OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.132 requires workplace assessment for potential hazards and mandates that employers provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees. Investigators or area supervisors are responsible to perform the assessments and to select and train employees in the use of routine items such as lab coats, protective gloves, safety glasses, face shields, etc. Investigators or area supervisors must consult with EHRS for assistance with the selection and training of employees for the use of non-routine PPE such as respirators.
Personal protective equipment shall be provided without cost to all employees who are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Personal protective equipment will be chosen based on the anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The protective equipment will be considered appropriate only if it does not permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through or reach the employees' clothing, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time which the protective equipment will be used.
Personal protective equipment includes but is not limited to: gloves, surgical gowns, laboratory coats and jackets, face shields, masks, protective eyewear with solid side shields and shoe covers.
The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR will ensure that personal protective equipment is provided and worn by employees as needed and that training in the proper wearing and use of such equipment is provided.
The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR will list how personal protective equipment will be provided, i.e., its location and/or who has responsibility for its distribution. (Complete Appendix C, # 6a.)
All personal protective equipment will be cleaned, laundered, and disposed of by the employer at no cost to employees. Soiled personal protective equipment must not be taken home to launder. All repairs and replacements will be made by the employer at no cost to employees.
All garments that are penetrated by blood shall be removed immediately or as soon as feasible.
All personal protective equipment will be removed prior to leaving the work area.
The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR shall list where employees are expected to place the personal protective equipment upon leaving the work area. (Complete Appendix C, #6b.)
a) Gloves: Gloves shall be worn where it is reasonably anticipated that employees may have hand contact with blood, other potentially infectious materials, non-intact skin and mucous membranes, and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces. Routine gloving is required for all phlebotomies. EHRS recommends the use of nitrile, powder-free latex or latexa-free products to help prevent latex allergy. More information on latex allergy can be found at the EHRS website.
The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR will list the procedures in their areas that require the use of gloves. (Complete Appendix C, # 7a.)
Disposable gloves are not to be washed or decontaminated for re-use and are to be replaced as soon as practical when they become contaminated or as soon as feasible if they are torn, punctured, or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
Utility gloves may be decontaminated for re-use provided that the integrity of the glove is not compromised. Utility gloves will be discarded if they are cracked, peeling, torn, punctured, or exhibit other signs of deterioration or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
b) Masks: Masks in combination with eye protection devices, such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields, or chin length face shields, are required to be worn whenever splashes, spray, splatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can reasonably be anticipated.
If work requires the use of a respirator, employees must participate in the University’s respiratory protection program. Personnel must have prior medical clearance to wear a respirator and must consult with EHRS on the selection and use of respiratory protective equipment.
The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR will list situations in their areas that require such protection. (CompleteAppendix C, # 7b.)
c) Protective clothing: Appropriate protective clothing shall be used, such as lab coats, gowns, aprons, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments. Disposable water-repellent overgowns shall be worn when contamination with blood or other potentially infectious materials is anticipated.
The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR will list situations that require the use of such protective clothing. (Complete Appendix C, #7c.)