OSHA Inspection: SEARHC-MT. EDGECUMBE HOSPITAL

Issued

Apr 2, 2003

Abate by

May 19, 2003

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $938 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 exposed to:
(a)Inpatient Pharmacy and Oncology staff:  On or about March 11, 2003, and
times prior
thereto, employees prepared and adminsitered chemotherapy and were not
provided with
medical surveillance including, but not limited to, periodic medical
examinations.
Employees are exposed to the hazard of cytotoxic drugs which may lead to
the
development of cancer, impaired fertility, and organ damage.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to follow the guidelines established by the American Society of Hospital
Pharmacists (ASHP),
1990, "ASHP Technical Assistance Bulletin on Handling Cytotoxic and
Hazardous
Drugs."  The
OSHA Technical Manual Section VI, Chapter 2; "Controlling Occupational
Exposure to
Hazardous Drugs," offers additional information in regards to work
practices, engineering
controls, occupational exposure, and program development.

Issued

Apr 2, 2003

Abate by

Apr 7, 2003