Hospital-wide Hazards » Biological Hazards – Infectious Diseases

Workers in hospital settings may be exposed to a variety of common and emerging infectious disease hazards, particularly if proper infection prevention and control measures are not implemented in the workplace. Examples of infectious disease hazards include seasonal and pandemic influenza; norovirus; Ebola; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), and other potentially drug-resistant organisms.

Infectious diseases are caused by agents that are transmissible through one or more different routes, including the contact, droplet, airborne, and bloodborne routes. The transmission of infectious agents through the bloodborne route—a specific subset of contact transmission—is defined in the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 ().

An effective infection control program normally relies upon a multi-layered and overlapping strategy of engineering, administrative and work practice controls, and PPE. It is OSHA's intent in this eTool to highlight some – not all – of the controls that would be necessary to the development and implementation of an effective program. Implementing the controls highlighted here alone will not typically protect workers from infection hazards.

Follow standard and transmission-based precautions to prevent worker infections (see also the OSHA page: Worker protections against occupational exposure to infectious diseases). Early identification and isolation of sources of infectious agents (including sick patients), proper hand hygiene, worker training, effective engineering and administrative controls, safer work practices, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), among other controls, help reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents to workers.

Employers must comply with the BBP standard to the extent that there is "occupational exposure" (i.e., to the extent workers should reasonably anticipate contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that may result from the performance of duties). Employers must also comply with the PPE Standard, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, and the OSH Act's General Duty Clause, 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1), to protect their workers from infectious disease hazards. The General Duty Clause requires each employer to "furnish to each of his employees 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 to his employees."

OSHA provides agent-specific guidance for a variety of pathogens that workers in hospital settings may encounter. See OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages for Biological Agents and Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention for additional information.

Hazard

Exposure of workers to pathogens, e.g., Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Nosocomial infections are infections that occur from exposure to infectious organisms found in facilities such as hospitals. Healthcare workers are exposed to these organisms and can then become infected and/or become carriers and spread the infection to other staff and patients.

Requirements under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

  • Establish Universal Precautions:
    • Universal Precautions: An approach to infection control that treats all human blood and certain human bodily fluids as if they were infectious for HIV and HBV or other bloodborne pathogens. [29 CFR 1910.1030(b)]
    • The requirement to use Universal Precautions in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(1)] means implementing the precautions required by the standard (e.g., engineering and work practice controls, appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, and gowns) whenever there is exposure to blood or OPIM (or in some cases other body fluids).
    • Alternative concepts in infection control are called Body Substance Isolation and Standard Precautions. These alternatives define all body fluids and substances as infectious, and OSHA permits the implementation of these approaches, as an alternative to universal precautions, provided that facilities utilizing them adhere to all other provisions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
  • All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering, and generation of droplets of these substances. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(xi)]
  • Ensure that employees use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), (e.g., gloves, gowns, face masks), as required by the standard, when there is anticipated blood or OPIM exposure. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ii)]
  • Provide handwashing facilities (see definition in standard) which are readily accessible to employees. Ensure that employees wash their hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment, and that employees wash hands and any other skin with soap and water, or flush mucous membranes with water immediately or as soon as feasible following contact of such body areas with blood or other potentially infectious materials. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(iii), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(v), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi)]
    • If there has been no occupational exposure to blood or OPIM,(as defined in 29 CFR 1910.1030(b)), the use of alcohol-based hand cleansers, as described in the 2002 CDC “Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings,” would be appropriate.

OSHA requires employers to ensure that the biosafety officer or other responsible person conducts an exposure determination to determine the exposure of workers to blood or OPIM throughout the hospital setting. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)].

Recognized Controls and Work Practices (For Use Even When the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Does Not Apply)

  • Use appropriate handwashing.
    • According to the CDC, appropriate handwashing results in a reduced incidence of both nosocomial and community infections. Guidelines from national and international infection prevention and control organizations have repeatedly acknowledged that handwashing is the single most important procedure for preventing infections (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety; CDC). Despite this, compliance with handwashing by healthcare providers is poor (CDC).
    • Handwashing with plain soap (detergents) effectively removes most transient microbial flora. The components of good handwashing include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create some friction, and rinsing under running water. The mechanical action of washing and drying removes most of the transient bacteria present.
    • Washing hands as promptly and thoroughly as possible between patient contacts and after contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and equipment or articles contaminated by them is an important component of infection control and isolation precautions.
  • Wear gloves. In addition to handwashing, gloves play an important role in reducing the risks of transmission of microorganisms. Gloves are worn for three important reasons in hospitals:
    • First, gloves are worn to provide a protective barrier to prevent contamination of the workers' hands.
    • Second, gloves are worn to reduce the likelihood that microorganisms present on the hands of personnel will be transmitted to patients during invasive patient-care procedures, as well as patient-care procedures that involve touching a patient's non-intact skin.
    • Third, gloves are worn to reduce the likelihood that hands of personnel contaminated with microorganisms from a patient or object can transmit these microorganisms to another patient. To prevent this, gloves must be changed between patient contacts and hands washed after gloves are removed.
  • Wearing gloves does not replace the need for handwashing, because gloves may have small, non-apparent defects or may be torn during use, and hands can become contaminated during removal of gloves.
  • Failure to change gloves between patient contacts is an infection control hazard.

Additional Information

In this module, OSHA provides additional guidance specifically for:

Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (e.g. Ebola). [29 CFR 1910.1030(b)]

Hazard

Exposure of workers to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in the hospital.

