Understanding OSHA Standards
[By Dr. David E. Marcinko; FACFAS, MBA, CPHQ, CMP™]
[By Patricia A. Trites; MPA, CHBC, CHCC, CMP™ (Hon)]
The OSHA Standards for healthcare require that hand washing facilities be readily available to employees.
Definition
Hand washing facilities are defined as a facility providing an adequate supply of:
- running potable water;
- antiseptic soap; and
- single-use disposable towels or hot air drying machines.
Location
The hand washing facilities must be located where the employee will have easy access. This will ensure that the employee will be likely to use the hand washing facility and will minimize the time that the contamination will remain in contact with the employee. In those instances where the provision of hand washing facilities is not feasible, either an appropriate antiseptic hand cleaner (e.g., alcohol-based rinse, antiseptic foam, or antiseptic-impregnated paper wipes) in conjunction with clean cloth or paper towels, or antiseptic towelettes, must be provided.
Soap and Running Water
When using antiseptic hand cleansers or towelettes, the hands must be washed with soap and running water as soon as feasible. Not only must the employer provide the hand washing facilities, he or she must also ensure that employees in fact do wash their hands immediately or as soon as feasible following contact with blood or other potentially infectious material [OPIM].
The employee must also wash his or her hands immediately after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment [PPE]. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that hand washing occurs. OSHA states that hand washing must be strictly enforced by the employer.
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Assessment
How has OSHA affected your hospital, medical practice or healthcare facility?
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Filed under: "Doctors Only", Career Development, Glossary Terms, Health Law & Policy, Practice Management, Quality Initiatives, Recommended Books, Risk Management | Tagged: Charles Fenton, hand washng, OPIM, OSHA, other potentially infectious material, Pati Trites, personal protective equipment, PPE | 8 Comments »














