OSHA Inspection: PROKLEEN, INCORPORATED

Issued

Mar 14, 1990

Abate by

Apr 12, 1990

Penalty

Initial $160 · Current $160

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 health care workers such
as cleaning service personnel, conducting janitorial service in the
medical lab and dental care areas are exposed to the hazard of being
infected by the HBV through possible direct contact with blood or other
body fluids because a training and instruction program had not been
implemented.
One feasible and useful abatement method for reducing this hazard is to
provide training and instruction in the following:
a) Transmittal information, risk factors for employees, Universal
Orecaution concepts, and other related information on contamination
and protection.
b) The proper use of personal protective equipment such as gloves,
uniform, etc. Changing gloves when torn and replacing clothing if
they become soiled. Washing the skin surface thoroughly immediately
after contact with fluids. Gloves must be of appropriate material
such as latex or intact vinyl, etc.; general purpose utility (rubber)
gloves may be decontaminated and reused.
c) The proper handling and disposal procedure of trash bags. For
example, materials within these bags must be treated with the
Universal Precautions concept.
Training and instruction can be best accomplished through an IC
(Infections Control) program which is usually provided by the medical
facility but it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure
protection of their employees through training and instruction.
Monitoring of areas such as proper work practices, updating training
procedures, documentation and other related methods are necessary.