Requirements under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires precautions when there is occupational exposure to blood or OPIM (as defined by the standard). Under the standard, OPIM means (1) the following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids; (2) any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); and (3) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV.

OSHA requires employers to:

  • Ensure that the biosafety officer or other responsible person conducts an exposure determination to determine the exposure of workers to blood or OPIM throughout the hospital setting. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)].
  • Use engineering and work practice controls
    • Engineering (e.g., engineered safer needle devices and sharps) and work practice controls must be the primary means to eliminate or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Where engineering controls, including SESIP (Sharps with Engineered Sharps Injury Protection) will eliminate or minimize employee exposure, either by removing or isolating the hazard, they must be used. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)]
    • All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering, and generation of droplets of these substances. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(xi)]
  • Ensure that employees use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), (e.g., gloves, gowns, face masks), as required by the standard, when there is anticipated blood or OPIM exposure. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ii)]
  • Provide handwashing facilities (see definition in standard) which are readily accessible to employees. Ensure that employees wash their hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment, and that employees wash hands and any other skin with soap and water, or flush mucous membranes with water immediately or as soon as feasible following contact of such body areas with blood or other potentially infectious materials. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(iii), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(v), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi)]
  • Ensure that employees discard contaminated needles and other sharp instruments into appropriate containers immediately or as soon as feasible after use. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)]
  • Establish a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The ECP must contain, among other elements, annual documentation of consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to blood and OPIM. Solicit input from non-managerial employees responsible for direct patient care who are potentially exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps in the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering and work practice controls. Document the solicitation in the Exposure Control Plan. Any change to the use of engineering controls (and any other change affecting exposure) must also be reflected in the ECP. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)]
  • Establish Universal Precautions:
    • Universal Precautions: An approach to infection control that treats all human blood and certain human bodily fluids as if they were infectious for HIV and HBV or other bloodborne pathogens. [29 CFR 1910.1030(b)]
    • The requirement to use Universal Precautions in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(1)] means implementing the precautions required by the standard (e.g., engineering and work practice controls, appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, and gowns) whenever there is exposure to blood or OPIM (or in some cases other body fluids).
    • Alternative concepts in infection control are called Body Substance Isolation and Standard Precautions. These alternatives define all body fluids and substances as infectious, and OSHA permits the implementation of these approaches, as an alternative to universal precautions, provided that facilities utilizing them adhere to all other provisions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
  • Establish and maintain a sharps injury log for recording needlestick/sharps injuries. [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(5)] The confidentiality of the injured employee must be protected.
  • Make immediately available to an exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, after a report of a needlestick injury or other exposure incident. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)]
  • Obtain and provide the employee with a copy of the evaluating healthcare professional’s written opinion for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation, as required by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(5)] OSHA provides in this eTool a non-mandatory sample form to help employers comply with this requirement: Written Opinion for Post-Exposure Evaluation.
  • Offer the Hepatitis B vaccination, and ensure vaccination is performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician or by or under the supervision of another licensed healthcare professional, at no cost, to all employees who have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM, as required by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(1), 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)]
  • Provide BBP training to employees at the time of initial assignment where occupational exposure may take place and at least annually thereafter. [29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)]

Additional Information

Also see Hospital-wide Hazards - Universal Precautions.

Universal Precautions

Hazard

Increased risk of infection associated with employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens from blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) because of a failure to follow Universal Precautions.

Requirements under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

OSHA requires employers to:

  • Establish Universal Precautions:

OSHA requires employers to ensure that the biosafety officer or other responsible person conducts an exposure determination to determine the exposure of workers to blood or OPIM throughout the hospital setting. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)].

The CDC recommends Standard Precautions for the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status.

  • Standard Precautions apply to (1) blood; (2) all body fluids, secretions, and excretions, except sweat, regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood; (3) non-intact skin; and (4) mucous membranes. Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection in hospitals.
    • Standard precautions include, among other protections, the use of hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment (such as gloves, gowns, masks) and eye protection whenever touching or exposure to patients' body fluids is anticipated.
  • Transmission-Based Precautions (i.e., Contact Precautions, Droplet Precautions, and Airborne Precautions), are recommended for further protection beyond Standard Precautions to interrupt transmission of pathogens in hospitals.
    • Transmission-based precautions can be used for patients who are known or suspected to be infected or colonized with epidemiologically important pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne or droplet transmission or by contact with dry skin or contaminated surfaces. Use these precautions in addition to standard precautions.
      • Contact Precautions are used for infections, such as herpes simplex virus, which are spread by skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
      • Droplet Precautions are used for infections, such as influenza, which are spread in large droplets by coughing, talking, or sneezing.
      • Airborne Precautions are used for infections, such as chicken pox, which are spread in small particles in the air
  • Contact Precautions, Droplet Precautions and Airborne Precautions may be combined for diseases that have multiple routes of transmission. When used either singularly or in combination, they are to be used in addition to Standard Precautions.

Additional Information

Needlestick/Sharps Injuries

Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries that expose workers to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) continue to be a significant hazard for hospital employees. BBP are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and others.

Any worker handling sharp devices or equipment, such as scalpels, sutures, hypodermic needles, blood collection devices, or phlebotomy devices, is at risk. Nursing staff are most frequently injured. Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) data show that needlestick injuries occur most frequently in the operating room and in patient rooms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 385,000 sharps injuries occur annually among healthcare workers in hospital employees.

