Transcript OSHA, MSDS, and other letters you should know

OSHA, MSDS, and other
letters you should know
OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health
Administration



www.osha.gov
Can be stiff penalties for noncompliance (up to $70,000)
OSHA Program

Has 4 basic parts:




Mandatory administrative tasks
and posting of required notices.
Evaluation of hazards and
selection of appropriate and
useable protection equipment.
Development and enforcement of
written plans for managing
hazardous materials or dangerous
tasks.
Documented, appropriate training
of employees on the hazards
associated with their job.
OSHA and veterinary medicine

Compressed air cylinders



Should be stored in a dry,
cool place, away from
potential heat sources.
Must be secured in an
upright position by
holder, bracket, chain or
strap.
Sign should identify
where these cylinders are
kept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEJGNLT
o84
Food and Beverages


Consumption of food
and beverages must be
limited to areas free of
toxic and biologically
harmful substances.
Staff lunches, drinks,
condiments and snacks
must be stored in an area
free from biological or
chemical hazards.
Housekeeping and Maintenance



Need to establish a good cleaning routine so
that hospital will stay clean even during busy
times.
Should be free from physical and health hazards
Should include tasks to be performed:
Daily
 Weekly
 Monthly
 Semi-annually

Administrative OSHA Policies






“It’s the law” poster must be prominently
displayed.
If OSHA lets you know of an inspection,
then you must notify employees of the date
and time that they may meet the compliance
officer.
Copies of citations for violations must be
posted for at least 3 days or until violation is
corrected.
Businesses with more than 11 employees
must maintain a log of related injuries and
illnesses and an injury and illnesses incident
report.
Appropriate warning signs should be
displayed.
Written plans for preventing fire, handling
chemicals, and prevention injury are
required for all workplaces with more than
10 employees.
Employer’s Rights

Rights:









Enforce workplace rules
Be present during an inspection or investigation.
Require a warrant for inspection.
Request postponement of inspection.
Expect that no trade secrets will be divulged
Consult an attorney
See any complaints
Have employees interviewed at a time that does not interfere
with staff member’s job
Right to appeal findings
Employer’s Responsibilities

Responsibilities
Provide a hazard free workplace
 Set and enforce safety rules
 Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with
proper instructions
 Provide training on any potential workplace hazards

Staff’s Rights









Work in a hazard free workplace
Be informed of their rights under OSH Act
Be informed of known hazards
Be provided with training and instruction on how to use PPE
View and have copies of OSHA standards
Access personal medical records that may be maintained as a
part of business
Be present during safety testing
Present complaints to employer or OSHA when hazard is
suspected.
Speak with compliance officer privately during inspection.
Staff Responsibilities







Read the OSHA poster
Comply with standards
Follow rules and regulations
Wear PPE while working
Report hazardous conditions
Report any job-related injury or illness to
employer and seek treatment
Cooperate with OSHA compliance officers
OSHA Inspections


Know who is allowed to admit inspectors.
On-site inspection must be triggered by at least one of the
following:






Written complaint and OSHA must believe that a safety or health danger
exists.
Complaint must allege that physical harm has occurred and that hazards
still exists.
Must allege imminent danger
Employer failed to provide adequate response to a compliant
Business has history of failure-to-abate citations during last 3 years.
Discrimination issues for filing complaints about OSHA standards
How to Survive Inspection









Be polite and cooperative
Verify credentials
Request that inspection take place at a more convenient
time
Make time for inspection
Take notes and pay attention during inspection
Have employees “stand-by” during inspection
Show officer only what he or she asks to see
Have copies of hospital policies readily available
Correct any violations immediately
Anesthetic Gases



Practices are expected to properly store, label and use
chemicals safely.
Should help to keep employee exposure under allowed
limits.
Should:




Have periodic monitoring of equipment and exposure levels.
Have proper ventilation.
Have proper scavenging systems.
Train staff appropriately.
Masking and Tank Induction




Make sure masks and tanks have tight-fitting seals
and are connected to scavenging systems.
Use proper fitting masks for patients
Only use masking procedures when medically
indicated
Remember to turn on oxygen, place mask, then
turn on gas, reverse order to remove mask.
Simple Anesthetic Exposure Badges




Used to help test
exposure to anesthetic
gases.
Can be obtained from
several labs.
Should be worn by a
typical employee on
typical workload day.
OSHA recommends
testing every 6-12
months.
Waste Anesthetic Gas Scavengers

Active Scavengers





Passive Exhaust



Fan in a box that creates
vacuum
Cost from $400-$1000
Will need maintenance and
replacement
Manual activation, must be
turned on
Channels gases through a tube
from patients diaphragm
Limited distance
Absorption


Charcoal absorption canisters
Should be monitored and
changed
Animal Handling and Husbandry



Animal related injury
number one injury in a
vet clinics
Potential of zoonotic
diseases
Training is a must with
new employees!!
Bathing, Grooming and Insecticides




Wear appropriate PPE.
Make sure that wet areas or dangerous areas are
identified.
All chemicals should be stored and labeled
properly.
Anything changed from one container to
another should be properly labeled.
Common Zoonotic Disease Factors



Be diligent with protection when handling known disease carriers.
Always wear PPE when unsure of a disease status.
Common diseases include:












Bacterial infections
Ringworm
Parasites
Mange
Leptospirosis
Toxoplasmosis
Cryptospiridiosis
Plaque
Lyme Disease
Brucellosis
Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae)
Rabies
HIV/ AIDs Risk



Always use precautions when dealing with other
team members bodily fluids.
Person with HIV or AIDs may be more
susceptible to other zoonotic diseases.
Can an employer ask HIV status?
Noise Hazards




