OSHA Inspection: DR. CLYDE T. STEAPP D.M.D.,INC.

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 26, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $563 Reduced

General-duty citation text

The employer is not limited to abatement methods suggested by OSHA,
i.e., methods explained are general and may not be effective in all
cases. Other methods of abatement may be equally or more appropriate.
Ultimate responsibility for determining the most appropriate abatement
method rests with the employer, given its superior knowledge of the
specific conditions on this worksite.
Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which
were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were
exposed to:
(a)  Health care workers such as the dentist and dental
assistant employed at the above establishment were
exposed to the hazard of being infected by HBV and/
or HIV through possible direct contact with blood
or other body fluids.
FEASIBLE AND USEFUL ABATEMENT METHODS FOR REDUCING THIS HAZARD, AMONG
OTHERS ARE:
(a)  Dental equipment and surfaces (e.g. hand pieces, x-ray unit
heads, light handles) should be wrapped with impervious-
backed paper, aluminium foil or clear plastic wrap before
and after each patient. Eliminating and/or reducing employee
potential exposure to HIV/HBV infections.
(b)  Identify all employees that are at a substantial risk of
directly contacting blood and body fluids and make available
HBV vaccination before potential exposure occurs.
(c)  Eliminate the practice of recapping needles.

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 20, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,050 · Current $788 Reduced

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 31, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $563 Reduced

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 18, 1991

Penalty

Initial $450 · Current $338 Reduced

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 18, 1991

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 31, 1991

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $563 Reduced

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 16, 1991

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $225 Reduced

Issued

Dec 12, 1991

Abate by

Dec 16, 1991