Hazard

Exposure to blood and OPIM from needlestick injuries due to:

  • Unsafe needle devices
  • Improper handling and disposal of needles

Requirements under Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

  • Use safer needle devices and needleless devices to decrease needlestick or other sharps exposures. See Safer Needle Devices section. In addition, proper handling and disposal of needles and other sharps according to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard can help prevent needlestick injuries.
  • Use engineering controls (e.g., safer needle devices) and work practice controls (e.g., altering the way a task is performed to reduce chance of injury such as prohibiting recapping of needles by a two-handed technique) to eliminate or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens [29 CFR 1910.1030(c), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)].
  • The risk of sharps injuries must be eliminated or minimized. Follow the applicable provisions of the standard. For example:
Sharps Containers
Sharp Containers

[29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)] Sharps containers must be:

  • Closable, puncture-resistant, and leak-proof on sides and bottom.
  • Easily accessible, maintained upright, and replaced routinely and not be allowed to overfill.
  • Labeled or color-coded according to 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(1)(i). Labels must:

Additional Information

Other Sharps Injury

Illustration of needleless I.V. connectors before and after connection

Take precautions with respect to all contaminated sharps, not just needles. "Contaminated Sharps" means any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin including, but not limited to, needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed ends of dental wires. [29 CFR 1910.1030(b)]

Hazard

Exposure to blood and OPIM through contaminated sharps, such as:

  • I.V. Connectors that use needle systems.
  • Broken Capillary Tubes.

Follow requirements of the Bloodborne Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) with respect to all "contaminated sharps." For example:

Additional Information

Safer Needle Devices

Hazard

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 385,000 sharps-related injuries occur annually among healthcare workers in hospitals. It has been estimated about half or more of sharps injuries go unreported (CDC). Most reported sharps injuries involve nursing staff, but laboratory staff, physicians, housekeepers, and other healthcare workers are also injured.

Controls

These injuries in the hospital setting could be prevented by using safer needle devices and following proper handling and disposal procedures. Safer needle devices, such as those that use a self-sheathing needle, have safer design features and built-in safety control devices to help prevent injuries before, during, and after use.

Following the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000, sharps-related injuries in nonsurgical hospital settings decreased 31.6% during 2001–2006 (CDC). However, injuries in surgical settings increased 6.5% in the same period, where adoption of safety devices was limited compared to nonsurgical settings (Jagger, et al., 2010).

Under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, employers must ensure employees use engineering controls, including safer needle devices, to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure.

  • There are different types of safety features that are available for safer needle devices, such as:
    • Needleless devices
    • Passive safety features, which remain in effect before, during and after use.
      • Devices with passive safety features typically have integrated safety design, a safety feature that is built in as an integral part of the device and cannot be removed. This design feature is usually preferred.
    • Active devices, which require the worker to activate the safety mechanism.
      • Active devices typically have accessory safety devices, safety features that are external to the device and must be carried to, or be temporarily or permanently fixed to, the point of use. This design is dependent on employee compliance and is less desirable.
  • The most desirable characteristics in safety devices include:
    • A device that is needleless.
    • The safety feature is an integral part of the device.
    • The device is easy to use and practical.
    • The device performs reliably.
    • The safety feature cannot be deactivated and remains protective through disposal.
    • The device works effectively and reliably, is acceptable to the healthcare worker, and does not adversely affect patient care.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for clearing medical devices for marketing in the U.S. It recommends sharps injury prevention devices that:
    • Can be activated with a single-handed technique, allowing the user’s hands to remain behind the exposed sharp.
    • Are easy to tell whether the sharps injury prevention feature is activated.
    • Fully retracts the sharp within the housing of the device; and
    • Cannot be deactivated once activated and remains in effect through disposal to protect users and trash handlers, and for environmental safety.
  • Examples of safety device designs
    • Needleless connector systems: Needleless connectors for I.V. delivery systems (e.g., blunt cannula for use with pre-pierced ports and valved connectors that accept tapered or luer ends of I.V. tubing) (Figure 1).
    • Self-sheathing safety feature: Sliding needle shields attached to disposable syringes and vacuum tube holders (Figures 2A and 2B).
      • Disposable scalpels with safety features such as a sliding blade shield (Figure 6).
    • Retractable technology: Needles or sharps that retract into a syringe, vacuum tube holder, or back into the device.
      • Syringe with a retractable needle (Figure 3).
      • Retractable finger/heel-stick lancets (Figure 8).
    • Self-blunting technology: Self-blunting phlebotomy and winged steel "butterfly" needles (a blunt cannula seated inside the phlebotomy needle is advanced beyond the needle tip before the needle is withdrawn from the vein) (Figure 4), (Figure 5).
    • Hinged safety feature: Hinged or sliding shields attached to phlebotomy needles, winged steel needles, and blood gas needles (Figure 7).
Example Devices with Safety Features
Figure 2A. Self Re-sheathing Needles. Before Use.

**

Figure 2B. Self Re-sheathing Needles. After Use.†

 

Self Re-sheathing Needles

 

As seen in this animation, initially the sleeve is located over the barrel of the syringe with the needle exposed for use.

  • After the device is used, the user slides the sleeve forward over the needle where it locks in place and provides a guard around the used needle.

