Archive for: Ask the expert—General OSHA
Ask the expert: Size, as well as other things, does matter with N95 fit testing
Q: I work at a facility that has fit-tested most of the staff with N95 respirators. We have recently received a large shipment of a different brand of N95 respirators (which we did not order). Is it necessary to fit-test when changing brands?
A: Yes you would need to fit test anew.
Ask the expert: Voluntary use of N95 respirators
Q: A worker who is not exposed to H1N1 influenza patients wants to wear an N95 respirator. We are not opposed to this but wonder what we must do for OSHA compliance? Normally her duties would not require her to be part of our respiratory protection plan.
Ask the expert: OSHA and TB skin tests
Q: What is the OSHA policy on TB skin tests?
A: OSHA does not have a specific standard for TB, but as a recognizable hazard, especially in healthcare settings, it looks to the CDC for guidance.
Ask the expert: Retaining sterilization records and logs
Q: How many years should we keep sterilization records and logs?
A: The HCPro OSHA Safety Program manual says to keep sterilization records and logs for three years, because that is the recommendation of the Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008 (See page 92).
Ask the expert: Under-the-sink storage
Q: Is it permissible to store anything under the sink? What about bleach, cleaning products, etc.?
A: It depends on who is doing the inspecting for storing items under the sink.
OSHA isn’t concerned about under-the-sink storage as long as it does not endanger employees.
Ask the expert: Are powered air purifying respirators reusable?
Q: During the spring swine flu outbreak, we had difficulty obtaining N95 respirators. I heard that PAPRs would be an alternative. Are they reusable?
A: Yes, PAPRs, or powered air purifying respirators (see photo below), are reusable and sometimes are a good alternative to N95 respirators.
Ask the expert: Using the Emergency Use Act to wriggle out of fit-testing
Q: Since it is impossible for us to fit test the 200-plus providers in our clinics in time for the upcoming flu pandemic, could we supply them with N95 respirators and do away with the fit testing under the FDA’s Emergency Use Act?
A: It seems like your concern is more about finessing a regulation than in providing your employees with the best protection from influenza H1N1.
Ask the expert: What must a respiratory protection plan include?
Q: If we must initiate a respiratory protection plan for workers wearing respirators, what must it include?
A: According to OSHA’s respiratory protection standard 1910.134, the plan must include the following elements:
Ask the expert: Trainer qualifications for fit testing
Q: Who would be qualified to do N95 respirator fit testing in our practice?
A: OSHA does not have a certification requirement for fit test training, only that the person be familiar with one of the two acceptable fit test methods as well as the limitations of the models of respirators being tested:
Ask the expert: Terrorist attacks and OSHA violations
Q: This may appear to be a weird question, but would OSHA fine a business for worker injuries from a terrorist attack?
A: OSHA would not apply enforcement procedures because of the unforeseeable nature of such a workplace emergency, according to a May 25, 2004 letter of interpretation.
