Avian Influenza
Standards
This section highlights OSHA standards, directives, and other related information that may be applicable in the event of possible worker exposure to avian influenza viruses.
There is no specific OSHA standard covering avian influenza viruses; however, the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), which requires employers to furnish to each worker "employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm" may be cited where uncontrolled occupational hazards are present and no other OSHA standard is applicable to address those hazards.
There are some OSHA standards that may be applicable to certain aspects of controlling occupational exposure to avian influenza viruses. For example, requirements of OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I), for the use of gloves, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection may be applicable. If workers are exposed to human blood or other potentially infectious materials when evaluating or treating patients with suspected or confirmed avian influenza infection, or when handling laboratory specimens from these patients, the Bloodborne Pathogen standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requirements would be applicable. In addition, employers must also protect their workers from exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, employers must comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and other applicable OSHA chemical standards. For information about recording, posting, and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses as required by 29 CFR 1904, see OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements.
Section 11(c) of the OSH Act, 29 USC 660(c), prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for raising concerns about safety and health conditions. OSHA encourages workers who suffer such discrimination to submit a complaint to OSHA. Workers have 30 days to file their complaints.
Depending on the specific work task, setting, and exposure to other biological or chemical agents, some OSHA standards that may apply include:
OSHA Standards
General Industry (29 CFR 1910) |
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1910 Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment | ||
1910.132, General requirements. |
Related Information | |
1910.134, Respiratory protection. |
Related Information | |
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1910 Subpart J - General Environmental Controls | ||
1910.141, Sanitation. |
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1910 Subpart K - Medical and First Aid | ||
1910.151(c), Medical services and first aid. |
Related Information | |
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1910 Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances | ||
1910.1020, Access to employee exposure and medical records. |
Related Information | |
1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens. |
Related Information | |
1910.1200, Hazard Communication. |
Related Information | |
There are 22 OSHA-approved State Plans covering both private sector and state and local government workers, and there are six State Plans covering only state and local government workers. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements.
Additional Directives
Note: The directives in this list provide additional information that is not necessarily connected to a specific OSHA standard highlighted on this Safety and Health Topics page.
- Inspection Procedures for the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012). CPL 02-02-079, (July 09, 2015).
- Inspection procedures for the Respiratory Protection Standard. CPL 02-00-158, (June 26, 2014).
- 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I, Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry. CPL 02-01-050, (February 10, 2011).
- Rules of agency practice and procedure concerning OSHA access to employee medical records. CPL 02-02-072, (August 22, 2007).
- Recordkeeping Policies and Procedures Manual. CPL 02-00-135, (December 30, 2004).
- Enforcement Procedures for the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. CPL 02-02-069, (November 27, 2001).
These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or procedure, but they may not, in themselves, establish or revise OSHA policy or procedure or interpret the OSH Act. Note: The letters in this list provide additional information that is not necessarily connected to a specific OSHA standard highlighted on this Safety and Health Topics page.