 

Figure 3. Syringe with Retractable Needles. The used needle retracts into the barrel of the syringe.†

 

Syringe with Retractable Needles

 

As seen in this animation, after the needle is used, an extra push on the plunger retracts the needle into the syringe, removing the hazard of needle exposure.

 

Figure 4. Blunt-Tipped Blood Drawing Needles. Blood collection tube and blood drawing syringe.†

 

Blunt-Tipped Blood Drawing Needles

 

As seen in this animation, after blood is drawn, a push on the collection tube moves the blunt tip needle forward through the needle and past the sharp needle point.

The blunt point tip of this needle can be activated before it is removed from the vein or artery.

 

Figure 5. Winged Steel Needles. Blunt-tipped winged steel needle.†

 

Winged Steel Needles

 

As seen in this animation, after placement, the third wing is rotated to flat position which blunts the needle point before it is removed from the patient.

 

Figure 6. Re-sheathing Disposable Scalpels. Re-sheathing scalpel.†

 

Re-sheathing Disposable Scalpels

 

As seen in this animation, single-use disposable scalpels have a shield that is advanced forward over the blade after use, containing and removing the hazard.

 

Figure 7. "Add on" Safety Feature. "Add on" sliding shield.†

 

"Add on" Safety Feature

 

As seen in this animation, hinged or sliding shields attached to phlebotomy needles, winged steel needles, and blood gas needles, act as an "add on" safety feature.

 

Figure 8. Retracting Finger/Heel-Stick Lancets.†

 

Retracting Finger Prick Lancets

 

As seen in this animation, this single use lancet retracts automatically after use, containing and removing the hazard.

 

(These drawings are presented for educational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of a particular product).

† Please note: These safety devices lock in place and do not reset in actual use situations. The animation resets for viewer convenience only.

 

According to NIOSH's Preventing Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Settings, the process for selecting and evaluating needle devices with safety features includes these steps:

  • Form a multidisciplinary team that includes workers to:
    1. Develop, implement, and evaluate a plan to reduce needlestick injuries in the institution; and
    2. Evaluate needle devices with safety features. Solicit input from non-managerial employees responsible for direct patient care who are potentially exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps in the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering and work practice controls. Document the solicitation in the Exposure Control Plan. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)-(2)]
  • Identify priorities based on assessments of how needlestick injuries are occurring, patterns of device use in the institution, and local and national data on injury and disease transmission trends.
    • Identify injury patterns and accident analysis to determine if other training, procedures, or safer needle devices need to be used to prevent future accidents.
    • Give the highest priority to needle devices with safety features that will have the greatest impact on preventing occupational infection (such as hollow-bore needles used in veins and arteries).
  • When selecting a safer device, identify its intended scope of use in the healthcare facility and any special techniques or design factors that will influence its safety, efficiency and user acceptability. Identify published, Internet, or other sources of data on the safety and overall performance of the device.
  • Conduct a product evaluation, making sure that the participants represent the variety of eventual product users. The following steps will contribute to a successful product evaluation:
    • Train healthcare workers in the correct use of the new device.
    • Establish clear criteria and measures to evaluate the device for both healthcare worker safety and patient care.
    • Conduct onsite follow-up to obtain informal feedback, identify problems, and provide further guidance.
  • Monitor the use of a new device after it is implemented to determine the need for more training, solicit informal feedback on healthcare worker experience with the device (e.g., using a suggestion box), and identify possible adverse effects of the device on patient care.

Additional Information

Recordkeeping requirements for Bloodborne Pathogens

Employers are required to establish and maintain both medical and training records in accordance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030(h) and the Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records Rule, 29 CFR 1910.1020]

  • Medical records under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(1)] must be preserved and maintained for each employee with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 and must include:
    • The employee's name;
    • A copy of the employee’s hepatitis B vaccination status including the dates of all vaccinations and any medical records related to the employee's ability to receive vaccinations (see 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2));
    • A copy of all results of examinations, medical testing, and follow-up procedures conducted, following a report of an exposure incident, in connection with any post-exposure evaluations and follow-up procedures required by 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3);
    • With respect to each exposure incident, a description of the exposed employee's duties as they relate to the exposure incident, documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred, and results of the source individual's blood testing, if available (see 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(4)(ii)(B), (C), and (D)); and
    • The employer’s copy of the written opinion of the healthcare professional as required by 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(5).
  • Medical records under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(1)] must also:
  • Training records under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(2)] must be preserved and maintained for 3 years from the date the training occurred, and must include:
    • The names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions;
    • The dates and contents or a summary of the training sessions; and
    • The names and qualifications of all trainers.
  • Whenever an employer is ceasing to do business and there is no successor employer to receive and maintain the records subject to this standard, the employer must notify affected current employees of their rights of access to records at least three (3) months prior to the cessation of the employer's business [29 CFR 1910.1020(h)(2)].
  • The employer must ensure that all medical records required to be maintained under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(3)(iii)] be made available upon request to the subject employee, to anyone having written consent of the subject employee, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
  • The employer must ensure that all employee training records required to be maintained under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(3)(ii)] be made available upon request to employees, employee representatives, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.
  • The employer must establish and maintain a sharps injury log for the recording of percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(5)]. The information in the sharps injury log must be recorded and maintained in such manner as to protect the confidentiality of the injured employee. The log must contain, at a minimum:

NOTE: If an employer is not required to maintain a log of occupational injuries and illnesses under 29 CFR Part 1904, then this requirement does not apply [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(5)(ii)].

