<p> Handling and storing pharmaceuticals</p><p>When handling pharmaceuticals, it is important to prevent contamination by:  always washing hands after using medicines  never self-administering veterinary medicines  taking care with a needle and loaded syringe  using proper technique when handling medicines  reading the label on the bottle before use  correctly storing and disposing of medicines. </p><p>Storage of poisons and restricted substances</p><p>Substances specified in Schedules 3, 4 and 7 of the Poisons list are to be stored in a part of the premises which is not accessible by the public. For example, consultation rooms are accessible by the public and should not be used for storing poisons.</p><p>Schedule 6 poisons, excluding those packed and labelled for internal use in animals, are required to be stored either:  in a place to which the public does not have access, eg a storeroom, or  at least 1.2 m above the floor and at least 1.2 m away from any step, stairway, etc to which the public has access, except those which are packed in containers of five litres/five kilograms or more, or those preparations, which are packed in containers with child-resistant closures.</p><p>Restricted or dispensed chemicals The veterinarian is the only person legally allowed to dispense restricted or controlled drugs. </p><p>It is illegal for an unregistered assistant—for example a veterinary nurse or any other staff member—to supply these substances in the absence of the veterinary surgeon, without his or her consent. </p><p>1 © NSW DET 2007</p><p>Labelling of dispensed pharmaceuticals</p><p>All scheduled poisons must be labelled according to the following criteria if they are transferred to any other container. Reference to the label of a product will usually indicate the poisons schedule classification applicable to that product.</p><p>Dispensed chemicals or pharmaceuticals should be labelled with details including:  the words ‘KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN’ in red on a white background  the name of the animal’s owner and the species of animal  the substance and the quantity dispensed  adequate directions for use. These should be explicit as people tend to forget verbal directions  the name and address of the veterinary surgeon  the word ‘POISON’ in red for external use medicines  any OHS requirements  dispensing date.</p><p>Once a chemical has been decanted into another container, as can be seen in this photo, ensure that it is also correctly labelled and stored.</p><p>Note: Medicines used for treating cancer are cytotoxic (destroy cells) and have special handling, storage and disposal requirements. These should only be handled with supervision and suitable PPE.</p><p>Handling chemicals  Always read the label. There is safety information on that label and you should read it BEFORE using the substance. </p><p>2 © NSW DET 2007</p><p> Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)—these can be obtained from manufacturers and list safety precautions, as well as what to do in an emergency.  Follow safety procedures according to manufacturers’ directions.  Replace caps after use. Never leave containers without lids securely on.  Store out of reach of children, at or below eye level and well away from food and drinks. </p><p>3 © NSW DET 2007</p>