In response to various surveys and case-studies, several guidelines for the administration of antineoplastic and cytotoxic drugs in the workplace were published in the year 1986. Surveys of that time had lack of standardization in the use of personal protective equipments and the engineering controls. These fields have undergone several improvements in consequent years but the problem still exists. The proper knowledge of the disastrous effects of hazardous drugs on our lives together with the information collected from various research works have prompted the healthcare units to revise the guidelines for safe handling of hazardous drugs.

Recommendations made in recent guidelines are in parallel with current scientific knowledge. They cover all the occupational sectors where drugs are used in concentrations (potentially more hazardous form) such as hospitals, medical clinics and drug manufacturing companies. The measures that provide more protection to the employees working with pharmaceuticals are commonly employed.

The guidelines provide the criterias for the demarcation of drugs as hazardous and non-hazardous and the importance of workers education and the training sessions in handling the perilous drugs. It incorporates various new equipments and latest tools and techniques for the protection of employees engaged in handling of drugs. It also provides the updated information regarding the crucial aspects of medical surveillance and list out the currently used hazardous agents in the treatment procedures.

Provisions for the establishment of a suitable drug handling area and safe removal of contaminated waste are also included in the guidelines. Safety equipments such as closed transfer devices and biological safety cabinets are designed to protect workers from spilling and drippings of drugs while processing and transfer from one container to the other. Also annual evaluation and review of degree of implementation and effectiveness of the guidelines are to be made by drug safety and health plan.