2021
General Safety Standard
Outlines general safety requirements including:
• Keeping employee medical and exposure records on file.
• Having an emergency action plan in place to protect employees in case of fire or other emergencies, which includes alarm systems, escape procedures and routes that are clearly marked and accessible in case of emergency; procedures to account for all employees post evacuation and rescue; and medical duties of employees who may perform them and how to report fires and other emergencies.
• Having a fire prevention plan, including making sure the office is equipped with a properly operating sprinkler system, fire detection and alarm system and fire extinguishers.
• Inspection of any compressed gas cylinders for defects, proper storage away from sources of heat or in areas they could be damaged, closed valves on empty cylinders and protection caps are placed on cylinders not in use.
• Having at least one employee trained in first aid if there is no hospital or medical services in proximity to the office and that first aid supplies are readily available.
• Machines that expose employees to rotating parts, nip points, flying chips and sparks of other hazards are adequately guarded and that protective eye wear is used when needed to guard against potential hazards.
• Electrical outlets and appliances are properly grounded, extension cords have a grounded conductor, wiring and cords that are frayed of deteriorated are repaired or replaced immediately, receptacles installed in a wet or damp location are suitable for the location or otherwise protected.
Training
OSHA training must be conducted annually and also whenever employees take on a new task or responsibility that potentially exposes them to workplace hazards to which they were not previously exposed. Training is very informal and can easily be done in office by a staff member knowledgeable on OSHA regulations. Documentation for any training completed must be kept for at least three years.
Training needs to include reviews of the three standards outlined above and should specifically address:
• General information about the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases.
• Modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
• Explanation of the exposure control plan.
• How to recognize tasks involving occupational exposure.
• Where PPE is located in the office and when / how to use it, remove it and dispose of it.
• Hepatitis B vaccines( effectiveness, safety and benefits).
• What to do if there is an emergency spill of blood or other potentially infectious matter.
What to do if an exposure incident occurs
• Post exposure evaluation and follow up.
• The system used to warn employees against biohazards.
• Operations in employee work areas involving hazardous chemicals.
• How to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area.
• Physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area.
• How employees can protect themselves from these hazards.
• How to use safety data sheets and where they are kept in the office.
• Labeling system used in the office to warn employees against hazardous chemicals.
2021