OSHA

OSHA standards

-OSHA set the standards for equipment use and special techniques to use when working in facilities -One of the standards is blood-borne pathogen -^This standard requires healthcare facilities to protect their employee's from blood-borne health hazards -Types of waste that are considered infectious: Blood, body fluids, and human tissue -Employers must have an exposure control plan should an employee accidentally become exposed -Employers must give all employees, visitors and residents proper PPE to wear when needed -Employers are required to provide a free hepatitis B vaccine to all employees after hire

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

-The federal government agency that is responsible for the safety of workers in the US -They make and enforce rules to protect workers from hazards on the job -They conduct workplace inspections to check on worker safety and updates safety standards that are needed -Provides training for employers and employees on work place safety -Employee's are responsible for following OSHA guidelines

Sharps/biohazard container guidelines

-Wear gloves when touching a sharp and its container -Never reach into a sharps container -Touch the bottom of the container only -Replace container when it is 3/4 full or according to facility policy -Remove gloves and wash hands after putting anything into sharps container or biohazard container or bag -Wear gloves when disposing of infectious waste -Biohazard bags must be sealed tightly before leaving the room and taken to proper area