Generally the kennel
area.
If prolonged exposure,
may be harmful.
Should be identified by a
sign and ear protection
should be provided.
Sound Panels may be
used to help reduce
noise.
Rabies Vaccine for Employees



OSHA does not require
the vaccine but it is
highly recommended.
Most vet schools require
the vaccine as a preemptive strike against
exposure.
Should be considered by
all employees that have
significant contact with
animals.
Personal Hygiene

Regular Hand washing is strongly encouraged
Before eating, drinking
 Before smoking
 Before leaving
 Before and after using restroom
 After handling specimens
 After handling animals

How to perform a thorough Hand
Washing






Wet both forearms with warm water
Apply a generous amount of disinfecting soap in the
palm of one hand
Using a vigorous motion, scrub each side of the hand,
between the fingers and at least halfway up the arm
If there is debris under the fingernails, use a hard pick
or stiff brush to remove matierial while soap is still on
the hands
Rinse both hands thoroughly with warm or tepid water
Dry both hands and arms with a towel or air dryer
Physical Injuries





Bites
Scratches
Use appropriate PPE
Have adequate training to avoid situations
Prevention is key!
Chemicals

Five Specific requirements that veterinary clinic must
follow:





1. Practice must have a written chemical plan.
2. A complete list of all hazardous chemicals must be
maintained.
3. The practice must maintain a library of material safety data
sheets.
4. All containers of hazardous chemicals must be properly
labeled.
5. The practice must train all staff members on the dangers
and safety aspects of the chemicals.
Ethylene Oxide









Form of sterilization procedure.
Not used as commonly today.
MUST be used with a ventilation system.
Link with cancer.
Fines associated with trying to shortcut the process.
OSHA requires monitoring to take place. Will use bade devices
to detect exposure levels.
Detailed written plan also required.
Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions.
Make sure to follow proper storage and training
recommendations.
Ethylene Oxide Continued

Emergency Plans
If exposed, adequate fresh air is the treatment of
choice.
 If irritation persists, consult physician.
 If in contact with liquid form, removal all
contaminated clothing and wash skin surfaces for 15
minutes.
 If in contact with eyes, use eyewash for at least 15
minutes and consult an ophthalmologist.

Bulk Chemicals



If more than 20 gallons,
should consult with fire
department about
storage.
Should make sure areas
with large amount of
chemicals are properly
identified.
Should have plans in
place if emergency
occurs for avoiding areas
with bulk chemicals.
Chemical Safety Training





Conduct training as soon after the person is
hired as possible.
Prepare workbook or handout for training.
Include worker’s rights.
Provide hospital policy copies.
Stress importance of PPE.
Determining Chemical’s Hazard

Health Hazard: chemical for which there is evidence that acute or chronic health
effects may occur in exposed employees. Falls into following categories:






Carcinogen
Toxic
Irritant
Sensitizer
Any agent which damages the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes.
Physical Hazard: chemical that is:









Combustible liquid
Compressed gas
Explosive
Flammable
Organic peroxide
Oxidizer
Pyrophoric
Unstable
Water-reactive
Hazardous chemical Labels





All chemicals should be
properly labeled
Should always label
secondary containers
No special labels are
required, but should be
uniform throughout practice.
If can’t physically label, use a
color code system.
If is a prescription, no
additional information is
needed than is what is found
on a customary prescription
label.
Formalin/Formaldehyde



Make sure properly identified and stored.
Keep least amount on hand as possible.
Wear Appropriate PPE.
Material Safety Data Sheets




Produced by the
chemical manufacturer.
Should be kept together
in one location.
Should be indexed in a
systematic way.
Call distributor or
manufacturer if need a
MSDS.
Exemptions








Hazardous waste- by EPA not OSHA
Tobacco products
Wood or wood products
Articles (what is product of hazardous materials)
Food, drugs, cosmetics or alcoholic beverages that are packaged
to be sold to consumers and that are not opened in the hospital.
Foods, drugs, cosmetics intended for personal consumption by
the employee while in the workplace.
Any common cleaner that is is used in way as is used by average
consumer.
Any drug sold in final solid form to client for immediate
consumption by patient.
Written Chemical Plan




Should be reviewed and revised often.
Should include hazardous material and what
PPE is recommended for use while using this
chemical.
Should describe training offered to employees
on a chemical.
Should outline MSDS system.
Eye wash devices





Mounted and eyewash
bottles.
Mounted stations should not
be on faucet used for bathing
animals because of exposure
to other chemicals.
Device should not be locked.
Hand held bottles are
designed for foreign bodies
and not chemicals.
Employees should be trained
as to location and operation.
Electricity






Hazards include electrical shock and physical
hazards.
May not have ground for electrical plugs.
May use extension cords, etc.
Inspect if circuit breakers trip often.
Check for damage or burnt cords and outlets
routinely.
OSHA requires adequate and reliable lighting for
all exits
Ergonomics



Repetitive movements.
Have computers and office equipment
comfortable and able to prevent injury.
OSHA requires adequate and reliable lighting
for all exits.
One- Hand Recapping of
Needles



Step 1 - Place the cap for the needle on a hard
surface like the countertop. Do not hold the cap
with your hand.
Step 2 - Hold the syringe by the barrel in your
fingertips with the needle pointing away from
you.
Step 3 - Place your fingertips on the counter
and "slide" your hand along the counter until the
needle is inside of the cap.

Step 4 - "Pick up" the cap with the needle. You
may now use your other hand to completely seat
the cap on the hub.