Working with Chemicals
Inhalation is the most common route of exposure to chemicals in the typical University working environment. The use of safe work procedures and facilities such as local exhaust ventilation will provide protection. Skin absorption and ingestion are generally less significant routes of exposure, provided safe work procedures are observed. Everyone is required to use appropriate safe work procedures in accordance with the applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) when handling chemicals.
Exposure to chemicals at levels below recognized exposure limits should not present a risk to you or your foetus during pregnancy or while breast feeding, however once you know you are pregnant, you are encouraged to advise your supervisor, or the UWA Medical Centre or your own medical practitioner as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about a chemical you are using, or the procedures for its safe use during pregnancy or while you are breast- feeding, you should seek advice straight away.
Working with Animals
If you work with animals you have an increased risk of acquiring infections from these animals. While maintaining safe work procedures can reduce the risk of infection, special care must be taken to prevent infections that could have serious effects on foetal development. For example, cats may harbour Toxoplasma gondii while pregnant sheep may carry Chlamydia psittaci. If you work with cats or sheep, or with any animal that you may feel may adversely affect your pregnancy, you should seek advice straight away.
Working with Ionising Radiation
Levels of exposure to ionising radiation that do not present a hazard to a pregnant woman may be of concern to the developing foetus, particularly between 8-25 weeks gestation. As many women are uncertain of their conception during the early weeks of pregnancy, special consideration must be given to the use of ionising radiation. It is very important for you and your foetus that you notify your Supervisor, Radiation Safety Officer or the Safety and Health Office as soon as you can, to ensure that your work is assessed and modifications promptly made to reduce any radiation exposure.
If you work includes using ionising radiation and you become pregnant, you have a choice to either continue working with ionising radiation or take on other tasks. It is possible to work with ionising radiation provided that the Radiation Safety Officer and / or the Safety and Health Office has undertaken an assessment and has defined the actions that must be taken to ensure that the risk to you and your foetus is as low as possible. If you work with non- ionising radiation and you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, then you should seek advice.
Undertaking Manual Handling
Pregnancy brings many changes that are limited to the duration of the pregnancy and a short time following.
A review of tasks undertaken to identify a potential manual handling hazards, needs to be assessed. Some practical control measures that can be implemented include:
- Review the work tasks undertaken to avoid heavy work duties, in particular avoidance of extremely heavy physical exertion in early pregnancy and a reduction of the physical workload after the third month and again after the six month of pregnancy
- Provision of rest breaks during the day and
- Changing working hours (by agreement)
Working with Computers
A good posture always is one in which you are comfortable and well supported by properly adjusted furniture.
Immunisation
Although the use of many vaccines during pregnancy is contradicted on theoretical grounds, there is no convincing evidence that pregnancy, in itself, should constitute an absolute contraindication to the use of standard vaccines.
Pregnant employees should not be assigned to the direct care of patients with HIV/AIDs.
If you are considering becoming pregnant, you should speak with your doctor about the kind of work you do and your immunisation status. Ideally you should have all the vaccinations you require for your work environment prior to becoming pregnant.
Most vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy but some are regarded as safe while breastfeeding. If you have any concerns about immunisation that may be required for your work, you should seek advice straight away.
Breast- feeding and vaccination: There is no evidence of risk to the breast- feeding baby if the mother is vaccinated with any of the live or inactivated vaccines. Breast-feeding does not adversely affect immunisation and is not a contraindication for the administration of any vaccine to the baby.
Vaccine Immunisation
Cholera. There is no evidence of risk to the fetus. Cholera vaccine may be given to pregnant and lactating women
Diphtheria. Is safe in pregnancy and lactation
Hepatitis B. Is recommended for pregnant women at risk of hepatitis B
Immunoglobulins. No known risk to the fetus from passive immunisation of pregnant
women with Immunoglobulins
Influenza. Considered safe in pregnancy
Japanese Encephalitis. Is recommended for pregnant women at risk of acquiring JE
Meningococcal. No documented adverse events in pregnant women
Infections
MMR or rubella vaccine. All pregnant women should be tested for immunity to rubella, and susceptible women should be vaccinated immediately after delivery
Poliomyelitis vaccine. Can be administered to pregnant women who are at substantial risk of exposure to poliomyelitis infection
Q Fever. Review with medical practitioners
Rabies. Can be used as required
Tetanus. Is safe in pregnancy and lactation
Typhoid. Should be based on an assessment of the real risk of disease
Yellow Fever vaccine. Pregnant women who must travel to an area where the risk of yellow fever is high should receive yellow fever vaccine
Your Role in Ensuring a Safe Pregnancy
Speak with your treating doctor prior to becoming pregnant about the kind of work you do and your concerns.
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