Ask the expert: A hazardous substance list for your practice
Q: Must a medical practice create a list of all hazardous substances used in the workplace? It seems as if the MSDS file already covers that information.
A: Yes, the Hazard Communication standard does require the employer to compile a list of hazardous substances in the workplace as part of the written plan:
1910.1200(e)(1)(i) A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using an identity that is referenced on the appropriate material safety data sheet (the list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas)…
A Hazardous Substances List from the Basic OSHA Compliance Manual Kit, is included on the Tools page under the hazard communication category.
You can save some time by just referencing the name of the chemical as it appears on the MSDS and indicating you have the MSDS on file. While the other information is good to have, OSHA does not require it as long as you have the MSDS.
« Weekly poll: Updated CDC draft guidelines | Home | Medical Environment Update—Evaluating the possibility of an OSHA infectious diseases standard »
-
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
- Sterile Matters
- Uncategorized
- Waste Management
- Weekly Poll Questions
- Whistleblower
- Workplace violence prevention
-
Archives
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- 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
David LaHoda
David LaHoda is the managing editor of the OSHA Healthcare Advisor, the weekly ezine OSHA Healthcare Connection, Medical Environment Update, HCPro's Basic OSHA Compliance Manual Kits for medical or dental practices, and the OSHA online training materials for ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 792 posts.
Comments
Could you please comment on PCR samples that if PPE is required when handling PCR samples (pre and post amplification)and also if microscope slide reading area which is open to other areas of the department and next to a staining sink should be considered a clean area?
Thanks,
Christine
Could you please send me list of hazarduous substances in residential care homes.Thank you.
There is no set list of hazardous substances in specific healthcare settings. OSHA says it is the responsibility for the employer to determine the hazardous substances specific to your site.
Leave a Comment