Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs in Veterinary Facilities

Learn how hazardous drugs commonly used in veterinary medicine can impact staff safety and long-term health. This training reviews real-world contamination studies, routes of exposure, and how hazardous drug residue can spread throughout veterinary facilities — even beyond treatment areas. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of current NIOSH and USP <800> safety recommendations, proper handling techniques, and the role Closed System Drug-Transfer Devices (CSTDs) like Equashield play in reducing workplace contamination. The session will discuss evidence-based strategies to better protect veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and support personnel who handle chemotherapy and other hazardous medications.

• Identify hazardous drugs commonly used in veterinary medicine and understand their potential health risks to veterinary staff.
• Recognize how hazardous drug contamination spreads throughout veterinary facilities and the most common routes of occupational exposure.
• Understand current NIOSH and USP <800> recommendations for safe handling, storage, administration, and disposal of hazardous drugs.
• Evaluate how Closed System Transfer Devices (CSTDs) help reduce surface contamination and improve staff safety during hazardous drug handling.