[Guidelines for the health protection and safety of workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs].

The guidelines must guarantee that occupational exposure to antineoplastic chemotherapeutic drugs is kept at the lowest level possible. Occupational exposure to these drugs can involve different categories of workers and different job tasks, such as stocking, preparation, administration, disposal, maintenance of safety cabinets and room cleaning where these activities are performed. Preventive measures should include the institution of "Centralized Units for handling antineoplastic chemotherapeutic drugs", where only specifically trained personnel are employed. Cleaning and decontamination procedures must be easily feasible and specific safety cabinets should be used in the rooms. Personnel must use adequate protective equipment and follow standardized working procedures. Information programs for the personnel should be carried out covering occupational risks, safe preventive measures and the explanation of environmental and biological monitoring.