WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HANDLE HAZARDOUS DRUGS THE RIGHT WAY
It takes more than gloves to stay safe. Here’s what goes into proper chemo handling.
Handling hazardous drugs isn’t your average task. It comes with real risks, and your gear needs to match the job. Whether you’re mixing, administering, or cleaning up, here’s what should be in your lineup and why it matters.
Why safety isn’t optional?
Exposure to chemo drugs can lead to skin issues, reproductive risks, and long-term health problems. That’s where USP 800 comes in. It sets clear guidelines for handling hazardous drugs so healthcare workers stay safe and protected.
THE GEAR THAT ACTUALLY PROTECTS
Gowns
Chemo gowns are different. They need to close in the back, fit snug at the wrists, and be made of a fluid-resistant material. Think of them as a barrier, not just a layer.
Gloves
Chemo-rated gloves are tested against real drug exposure. Always double up. Change them often. And don’t trust a glove that doesn’t clearly say it’s chemo-approved.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Splashes can happen in seconds. Keep goggles or a full face shield nearby any time there’s a risk of aerosol or liquid exposure.
WHY YELLOW MATTERS
You’ve seen the yellow bins. They’re hard to miss. But they’re not just there to stand out, they serve a specific, critical purpose.
Yellow containers are designed for chemotherapy waste. That means anything that’s come in contact with a hazardous drug: used gloves, gowns, tubing, wipes, packaging. If it’s even possibly contaminated, it doesn’t belong in the regular red sharps bin. Mixing the two can create serious risks such as cross-contamination, incorrect disposal, even regulatory violations.
Yellow keeps it clean. It signals extra caution to everyone handling waste, from nurses to janitorial staff.
When in doubt? Yellow it out!
SPILL KITS 101
Spills don’t happen often, but when they do, you need to act fast. A good spill kit helps you stay protected, clean up safely, and keep your team compliant.
Every kit should include chemo-rated gloves, a gown, face or eye protection, absorbent materials, waste bags, a scoop or scraper, and step-by-step instructions. If you’re scrambling to find these things during a spill, it’s already too late.
The Medline Chemo Spill Clean-Up Kit has it all. PPE? Check. Cleanup tools? Check. Compliance? Covered.
Keep kits where spills are most likely to happen; for example, pharmacy, prep areas, infusion rooms, etc., AND, make sure they’re checked regularly. Used one? Replace it immediately. No kit means no plan.
THIS IS WHAT WE DO.
Right Way Medical makes it simple to stay compliant and safe. We carry the full range of protective gear, from gloves to full spill kits, and we’re happy to help bundle it based on your workflow.
Need help knowing what to stock or when to replace it? Contact us! We’re more than a distributor—we’re a safety partner.
