Bio-hazards & OSHA standards
Specialized business sometimes have huge compliance requirement even if they are a relatively small operation. In this section we will review some specific OSHA requirements for Dental Offices. This topic can result in a complete book. We will attempt to outline some of the major compliance concerns.
Which OSHA standards apply?
Existing OSHA standards a dental office needs to be aware of and completely address are:
Hazardous Communications - Informing employees of all physical, chemical and environmental hazard concerns. OSHA's new Global Hazard Communication standard effects the compliance of all dental offices.
Typical actionable items:
Employer exposure control plans
Health & Safety Procedures
Dealing with sharps
Job safety postings
Blood borne Pathogens
Hazardous Material storage and waste disposal
Exposure Control Plan
Components of the plan:
Standard precautions
Engineering controls
Work practice controls
Personal protective equipment
Housekeeping
Disinfecting procedures
Sharps
Workplace administrative controls
Blood Bourne Pathogens Program
Elements of the BBP Program include:
Written exposure control plan
Training & training records
Hepititis B indoctrination & vaccination offer/declination format
Post exposure evaluation protocol
Exposure incident reporting and evaluation
Exposure risk determination
Hazard Communications Standard
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Developing a written Haz Comm program
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List of chemicals
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Developing proper chemical labels
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Employee training requirements
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Record keeping
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MSDS /SDS system for all chemicals