This section highlights OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to possible worker exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV).

OSHA Standards

There is no specific OSHA standard covering CMV. However, there are some OSHA standards that may apply to preventing occupational exposure to sources of CMV.

• OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I), which include requirements for when employees must use gloves and eye and face protection, may apply to protecting workers from CMV.
• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. The BBP standard applies to occupational exposure to some human body fluids, including blood and saliva in dental procedures, which can transmit CMV. The BBP standard also describes measures could serve as a framework to control non-bloodborne exposures, including to body fluids such as urine, feces, and saliva (except in dental procedures) to which the standard does not apply.

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.

Employers must also protect their workers from exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Employers should be aware that common sanitizers and sterilizers used by childcare workers to clean toys and other items could contain hazardous chemicals. 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. OSHA provides information about hazardous chemicals used in hospitals in the Housekeeping section of its Hospital eTool.

Paragraph 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 must file their complaints within 30 days after such violation occurs.

Depending on the specific work task, setting, and exposure to other biological or chemical agents, some OSHA standards that may apply include: