Where can I find references about safe handling of chemotherapy and other hazardous drugs?
Several excellent references related to safe handling of hazardous or cytotoxic drugs are available. The ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice (2009) includes current knowledge related to safe handling of hazardous drugs. It is also a great reference for nurses giving chemotherapy and biotherapy. Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs (2003) is designed to help to establish proper basic practice related to the handling of cytotoxic drugs specifically for nurses. Two other sources you should consult can be downloaded directly from the Internet. They are very technical and detailed, but are considered standards in the area. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Technical Manual on Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs (1999) contains the OSHA recommendations for handling of hazardous drugs. It can be viewed or printed from www.osha.gov. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Technical Assistance Bulletin on Hand
