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Managing cytotoxic medicines and related waste

Guidance to help employers control the risks of exposure to cytotoxic medicines and related waste. It may also help healthcare employees and service providers engaged by the employer (such as linen providers or waste collectors) and other duty holders including manufacturers and suppliers. It is not an operational manual.

 

Introduction to cytotoxic medicines  

An overview of cytotoxic medicines, including exposure risks and potential health effects.

Legal requirements for managing cytotoxic medicines  

Legal duties to handle, prepare, transport, administer and store cytotoxic medicines; dispose of related waste and manage spills.

Labelling of cytotoxic medicines  

The correct labels and product information to use on cytotoxic medicine and waste products.

Information, instruction, training and supervision  

Employer duties to ensure that employees are properly trained to handle cytotoxic medicines.

Managing the risks from handling cytotoxic medicines  

How to identify hazards and control risks when handling cytotoxic medicines.

Personal protective equipment for handling cytotoxic medicines  

Using PPE to help control the risks of handling cytotoxic medicines.

Storing, preparing and transporting cytotoxic medicines  

Risk control measures to safely store, prepare and transport cytotoxic medicines.

Administering cytotoxic medicines and caring for patients  

Risk control measures to safely administer cytotoxic medicines, and care for and transport patients.

Managing cytotoxic waste  

Risk control measures to safely identify, store and transport cytotoxic waste.

Managing cytotoxic medicine spills  

Risk control measures to safely deal with spills of cytotoxic medicine and related waste.

Handling cytotoxic medicines in veterinary practice  

Risk control measures for employees who use cytotoxic medicines to care for animals.

Information sources  

Links to other information on cytotoxic medicines, including legislation, standards, codes of practice, other guidance and websites.

PDF version

Managing cytotoxic medicines and related waste (PDF version)  

Advice to employers on how to prevent exposure to cytotoxic medicines and related waste.