Additional Information

Personal Protective Equipment

Requirements under Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

  • Ensure that employees use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), (e.g., gloves, gowns, face masks), as required by the standard, when there is anticipated blood or OPIM exposure. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ii)]
    • Ensure that employees wear gloves when hand contact with blood, mucous membranes, OPIM, or non-intact skin can be reasonably anticipated, and when performing vascular access procedures, as required by the standard, or when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces. [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)]
  • Ensure that employees remove all PPE before leaving the work area [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(vii)], and that, when PPE is removed, it is placed in an appropriately designated area or container for storage, washing, decontamination or disposal [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(viii)].

Requirements under OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134

  • When relevant hazards are present, employers must comply with applicable provisions of OSHA's Respiratory Protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, including:
    • Following the hierarchy of controls required by the standard.
    • Providing appropriate respirators when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee(s).
    • Establishing and implementing a written respiratory protective program that includes the elements required by 29 CFR 1910.134(c).

Additional Information

Labeling and Signs

Requirements under Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can lead to liver damage and death. The annual number of occupational infections has decreased 95% since the Hepatitis B vaccine became available in 1982 (CDC, 2003). Hepatitis B vaccine immunizations and compliance with other provisions of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard may reduce infections.

Hazard

Exposure to potentially fatal bloodborne illness Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

Requirements under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires precautions when there is occupational exposure to blood or OPIM (as defined by the standard). Under the standard, OPIM means (1) the following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids; (2) any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); and (3) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV. OSHA requires employers to:

  • Ensure that the biosafety officer or other responsible person conducts an exposure determination to determine the exposure of workers to blood or OPIM throughout the hospital setting. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)].
  • Establish a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The ECP must contain, among other elements, annual documentation of consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to blood and OPIM. Solicit input from non-managerial employees responsible for direct patient care who are potentially exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps in the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering and work practice controls. Document the solicitation in the Exposure Control Plan. Any change to the use of engineering controls (and any other change affecting exposure) must also be reflected in the ECP. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)]
  • Establish and maintain a sharps injury log for recording needlestick/sharps injuries. [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(5)] The confidentiality of the injured employee must be protected.
  • Make immediately available to an exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, after a report of a needlestick injury or other exposure incident. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)].
    • Obtain and provide the employee with a copy of the evaluating healthcare professional’s written opinion for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation, as required by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(5)] OSHA provides a non-mandatory sample form to help employers comply with this requirement: Written Opinion for Post-Exposure Evaluation.
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination:
    • Offer the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to all employees who have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM, under the supervision of a licensed physician, as required by the standard [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(1), 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(i)]. The hepatitis B vaccine must be:
    • Ensure that those employees declining the hepatitis B vaccine sign the declination statement in 29 CFR 1910.1030 Appendix A [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(iv)].
    • The healthcare professional's written opinion for Hepatitis B vaccination shall be limited to whether Hepatitis B vaccination is indicated for an employee, and if the employee has received such vaccination. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(5)(i)] OSHA provides in this eTool a non-mandatory sample form to help employers comply with this requirement: Written Opinion for Hepatitis B Vaccination.
    • 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(D) takes into consideration the changing nature of medical treatment relating to hepatitis B. OSHA requires use of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) guidelines current at the time of the evaluation or procedure.
      • The current guidelines regarding hepatitis B vaccine as of the publication of this eTool are the Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis in MMWR, Vol. 50, No.11, June 29, 2001 and the CDC guidelines on the 2-dose Hepatitis B vaccine, found at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6715a5.htm, dated April 20, 2018.
      • The hepatitis B vaccination must be given in the standard dose and through the standard route of administration, per the recommendations in the guidelines. Employees who have ongoing contact with patients or blood and are at ongoing risk for percutaneous injuries must be tested for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen, one to two months after completing the final dose of either the two- or three-dose vaccination series. Employees who do not respond to the primary vaccination series must be fully revaccinated with a second two-dose or three-dose vaccine series and retested. Non-responders to the second series must be medically evaluated.
      • Also per the guidelines, timely hepatitis B post-exposure prophylaxis must include hepatitis B immune globulin and/or hepatitis B vaccine series after evaluation of the hepatitis B surface antigen of the source and the vaccination and vaccine-response status of the exposed person. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(D)]

Additional Information

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV infection has been reported following occupational exposures to HIV-infected blood through needlesticks (0.23% risk of infection if untreated, according to the CDC). Currently no vaccine exists to prevent HIV infection, and no treatment exists to cure it.

Hazard

Worker exposure to potentially fatal bloodborne pathogen Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Requirements under Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

OSHA requires employers to:

  • Ensure that the biosafety officer or other responsible person conducts an exposure determination to determine the exposure of workers to blood or OPIM throughout the hospital setting. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)].
  • Establish a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The ECP must contain, among other elements, annual documentation of consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to blood and OPIM. Solicit input from non-managerial employees responsible for direct patient care who are potentially exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps in the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering and work practice controls. Document the solicitation in the Exposure Control Plan. Any change to the use of engineering controls (and any other change affecting exposure) must also be reflected in the ECP. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)]
  • Establish and maintain a sharps injury log for recording needlestick/sharps injuries. [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(5)] The confidentiality of the injured employee must be protected.
  • Make immediately available to an exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, after a report of a needlestick injury or other exposure incident. The initial medical evaluation often occurs in the emergency department. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)]
  • Under certain circumstances, provide post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV to healthcare workers who have an exposure incident. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)(iv)]

Additional Information

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States. After a needlestick or sharps exposure to HCV-positive blood, the risk of HCV infection is 0.1%. HCV infection often occurs with no symptoms, however chronic infection can develop that may lead to active liver disease. Currently there is no vaccine available for hepatitis C.

