A safe or an armoured cupboard is not only used to store valuable items, confidential documents or weapons. In some industries, having a safe deposit box is almost mandatory. This is the case in pharmacies, medical centres, veterinary surgeries and wherever medicines are sold in bulk. How to store anaesthetics safely and legally?
High safety standards
In pharmacies, doctor's surgeries and medical facilities of all kinds, there is no shortage of medicines, dangerous substances and medical devices of all kinds that must be kept under special protection. These include narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Such substances, as well as outdated and spoiled drugs, cannot be stored in the usual way. The minimum requirement is to store the above-mentioned substances in a specially designated, lockable room, and if there is no such room, a lockable metal cabinet must be installed. Even stricter restrictions apply to narcotic drugs. These drugs should be stored in special metal cabinets or safes for medicines permanently fixed to the wall or floor. But it does not end there, because in addition the pharmacy has to keep detailed records of narcotic drugs it has on stock. These obligations result from the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of Health on narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursors of category 1 and preparations containing these drugs or substances.
These records, as well as other documents with personal and confidential information, and cash – whether in pharmacies or any medical facility – should also be kept in a secure location. This makes asset management smooth and simple. This is very important, because not only do these places see a large number of patients and bystanders, but there is also a high turnover of staff, if only due to shift work. Such confusion is conducive to theft, loss, damage or loss of valuable items or dangerous substances.
You can read more about safes in medical stations and care homes in another text of our blog.
How to store pharmaceuticals
The Regulation of the Minister of Health does not specify precisely what technical requirements must be met by safes or metal cabinets intended for storing drugs in pharmacies and other medical establishments. All we know from the regulation concerning the basic conditions for running a pharmacy is that medicinal products and medical devices must be stored in a pharmacy in a manner which guarantees the maintenance of quality requirements established for the medicinal product or medical device. Nevertheless, in the offer of manufacturers of certified safes, such as Hartmann Tresore, you can find practical solutions dedicated to pharmacies and medical facilities.
These types of cabinets and safes for pharmaceuticals are designed to perfectly meet their specific needs. First of all, they protect pharmaceuticals from moisture, sudden temperature changes or UV radiation. The basis is proper ventilation. Most models can be fitted with optional thermostats or micro-air conditioners. In addition, they are equipped with convenient pull-out shelves or drawers for medicines. Thanks to their robust, well-thought-out construction, they protect these substances from what is most important – theft, destruction or loss. It is best to install such a safe in a place inaccessible to patients and bystanders.
Storage of endoscopes
Endoscopes are commonly used in hospital diagnostics or specialist clinics. They are precise and expensive devices and must not only be stored properly, but also protected against unauthorised access. These specialist safes enable safe storage and protection of practically any type of endoscopes in accordance with safety and hygiene standards.
Endoscope safes have vertical retractable partitions on which holders for hanging endoscopes can be installed. Both holders recommended by endoscope manufacturers and universal magnetic holders may be used. The holders can be removed and cleaned. Residual fluid is collected in a removable drip tray for easy disposal.
Choose a product to suit your needs
The specific nature of pharmacies, doctor's surgeries, clinics, hospitals, hospices and retirement homes means that safety issues are extremely important. The basis is the safe storage of medicines, which require special supervision, but also cash, documents or personal belongings of patients. Fortunately, with Hartmann Tresore's wide range of products, you can find the optimum solution for every facility and properly secure everything important for its smooth operation.
Check out also: Pharmaceutical law and safes – what is worth knowing?
