The following requirements include those that normally apply to medical and dental offices, whether there are 2 or 200 employees. Additional OSHA standards may apply to some offices. The complete text of the regulations can be found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR).

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

This is the most frequently requested and referenced OSHA standard affecting medical and dental offices. Some basic requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard include:

• A written exposure control plan, to be updated annually
   

• Use of universal precautions
   

• Consideration, implementation, and use of safer, engineered needles and sharps
   

• Use of engineering and work practice controls and appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, face and eye protection, gowns)
   

• Hepatitis B vaccine provided to exposed employees at no cost
   

• Medical follow-up in the event of an “exposure incident”
   

• Use of labels or color-coding for items such as sharps disposal boxes and containers for regulated waste, contaminated laundry, and certain specimens.

• Employee training.
   

• Proper containment of all regulated waste Hazard Communication
  (29 CFR 1910.1200)

The Hazard Communication Standard is sometimes called the “employee right-to-know” standard. It requires employee access to hazard information. The basic requirements include:

• A written hazard communication program
   

• A list of hazardous chemicals (such as alcohol, disinfectants, anesthetic agents, sterilants, mercury) used or stored in the office
   

• A copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical (obtained from the manufacturer) used or stored in the office
   

• Employee training Ionizing Radiation (29 CFR 1910.1096)

The Ionizing Radiation standard applies to facilities that have an x-ray machine and requires the following:

• A survey of the types of radiation used in the facility, including x-rays
   

• Restricted areas to limit employee exposures
   

• Employees working in restricted areas must wear personal radiation monitors such as film badges or pocket dosimeters
   

• Rooms and equipment may need to be labeled and equipped with caution signs

Exit Routes (29 CFR Subpart E 1910.35, 1910.36, 1910.37, and 1910.38 and 1910.39)
These standards include the requirements for providing safe and accessible building exits in case of fire or other emergency. It is important to become familiar with the full text of these standards because they provide details about signage and other issues. The basic responsibilities include:

• Exit routes sufficient for the number of employees in any occupied space
   

• A diagram of evacuation routes posted in a visible location.

Electrical (Subpart S-Electrical 29 CFR 1010.301 to 29 CFR1910.399)
These standards address electrical safety requirements to safeguard employees. OSHA electrical standards apply to electrical equipment and wiring in hazardous locations. If you use flammable gases, you may need special wiring and equipment installation.

OSHA Poster
Every workplace must display the OSHA poster (OSHA Publication 3165), or the state plan equivalent. The poster explains worker rights to a safe workplace and how to file a complaint. The poster must be placed where employees will see it. You can download a  free copy of the Federal OSHA poster here.

We help organizations evaluate and reduce their risk. Our services include:

• Pre-event audit

• Post-event recovery

• Emergency plan development

• OSHA compliance

• Employee Safety training (10 & 30 hour OSHA Authorized)

• Emergency action team development

Our OSHA trainers are available to help you.

It’s easy!  Simply call the office via our toll free number

or contact us via this secure form: