Ask the expert: Artificial nails and nail length

By: David LaHoda April 29th, 2009

Q: Where can I find the OSHA regulation prohibiting artificial nails in healthcare?

A: OSHA does not have a standard referencing artificial nails for healthcare workers, but the CDC has guidelines.  “Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings,” October 2002, recommends that healthcare workers:

• Do not wear artificial fingernails or extenders when in direct contact with patients at high risk (e.g., those in intensive-care units or operating rooms)
• Keep natural nail tips less than 0.25 inches long

For $99 you can get all your OSHA questions answered by registering for OSHA Healthcare Advisor’s “Q&A Roundtable: Solutions to Your Compliance Challenges” audioconference, Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Eastern).

« Swine flu updates | Home | Notes from the field: Are you prepared for pandemic flu? »

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.

• Categories

  • Ask the Expert—Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Ask the expert—General OSHA
  • Ask the Expert—Hazard Communication
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Emergency Action Plans
  • Featured
  • First Aid
  • General Safety and Health
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Infection Control
  • Lab Safety
  • Needlesticks & Sharps Injuries
  • Notes from the field
  • OSHA – Citations & Fines
  • OSHA – General
  • Pandemic Influenza
  • Popular
  • Uncategorized
  • Waste Management
  • Weekly Poll Questions

• Archives

  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008

• Feeds

  • Subscribe to RSS Feed
  • Subscribe to Comments