Physical Therapy Practice Safety Protocols and Guidelines

1. Patient Assessment and Screening

Initial Evaluation

• Comprehensive medical history review
• Vital signs measurement protocol
• Fall risk assessment
• Red flag screening checklist

Ongoing Monitoring

• Regular reassessment schedule
• Documentation requirements
• Progress tracking protocols

2. Treatment Area Safety

Equipment Safety

• Daily equipment inspection checklist
• Calibration schedule
• Cleaning and sanitization protocols
• Equipment maintenance log requirements

Environmental Safety

• Non-slip flooring maintenance
• Adequate lighting standards
• Emergency exit accessibility
• Treatment area spacing requirements

3. Emergency Response Protocols

Medical Emergencies

• Emergency response team roles
• CPR/First Aid certification requirements
• Emergency equipment locations
• Emergency contact procedures

Facility Emergencies

• Fire safety protocols
• Natural disaster procedures
• Evacuation routes and assembly points
• Emergency shutdown procedures

4. Infection Control

Standard Precautions

• Hand hygiene protocols
• PPE requirements and usage
• Surface disinfection procedures
• Waste management guidelines

Special Considerations

• Immunocompromised patient protocols
• Isolation procedures when needed
• Post-exposure protocols

5. Documentation and Reporting

Safety Incident Documentation

• Incident report forms
• Near-miss reporting procedures
• Follow-up documentation requirements

Quality Assurance

• Safety audit schedules
• Compliance monitoring procedures
• Staff training documentation

6. Staff Safety

Ergonomics

• Proper body mechanics guidelines
• Equipment handling procedures
• Workplace injury prevention

Professional Safety

• De-escalation procedures
• Personal safety guidelines
• Workplace violence prevention

7. Implementation and Training

Staff Training Requirements

• Initial safety orientation
• Ongoing safety education
• Competency assessments
• Annual review procedures