What is a critical action before starting compounding hazardous drugs?

Conducting a thorough risk assessment is a critical action before starting compounding hazardous drugs because it helps to identify potential risks associated with handling these materials. Hazardous drugs can pose significant health risks to healthcare professionals, patients, and the environment if not managed properly. A comprehensive risk assessment evaluates the specific dangers presented by the drugs being compounded, as well as the necessary precautions and safety measures that must be implemented to mitigate these risks.

This process involves considering factors such as the toxicity of the compounds, exposure routes, and appropriate personal protective equipment and engineering controls that should be used. By performing this assessment first, compounding professionals can ensure that they are prepared to work safely and effectively, following established guidelines and standards set forth by organizations like the USP.

Gathering materials and informing staff are important steps in the process as well, but they do not address the fundamental safety concerns that could arise from operating without understanding the potential hazards. Similarly, while a neat workspace is essential for efficiency and preventing errors, it does not replace the necessity of a thorough risk evaluation when working with hazardous drugs.