Habits and Standard Precautions” (See CPALMS Resource ID 221134), and “Applying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)” (See CPALMS Resource ID 221136).

• Career Connection

  
  

  Students will explore safety data sheets to identify risks and safety protocols for using specific chemicals in healthcare. This will make them more aware of hazards in the workplace and the individual’s role in promoting safety.

  Students will collaborate to research safety data sheets of chemicals used in healthcare. Students will use metacognition to manage their time as they complete the research activity.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • identify the information provided on a safety data sheet.
  • explain how to use a safety data sheet.
  • research safety data sheets for chemicals used in healthcare.
  • analyze safety data sheets for potential hazards to health care workers.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be familiar with/able to:

  • Some careers expose health care workers to potentially dangerous substances and materials.
  • There are habits/procedures and equipment that can be used to reduce exposure to pathogens and other safety concerns.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect individuals from various hazards, such as pathogens and radiation.
  • Many chemicals are dangerous if they get into the body.
  • Dangerous chemicals have warnings on the bottle, such as the biohazard symbol or the skull-and-crossbones pictogram.
  • The nine OSHA Hazard Communication Pictograms that indicate potential dangers of chemical products.

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • How can someone find out the dangers of a particular substance?
  • What information is on a safety data sheet?
  • How can safety data sheets be used to protect a healthcare worker?

• Procedure

  
  
  1. Pose the following bell work/warm-up question: “How do you know if a substance is dangerous?”
     • Then, have students discuss their answer with a partner. (answers may include safety symbols, such as biohazard or skull-and-crossbones)
     • Call on students to share with the class.
       
       
  2. Provide the case study “Sterile Processing Technician” (See CPALMS Resource ID 222010) to students.
     • Tell students that the case study will provide background for today’s lesson.
     • Have students read it silently. (approx. 4-5 min.)
       
       
  3. Then, discuss these questions, as a class:
     • What dangers do Donna and Jayden face? (ex. pathogens, scalpels and other sharp tools, chemical cleaners, hot water/steam)
     • What equipment (PPE) might they wear to protect themselves?
     • Why might they need to use chemical cleaners instead of putting instruments into the autoclave? (because they are heat-sensitive and could be damaged)
     • Some chemicals are dangerous. How do healthcare workers know the dangers of using a particular chemical? How would they know what PPE should be used?
       
       
  4. Introduce Safety Data Sheets:
     • The teacher will display the “Safety Data Sheets Handout” and review it with students.
     • optional: Provide students with a copy to use as a reference for the activity.
     • Note: If your students are not familiar with the OSHA Hazard Communication Pictograms, this would be a good time to review them.
       
       
  5. Activity: Using Safety Data Sheets
     • Students will work in pairs to research chemicals used in healthcare.
     • Pass out the “Researching Safety Data Sheets” paper to each pair of students.
     • Students will use the internet to research safety data sheets for specific chemicals used in healthcare.
       • The worksheet includes: the name of the chemical, use(s) of the chemical, hazards/dangers of the chemical, and protection/prevention (inc. PPE)
       • Chemical list: Alconox, Ethylene Oxide, Glutaraldehyde, Peracetic Acid, Hypochlorous Acid
     • Answer key provided: Answer Key for Researching Safety Data Sheets
       
       
  6. Closure: Follow-Up discussion: (Discuss these questions with the whole class.)
     • What information is on a Safety Data Sheet?
     • Why is it important to know that information?
     • How might Jayden use a Safety Data Sheet?

• Teacher Notes

  
  
  • The teacher may want to introduce (or review) the OSHA Hazard Communication Pictograms prior to this lesson as they are often included on Safety Data Sheets. Videos, images, and information about each of the pictograms are available online.
  • The research activity is designed for students to work in pairs. The teacher should set up groups in advance.
  • Note: Please review guidelines for group work, such as remaining on-task, positive/encouraging team talk, flexibility, equal participation, etc.
  • Lesson pacing: 5 minutes for the warm-up, 10 minutes for the case study and discussion questions; 10-15 minutes to introduce safety data sheets (and review OSHA pictograms, if needed); 25 minutes for the research activity; 5 minutes for follow up discussion
  • The teacher can informally assess learning through group discussion and observation of students during the research activity. The teacher can formally assess students through their answers on the assignment/worksheet.

• Optional

  
  

  Extension Ideas:

  • Play a “day in the life of a sterile processing technician” video for the class.
  • Invite a sterile processing technician to be a guest speaker.
  • Find and play a video about Safety Data Sheets.
  • Have students look at labels on home cleaning products to identify dangers and strategies to protect someone when using them, such as PPE and ventilation. Handout “Exploring Home Cleaning Products” provided.