[Summary of recommendations for a rational implementation of the ministry of health guidelines on the prevention of occupational risks in handling antineoplastic agents].

The Italian Society of Preventive Medicine for Health Care Workers has examined the guidelines recently published by the Italian Ministry of Health for implementation of safe handling practices for antineoplastic drugs and produced recommendations. On the basis of literature data and the field research carried out by the Society, different aspects covering risk assessment, environmental and biological monitoring, workplace and individual protection measures, education and training of health care and technical personnel, health surveillance programs, were focused on. The creation of a single central unit for preparing antineoplastic drugs or at least a drastic reduction in the number of preparation units currently operating in each hospital are the most relevant objectives of both the guidelines and the Society document. This must be accompanied by correct management of technical and organizational measures, improvement of safety and health of personnel involved in different activities and reduction of the number of exposed subjects. Finally the importance is stressed of clear specific mandatory procedures with which to manage and control the different aspects of job organization.