Hazard

Worker exposure to potentially fatal bloodborne pathogen Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), which is a major cause of chronic liver disease.

Requirements under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

  • Establish a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The ECP must contain, among other elements, annual documentation of consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to blood and OPIM. Solicit input from non-managerial employees responsible for direct patient care who are potentially exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps in the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering and work practice controls. Document the solicitation in the Exposure Control Plan. Any change to the use of engineering controls (and any other change affecting exposure) must also be reflected in the ECP. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)]
  • Establish and maintain a sharps injury log for recording needlestick/sharps injuries. [29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(5)] The confidentiality of the injured employee must be protected.
  • Make immediately available to an exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, after a report of a needlestick injury or other exposure incident. The initial medical evaluation often occurs in the emergency department. [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)]

OSHA requires employers to ensure that the biosafety officer or other responsible person conducts an exposure determination to determine the exposure of workers to blood or OPIM throughout the hospital setting. [29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)].

Additional Information

Ebola

Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) (sometimes called Ebola Virus Disease, or EVD) is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) brought on by any of several strains of viruses in the Ebola virus genus. Ebola viruses are capable of causing severe, life-threatening disease. The average case fatality rate for EHF is approximately 50%.

Workers performing tasks involving close contact with symptomatic individuals with EHF or in environments contaminated or reasonably anticipated to be contaminated with infectious body fluids are at risk of exposure. The most common routes of transmission of Ebola viruses are:

  • Contact of the eyes or other mucous membranes with blood or body fluids of a person or animal with Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF);
  • Contact with contaminated equipment or other objects; and
  • Ingestion of infectious blood or body fluids, e. g., after splatter.

It may be possible for Ebola virus to be aerosolized under certain conditions (CDC).

Hazard

Worker exposure to bloodborne pathogen with a high fatality rate Ebola (EHF).

Requirements under Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030

  • OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) covers occupational exposure to Ebola virus via the bloodborne route. Ebola is among the subset of contact-transmissible diseases to which the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies, as it can be transmitted by blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as defined in the standard.

Other OSHA Requirements

  • OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) also applies in situations where workers may be exposed to bioaerosols containing Ebola virus.
  • Other elements of infection control for Ebola, including a number of precautions for contact-transmissible diseases, are covered under OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standard (29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart I) and the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, which requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

CDC has established interim guidance for healthcare workers on Ebola, as well as information on specimen handling:

Hazard

Exposure of employees to Multidrug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) in hospital settings.

Common examples of these organisms include:

The CDC provides guidelines and recommends controls for MDRO hazards.

Additional Information

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus) is a type of bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) refers to types of S. Aureus that are resistant to methicillin, a type of antibiotic. MRSA is often resistant to other antibiotics as well. While 33% of the population is colonized with S. Aureus (meaning that the bacteria are present, but are not causing an infection), approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA. MRSA has emerged as one of the leading pathogens in healthcare-associated infections. Treatment options for MRSA are more limited and less effective than options available for S. aureus infections and result in higher morbidity and mortality.

Modes of Transmission of MRSA:

  • Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an MRSA infection
  • Contact with items and surfaces that have been exposed to MRSA

After exposure to MRSA, the employee can become infected or become a carrier. A person can carry MRSA, without symptoms, for a long time before getting sick. The distinction between MRSA colonization and infection is important.

Colonization and Infection:

  • Colonization means that the organism is present in or on the body but is not causing illness. Many patients who are admitted to the hospital may already be colonized. Exposure to these patients may result in colonization of healthcare workers having direct contact with these patients. A hospital employee who has been colonized can become a carrier and spread infection to other healthcare workers and patients.
  • Infection means that the organism is present and is causing illness.

Risk factors for increasing the chance of both colonization and infection of these organisms include:

  • Severity of illness
  • Previous exposure to anti-microbial agents
  • Underlying diseases or conditions, particularly:
    • Chronic renal disease
    • Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
    • Peripheral vascular disease
    • Dermatitis or skin lesions
  • Invasive procedures, such as:
    • Dialysis
    • Presence of invasive devices
    • Urinary catheterization
  • Repeated contact with the healthcare system
  • Previous colonization by a multidrug-resistant organism
  • Advanced age
  • Compromised skin, such as cuts or abrasions
  • Crowded living conditions
  • Poor personal hygiene or a lack of cleanliness
Image of MRSA under microscope

Hazard

Exposure of employees to infections from multidrug-resistant organisms such as MRSA in the workplace. Employees can become infected or become carriers and spread infection to other healthcare workers and patients

Recognized Controls and Work Practices

Prevention of MRSA Infections

Take steps to decrease or minimize the spread of MRSA at the workplace as part of a comprehensive Safety and Health Management Program. Some steps are:

  • Place importance on worker safety and health in the workplace.
  • Ensure the availability of adequate facilities and supplies that encourage workers to practice good hygiene.
  • Ensure that routine housekeeping in the workplace is followed.
  • Ensure that contaminated equipment and surfaces are cleaned with detergent-based cleaners.
  • Disinfect with EPA-registered disinfectants where applicable.

