OSHA Inspection: CONSOLIDATED LAUNDRIES (INITIAL SERVICE INVESTMENT

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $640 · Current $320 Reduced

General-duty citation text

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 potentially
exposed to bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV)and
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as other infecious agents
while handling soiled hospital linens which may contain blood or body
fluids:
a) Health Care Department and Washroom - employees are engaged
in the handling and washing of soiled hospital linens (including
sheets, O.R. towels, scrub suits, tunic tops) which are or maybe
contaminated with blood and/or body fluids. A formal training
program on the hazards associated with potential exposure to
HIV/HBV contained in blood and body fluids was not developed and
implemented. A written infection control (IC) was not developed
to provide details in the provision of vaccinations, decontamination,
hygienic work practices, and required follow-up after possible
exposure. Employees were exposed to increased risk of HIV/HBV
exposure through direct contact with blood and body fluid soaked
linens. Observed 04/11/90.
ABATEMENT NOTE: Feasible and useful abatement methods, among others, to
eliminate this hazard include but are not limited to:
1) Identify all the tasks involved in handling soiled hospital laundry
and develop a formal written training program to inform the employees
of the hazards associated with encountering blood which is
potentially infected with HBV and HIV. At a minimum, training shall
include the following elements:
a) Modes of transmission, epidemiology, universal precautions concepts.
b) Use of protective equipment to prevent possible contact.
c) Detailed work practices to minimize exposure including
decontamination of equipment, handwashing, laundry handling,
labelling.
d) Hepatitis B vaccination availability.
e) Follow-up procedures in case of needlestick or splash contact with
body fluids.
2) Ensure availability of Hepatitis B vaccination for employees at
risk for direct contact with body fluids.
3) Development and implementation of a written Infection Control (IC)
program which address all laundry operations involving potential
exposure, disinfection procedures for contaminated equipment,
labelling, employee work practices, follow-up requirements, and
training responsibilities.

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

May 14, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jun 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $320 · Current $160 Reduced

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $480 · Current $480

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Aug 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $320 · Current $160 Reduced

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $480 · Current $480

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

May 18, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $400

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $400

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Penalty

Initial $480 · Current $480

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $400 · Current $200 Reduced

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jun 1, 1990

Penalty

Initial $80 · Current $80

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jun 1, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jun 1, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jun 1, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jun 1, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

May 29, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

May 9, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990

Issued

Apr 25, 1990

Abate by

Jul 1, 1990