Ask the expert—Written plan
Q: Must a medical practice have a written hazard communication plan?
A: If hazardous chemicals are present in the workplace, OSHA requires a written hazard communication plan. The plan must include:
- A list of hazardous chemicals (such as disinfectants, anesthetic agents, sterilants, and hazardous drugs) used or stored in the office
- Labels and other forms of warning for hazardous chemicals
- A material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each hazardous chemical (obtained from the manufacturer) used or stored in the office
- Employee training, including the need for personal protective equipment (PPE)
Not having a written plan is a frequent hazard communication violation for healthcare facilities, according to a inspection data from OSHA.
For more frequently asked questions about OSHA, download OSHA FAQ: Compliance for Ambulatory Healthcare Settings from the Tools section.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 196 posts.
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