Infection control is the key to stopping MRSA spread in healthcare settings. Appropriate controls include, but are not limited to:

Image of washing hands over sink
  • Ensuring that hospital employees practice good hand hygiene as well as good personal hygiene.
  • Keeping hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water is not immediately accessible;
  • Proper use of gloves and other personal protective equipment;
  • Keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed;
  • Avoiding direct contact with patients’ wounds or bandages; and
  • Cleaning contaminated equipment and surfaces with detergent-based cleaners and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants that are effective at removing MRSA from the environment.

    The CDC's recommendations for infection control for all patient care in hospitals consist of . The CDC also recommends in special cases, when the facility (based on national or local regulations) deems the multidrug-resistant microorganism is of special clinical and epidemiologic significance, until patients are culture-negative for the target MDRO. Also included are: improvements in hand hygiene, active surveillance cultures, education, enhanced environmental cleaning, and improvements in communication about patients with MDROs within and between healthcare facilities.
Image of a doctor and patient talking

Additional Information:

Seasonal influenza is a respiratory illness that typically occurs every fall and winter in the United States. Outbreaks are typically limited, as most people have some immunity to the circulating strains of the virus. A vaccine is prepared in advance of influenza season that is designed to match the influenza viruses most likely to be circulating in the community.

Pandemic influenza refers to a worldwide outbreak of influenza that occurs when a new strain of the virus emerges that has the ability to infect humans and to spread from person to person. During the early phases of an influenza pandemic, when people might not have any natural immunity to the new strain, the disease could spread rapidly among the population. A vaccine to protect people against illness from a pandemic influenza virus may not be widely available until many months after an influenza pandemic begins.

It is important to emphasize that, as of the date of publication of this eTool, there is no current influenza pandemic. However, pandemics have occurred throughout history. Pandemics can vary in severity from something that seems simply like a bad flu season to an especially severe influenza pandemic that could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption and economic loss. The last pandemic occurred in 2009 and was mild compared to a severe pandemic that occurred in 1918. Although it is impossible to predict when the next pandemic will occur or whether it will be mild or severe, many scientists believe that it is only a matter of time before a severe pandemic occurs.

Emerging influenza strains may have pandemic potential. Pandemic influenza remains a concern for employers and workers. A pandemic can occur at any time and can be mild, moderate, or severe. For more information, see the OSHA webpage on pandemic influenza.

The contribution of each route of exposure to influenza transmission (droplet, airborne, contact) is uncertain at this time and may vary based upon the characteristics of the influenza strain.

  • Influenza is thought to be primarily spread through large droplets (droplet transmission) that directly contact the nose, mouth or eyes. These droplets are produced when infected people cough, sneeze or talk, sending the relatively large infectious droplets and very small sprays (aerosols) into the nearby air and into contact with other people. Large droplets can only travel a limited range; therefore, to help avoid transmission during flu season and a pandemic, limit close contact (within 6 feet) with others when possible.
  • To a lesser degree, human influenza is spread by touching objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then transferring the infected material from the hands to the nose, mouth or eyes.
  • Influenza may also be spread by very small infectious particles (aerosols) traveling in the air.

Hazard

Workers who perform certain types of healthcare tasks for patients who may have the flu may be at a higher risk for exposure to the influenza virus, and additional precautions are needed. In addition to workers engaged in direct patient care, these tasks include workers engaged in aerosol-generating procedures, specimen analysis, and other patient support such as dietary and housekeeping services.

Recognized Controls and Work Practices

Take steps to decrease or minimize the spread of influenza at the workplace as part of a comprehensive Safety and Health Management Program. Some steps are:

  • Encourage workers to get vaccinated and make vaccinations available to workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) recommend that all U.S. healthcare workers get vaccinated annually against influenza.
  • Modify patient intake, triage, and other service areas to increase space between workers, coworkers, and patients and provide barriers against transmission when applicable (e.g., install sneeze guards or partitions).
  • If available, use airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs), for aerosol-generating procedures and limit the number of people present during the procedure.
  • Isolate and group flu patients when possible.
  • Limit patient transport. Conduct exams and procedures at the bedside, instead of transporting the patient to other areas of the facility. Place a surgical mask on the patient, if possible, when they are being transported out of the room.
  • Use closed suctioning systems to suction a patient's airways and use high quality filters on the expiratory port of ventilators, when available.
  • Limit the staff entering patient isolation rooms to only those necessary for patient care.
  • Restrict visits for patients in isolation.
  • Use proper respiratory and cough etiquette and encourage hand washing by patients and visitors.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after contact with patients, after using PPE, and after touching contaminated surfaces; use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
    • When using soap and water, rub soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds, rinse hands with water, and dry completely.
    • If soap and water are not available, use of an alcohol-based hand rub is helpful as an interim measure until hand washing is possible. When using an alcohol-based hand rub, apply liquid to palm of hand, cover all surfaces of the hands with the liquid, and rub hands together until dry.
  • Monitor yourself for symptoms of the flu, such as fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness).
  • Follow standard cleaning and disinfection methods.
  • Use a facemask when entering a flu patient's room. A facemask is not a respirator. It will not protect workers during aerosol-generating procedures, which may create very fine aerosol sprays. A facemask can only be used to protect workers from contact with the large droplets made by patients when they cough, sneeze, talk or breathe.
  • Use a respirator during aerosol-generating procedures; a fit tested N95 disposable respirator or better is needed.
  • Use gloves, gowns, and eye protection for any tasks that might cause contamination or create splashes.
  • Put on and take off protective equipment in the correct order to prevent contamination.
  • Use the appropriate Biosafety Level, in laboratories, when handling specimens from flu patients (i.e., patients known to have, or suspected of having, influenza).

