Respiratory Protection For Healthcare Workers - Comply With The Osha Regulation

Regulatory Enforcement

OSHA can do this because the General Duty Clause requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Citations may result when employers fail to take reasonable control actions. H1N1 is a recognized hazard that has risen to pandemic level and there are reasonable steps that may be taken to control the spread of the disease and protect health care workers. However, steps that were reasonable prior to a pandemic may become nearly insurmountable obstacles during the peak of a pandemic and prevent compliance with the OSHA regulation.

All health care workers that are in close contact with patients (within 6 feet or who enter a patient's room) are covered by the CDC and OSHA recommendations. OSHA goes on to say that health care employers better be prepared to comply with the regulations.

Preparation is Essential

For instance, according to OSHA and respirator manufacturers, there will be a worldwide shortage of respirators when a pandemic occurs. Surgical masks are not a substitute for respirators because they are not designed to prevent inhalation of airborne contaminants. On the other hand, bacteria and viruses are particles and can be filtered by particulate respirators such as N 95's. OSHA's Respiratory Protection standard, 1910.134, requires the use of a NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) certified respirator, as well as, the implementation of a comprehensive respiratory protection program. However, there are three things that must occur before a health care worker uses a respirator.

Employees must be medically evaluated and approved to wear a respirator.

Medical evaluations can be performed by using a medical questionnaire (1910.134, Appendix C) or by performing an initial medical evaluation that obtains the same information as the medical questionnaire. The evaluation may be completed electronically through an online medical evaluation service. The evaluation must be conducted during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient to the employee and employers are responsible for paying for the service.

2. The employee must be fit tested to ensure that the respirator is working effectively.

3. The employee must be trained to use the respirator.