Safety Programs

 

Bloodborne Pathogens Program:

Bloodborne Pathegon Program (Microsoft Word Format)

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens regulation (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. In this regulation, bloodborne pathogens are defined as pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

A comprehensive Bloodborne Pathogens Program must include the following.

Permit Required Confined Space:

Confined Space Program (Microsoft Word Format)

The first step in complying with this OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.146) is knowing that it applies to your facility. Many Districts do not realize they even have confined spaces. OSHA defines "confined space" as a space that:

  1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
  2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
  3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

The elements of the confined space program include special personal protective equipment (PPE), permits, monitoring requirements, communication procedures, emergency response, and applicable lock-out procedures.

 

Lockout/Tagout Program:

Lockout/Tagout Program (Microsoft Word Format)

OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.147 is actually titled "The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)". This section requires employers to establish a program and utilize procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start up or release of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees.


Personal Protective Equipment:

It takes more than just issuing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132. This standard requires that a job hazard analysis be done and documented to determine what kind of PPE is appropriate. The employer is also responsible to see that the equipment fits properly, and that the employee is properly trained in it's use and limitations (whether the equipment is employer or employee supplied). The training must be documented, and a procedure should be in place for enforcement.

Respiratory Protection Program:

The first step in any respirator program, or any personal protective equipment (PPE) program, is to establish engineering controls that will eliminate the need for the PPE.

There are 11 basic steps outlined by OSHA that need to be included in a respiratory protection program, and our program guides your District through each one, even including the forms needed for respirator issuance and maintenance.

Laboratory Safety Manual:

Chemical Hygiene Plan (Microsoft Word Format)

This document describes the Chemical Hygiene Plan as required by Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910, Subpart Z, Section .1450 (29 CFR 1910.1450), "Occupational Exposures in Laboratories" referred to as the "Laboratory Standard".

In order to comply with the Laboratory Standard, Employers must establish a chemical hygiene plan to ensure that employees are protected from health hazards associated with hazardous materials in the laboratory and to ensure that exposures are kept below the permissible exposure limits specified in 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z.

This plan must be made readily available to employees and upon request to the Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A review and evaluation of this Chemical Hygiene Plan should be conducted at least annually and the Chemical Hygiene Plan updated as necessary.