wrists, and hands. Gloves removed properly will prevent hand contamination. Hand hygiene following glove removal further ensures that the hands will not carry potentially Face protection: Masks, goggles, face shields II.E.3.a.: Masks are used to protect against contact with infectious material from secretions and sprays of blood or body fluids. Masks may be used in combination with goggles to protect the mouth, nose and eyes, or a face shield may be used to provide more complete protection for the face. The mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes are susceptible portals of entry for infectious agents, as can be other skin surfaces if skin integrity is compromised. Procedures that generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions, including suctioning or invasive vascular procedures, require either a face shield or mask and goggles. The use of masks, eye protection, and face shields in specified circumstances when blood or body fluid exposures are likely is mandated by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Two mask types are available, which are surgical masks cleared by the FDA, and are required to have fluid-resistant properties and procedure or isolation masks. Procedure/isolation masks are not regulated by the FDA and have more variability in quality and performance than surgical masks have (Siegel et al., 2007). II.E.3.b.: The eye protection chosen for specific work situations, goggles or face shield, depends upon the circumstances of exposure, other PPE used, and personal vision needs. Personal eyeglasses and contact lenses are not adequate eye protection. The CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states: “Eye protection must be comfortable, allow for sufficient Respiratory protection II.E.4.: Respiratory protection requires the use of a respirator with N95 or higher filtration to prevent inhalation of infectious particles. Respiratory protection is broadly regulated by OSHA under the general industry standard for respiratory protection, which requires that U.S. employers in all employment settings implement a program to protect employees from inhalation of toxic materials. CDC
infectious material that might have penetrated through unrecognized tears or could contaminate hands during glove removal.
peripheral vision, and must be adjustable to ensure a secure fit” (Siegel et al., 2007). Indirectly vented goggles with a manufacturer’s antifog coating may provide the most reliable practical eye protection from splashes, sprays, and respiratory droplets from multiple angles. Newer styles of goggles may provide better indirect airflow properties to reduce fogging, as well as better peripheral vision and more size options for fitting goggles to different workers. Many styles of goggles fit adequately over prescription glasses with minimal gaps. Protection for the eyes, nose, and mouth is necessary when there may be a splash or spray of body fluids. Disposable or nondisposable face shields may be used as an alternative to goggles. Compared to goggles, a face shield can provide protection to other facial areas in addition to the eyes. Face shields extending from chin to crown provide better face and eye protection from splashes. Face shields that wrap around the sides may reduce splashes around the edge of the shield. Removal of a face shield, goggles, and mask can be performed safely after gloves have been removed, and hand hygiene performed. The ties, ear pieces, and headband used to secure the equipment to the head are considered “clean” and therefore safe to touch with bare hands. The front of a mask, goggles, and face shield are considered contaminated. recommends N95 or higher level respirators for personnel exposed to diseases that could be transmitted through the airborne route by aerosol-generating procedures. A Respirator may be reused if not damaged or soiled, the fit is not compromised by change in shape, and the respirator has not been contaminated with blood or body fluids (Siegel et al., 2007).
THE OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD (29 CFR 1910.1048)
The OSHA standard and equivalent regulations in states with OSHA-approved state plans protects workers exposed to formaldehyde and apply to all occupational exposures to formaldehyde from formaldehyde gas, its solutions, and materials that release formaldehyde (OSHA, n.d.). The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde in the workplace is 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air (0.75 ppm) measured as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The standard includes a second PEL in the form of a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 2 ppm, the maximum exposure allowed during a 15-minute period. The action level, which is the standard’s trigger for increased industrial hygiene monitoring and initiation of worker medical surveillance, is 0.5 ppm when calculated as an eight-hour TWA.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas often found in aqueous, water-based solutions and commonly used as a preservative in mortuaries (OSHA, n.d.). Formaldehyde is a sensitizing agent that can cause an immune system response upon initial exposure and is a cancer hazard. Acute exposure is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat and can make anyone exposed cough and wheeze. Subsequent exposure may cause severe allergic reactions of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion of formaldehyde can be fatal, and long-term exposure to low levels in the air or on the skin can cause asthma-like respiratory problems and skin irritation, such as dermatitis and itching. Concentrations of 100 ppm are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). Note: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers 20 ppm of formaldehyde to be IDLH. (OSHA, n.d.). Provisions of the OSHA Standard Provisions of the OSHA Standard require employers to do the following: ● Identify all workers who may be exposed to formaldehyde at or above the action level or STEL through initial monitoring and determine their exposure.
● Reassign workers who suffer significant adverse effects from formaldehyde exposure to jobs with significantly less or no exposure until their condition improves. ● Implement feasible engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain worker exposure to formaldehyde at or below the eight-hour TWA and the STEL. If these controls cannot reduce exposure to or
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