While the recognized control and work practices that protect workers from exposure to seasonal and pandemic influenza are basically the same, consult the CDC's "Interim Guidance for Infection Control Within Healthcare Settings When Caring for Confirmed Cases, Probable Cases, and Cases Under Investigation for Infection with Novel Influenza A Viruses Associated with Severe Disease," in the event of an influenza pandemic to determine if any higher level precautions should be implemented (i.e., the use of respirators rather than surgical masks when HCWs are engaged in direct patient care).

Additional Information

Legionnaires' Disease is a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols and is often a result of poorly maintained air conditioning cooling towers and potable water systems. It can occur where water, contaminated with the legionella organism, is aerosolized and then breathed in by workers or patients. Legionnaires' Disease is not contagious but is of environmental origin. Consequently, only those who are directly exposed to the contaminated aerosolized water source can get the disease.

Hazard

Inhalation of the Legionella bacteria located in contaminated aerosolized water may cause Legionnaires' Disease. Exposure to the Legionella bacteria could occur in shower or whirlpool areas, or areas that use spray nozzles. Cooling towers, evaporative condensers, fluid coolers, and hot-water systems are water sources that frequently provide optimal conditions for growth of the legionella organism.

Recognized Controls and Work Practices

Maintenance of water systems:

  • Hot-water systems:
    • Store water at 60°C (140°F) and deliver it at a minimum of 50°C (122°F) to all outlets. (To avoid scalding problems install fail-safe scald protection equipment, such as preset thermostatic mixing valves.)
    • Where building cannot be retrofitted, consider periodically increasing the temperature to at least 70°C (158°F) for 24 hours, or chlorination followed by flushing for at least 20 minutes.
    • Inspect systems annually to ensure that equipment functions properly.
  • Cold-water systems:
    • Maintain cold-water lines below 20°C (68°F).
    • Eliminate water tanks that allow water to remain uncirculated for long periods or design them to reduce storage time to a day or less. Cover water tanks and protect them from temperature extremes.
    • Prevent cross-contamination of the domestic cold water system with other systems.
    • Use hyperchlorination to eradicate legionella if the cold-water lines have significant contamination.
  • Clean and disinfect cooling towers at least twice a year.
    • Use biocides periodically to control bacteria growth.
    • Provide visual inspection and periodic maintenance of the system to prevent buildup of scale and sediment and biofouling (the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals on wet surfaces), all of which support legionella growth.

Additional Information

Hazard

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread by airborne droplets generated when a person with TB disease coughs, speaks, sneezes, etc. Infection occurs when a susceptible person inhales droplet nuclei containing the bacteria, which then become established in the body.

TB transmission has been documented in healthcare settings where healthcare workers and patients come in contact with people who have TB disease (CDC). An additional hazard is present because of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB. MDR organisms are resistant to the drugs that are normally used to treat TB, such as Isoniazid and Rifampin (CDC).

Recognized Controls and Work Practices

The CDC discusses three levels of controls for TB infection in healthcare settings:

  1. Administrative controls to minimize the number of areas where exposure to TB can occur
  2. Environmental controls to reduce the concentration of TB
  3. The use of respiratory protection in situations that pose a high risk for exposure

Recognized controls and work practices include:

  • Providing and practicing early patient screening to identify potentially infectious patients, and provide isolation to prevent employee exposures. Consistent with CDC guidelines, "a diagnosis of respiratory TB disease should be considered for any patient with symptoms or signs of infection in the lung, pleura, or airways (including larynx), including coughing for ≥3 weeks, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, bloody sputum or hemoptysis, hoarseness, fever, fatigue, or chest pain."
  • Providing an area in the hospital that is ventilated separately for TB patients (i.e., patients with suspected or confirmed TB) in facilities in which TB patients are frequently treated. If this is not possible, ensuring that TB patients wear surgical masks, stay in general-use areas the minimum amount of time possible, and be transferred promptly to isolation rooms.
  • Healthcare facilities serving populations that have a high prevalence of TB may need to supplement the general ventilation or use additional engineering controls in general-use areas where TB patients are likely to go (e.g., waiting-room areas, emergency departments, and radiology suites). These engineering controls include:
    • A single-pass, non-recirculating system that exhausts air directly to the outside.
    • A recirculation system that passes air through HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters before re-circulating it to the general ventilation system.
  • Providing worker education, informational materials, and training about TB relevant to employees' work (e.g., symptoms, transmission, controls, and post-exposure protocols), as well as training specifically required by OSHA standards, as applicable. For more information see OSHA Directive CPL 02-02-078.

Requirements under OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134

Other OSHA Requirements

  • Post a warning sign outside the ED respiratory isolation room to prevent accidental entry. [29 CFR 1910.145(a)(1)] 29 CFR 1910.145(e)(4) requires that a biological hazard warning shall be used to signify the actual or potential presence of a biohazard and to identify equipment, containers, rooms, materials, experimental animals, or combinations thereof, which contain, or are contaminated with, viable hazardous agents.

OSHA's enforcement information:

Additional Information

Respirator Training Videos