The risk of being exposed to bloodborne infections at work is present for about 5.5 million workers, as reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Most of these people are employed in the healthcare sector, but there is also risk for those in support areas like logistics, transportation, and specialized waste management. OSHA regulations mandate that employers control the hazard to safeguard these personnel, especially when performing hazardous waste handling jobs.
Here is a quick overview of OSHA biohazard waste disposal requirements, which are based on publicly available OSHA regulations, but should not be construed as legal advice. Here are some important terminology, though, before we talk about these restrictions.
Definitions of Biohazard & Bloodborne Pathogen According to OSHA
"Infectious agents presenting a risk of death, injury, or illness to employees" is how OSHA defines biohazards. Contrast that with OSHA's definition of bloodborne pathogens, which is the category under which OSHA enumerates numerous regulations governing biohazard waste disposal. "Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans" are examples of bloodborne pathogens. This comprises viruses and other pathogens that can cause anything from hepatitis B and C to AIDS. Therefore, although bloodborne diseases pose a risk, there exist other biohazards as well. As we examine OSHA's biohazard waste laws, bear that in mind. While many of them are contained in a section of bloodborne diseases, they can also protect against other biohazards if used properly. Moreover, keep in mind that although bloodborne pathogens originate from blood, they can also be found in other body fluids and tissues, which means that most body-related wastes can be cleaned using OSHA's bloodborne pathogen requirements. Guidelines Applicable To The Handling Of Biohazardous Waste
The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act of 1970 grants OSHA the authority to address hazardous working circumstances in the United States, regardless of whether the regulations specifically address them or not. A location of employment and employment itself must be free from known dangers that are causing or are likely to cause death or significant physical harm to employees, according to the paragraph. This section may apply to pathogens spread by biohazardous wastes, and OSHA has the authority to cite workplaces that do not offer appropriate precautions. Nonetheless, three specific standards in the OSHA regulations specifically address the risks associated with biohazard waste:
Bloodborne Pathogens (1030): This is the primary legal source for OSHA's biohazard waste disposal rules, which include extensive information about the best ways to prevent infections while working.
1910.132 thru 1910 Personal Protective Equipment: Standards, 1910 Subpart I.140 spoke about the personal safety equipment (PPE) that companies have to give their employees, particularly PPE that guards against infections linked to biohazards.
145 - Requirements for tags and signs that avoid accidents: This standard establishes specifications for the signs and labeling designating a material as a dangerous biohazard.
Some Key Takeaways from All Three of the Above Standards
1- Handle all blood materials as though they contain bloodborne pathogens
OSHA regulation 1910.1080(d)(1) requires conforming employers to implement a universal precautionary policy when managing pertinent biohazards. Accordingly, "all human blood and certain body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, HBV, and others." Put otherwise, assume that bodily fluids and items containing them are contagious whenever in doubt.
2- For each employee create and maintain an official exposure control plan
"Recklessly anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties" is how OSHA defines occupational exposure to biohazards. Most certainly, this applies to every employee that deals with biohazardous trash. You must maintain an exposure control plan if any of your employees are exposed to hazardous materials at work.
3- Particular containers must be used for the handling & disposal of bloodborne biohazard wastes.
Standard 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiii)(A) states that handling biohazard material does not call for using any old trash bag. These containers need to be constructed with a leak-proof design and a dependable closing mechanism that stays closed while being handled, stored, or transported. For easy identification, these biohazard waste containers need to be labeled and/or color-coded. Signs on "equipment, containers, rooms, materials, experimental animals, or combinations thereof, which contain, or are contaminated with viable hazardous agents" must bear the biohazard logo, per Standard 1910.145(e)(4).
4- Give workers the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
The last line of defense against occupational pathogen exposure is appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and waste-handling personnel are usually among the employees who need it. The PPE, which may contain, among other things: must be paid for by employers such as aprons or gowns, gloves, goggles, and face shields. Standard 1910.1030(d)(3) contains the PPE requirements for protection against bloodborne infections. However, employers of cleaning personnel are also subject to 1910 Subpart I, the PPE regulations for general industry. The chemicals and disinfectants used to remove biohazards can harm mucous membranes, skin, and eyes. To make sure that both of the OSHA laws are followed, refer to Subpart I of the 1910 standards.
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