OSHA issues Ebola guidance

The agency is being urged to move forward with an infectious-disease rule initiated in 2010


Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has created a new Ebola web page with information about protecting workers in high-risk industries, including healthcare. 

OSHA is being urged to move forward with an infectious-disease rule on the docket since 2010, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.

The new website includes guidance for workers tasked with cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated with the Ebola virus, including the type of protective equipment needed (like nitrile gloves, fluid resistant gowns and face-shields), and proper disinfectants and waste-removal procedures.

In June, OSHA announced plans to review possible infection-control regulations, an initiative that began around 2010. The American Industrial Hygiene Association called on the agency to speed it up, the article said.

When asked earlier this month whether the Ebola outbreak would speed up the process for a potential infectious-disease rule, OSHA official Jordan Barab acknowledged the need for OSHA involvement, according to the article. But he said Ebola fears are not likely to trump the regulatory process.

Read the article.

 



October 20, 2014


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

How Retail Design Can Improve the Healthcare Patient Experience

Healthcare facilities can adapt retail design principles to improve patient comfort, streamline check-in and reuse existing spaces.


Jefferson Health Breaks Ground on Lehigh Valley Hospital—Coopersburg

It is expected to open in late 2027.


Encompass Health Plans Second Small-Format Rehabilitation Hospital

The hospital is expected to open in 2028.


Rethinking How Healthcare Facilities Fund Construction Projects

Rising costs and competing priorities are driving healthcare organizations to explore new financing arrangements and construction strategies.


Winners Named for the 15th Annual Healthcare Design Awards

All winners will be honored and the Best of Competition and Transformation and Innovation Award recipients will be announced during a celebration on November 12.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.