OSHA Inspection: RETIRED PERSONS PHARMACY OF TEXAS, INC.

Issued

Aug 31, 1998

Abate by

Oct 5, 1998

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

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
was free from
recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious
physical harm to
employees in that employees were exposed to "hazardous drug" dust by
inhalation or skin
contact during the prepacking operation.  Employees were potentially
exposed to hazardous
drugs such as, but not limited to, antineoplastic drugs such as, but not
limited to, tamoxifen and
medroxyprogesterone.
Among other feasible methods, some feasible and acceptable methods to
correct this hazard are:
1.  Provide adequate dust capture through the use of either (1) the dust
protection system
recommended by the manufacturer of the automatic pill counter or (2) a
Class II or III Biological
Safety Cabinet which meets the National Sanitation Foundation Standard 49.
2.  Until adequate dust capture is provided, and when potential exposure
exists
once adequate
dust capture is provided (such as during cleaning); provide NIOSH-approved
respiratory
protection (at least N-100 particulate respirator), and develop and
implement a respiratory
protection program which complies with 29 CFR 1910.134.
3.  Develop and implement a program (1) to evaluate and identify hazardous
drugs and (2) to
train employees on the hazards of the drugs and the methods to be used to
prevent or minimize
exposure to the drugs.