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Sharps Container - Handling Latex Allergy Red Bags - Contaminated Laundry Personal Protective Equipment Material Safety Data Sheets - Hazardous Cleaning Chemicals Possible Hazardous Cleaning Chemicals Washers Sink Click on the area for more specific information.Hazards found in the Laundry Room

The following topics relate to occupational safety and health hazards in the laundry:

 

 

Contaminated Laundry

Contaminated Laundry as defined in the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard definitions Section (b) as: laundry which has been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) or may contain sharps.

Hazard

Exposure to blood or OPIM through contaminated laundry that was improperly labeled, or handled.

Example Controls

Follow the procedures outlined in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv), for handling contaminated laundry such as:

  • Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible, with minimal agitation.
  • Bag contaminated laundry at the location of use. Do not sort or rinse laundry at the location where it was used [1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(1)].
  • Place wet contaminated laundry in leak-proof, and color-coded or labeled containers, at the location where it was used [1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(2)]. 
  • Whenever contaminated laundry is wet and presents a reasonable likelihood of soak-through of or leakage from the bag or container, the laundry shall be placed and transported in bags or containers which prevent soak-through and/or leakage of fluids to the exterior [1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(3)].
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  • Contaminated laundry must be placed and transported in bags or containers labeled with the biohazard symbol or put in red bags in accordance with 1910.1030(g)(1)(i).
    • In a facility that utilizes universal precautions in the handling of all soiled laundry-alternative labeling or color-coding is sufficient if it permits all employees to recognize the containers as requiring compliance with universal precautions [1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(2)].
    • Use red bags or bags marked with the biohazard symbol, if the facility where items are laundered does not use universal precautions for all laundry [1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(C)].
  • For more information on labeling requirements see:

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hazard

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens through contact with contaminated laundry by not wearing appropriate PPE.

Example Controls

Animated Arrow Employers must ensure that employees who have contact with contaminated laundry wear protective gloves and other appropriate PPE as discussed in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(B), when handling and/or sorting contaminated laundry.
  • It is the employers' responsibility to provide PPE and to clean, maintain, and dispose of PPE, at no cost to the employee [1910.1030(d)(3)(i) and (iv)].

Additional Information

 

 

Sharps Handling

"Contaminated Sharps" means any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin including, but not limited to, needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed ends of dental wires. 1910.1030(b), Definitions.

Hazard

Exposure to blood or OPIM through contaminated laundry that contains sharps.

Example Controls

An exposure control plan that includes procedures for appropriate disposal and handling of sharps and follows required practices outlined in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

  • Contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps shall not be bent, recapped or removed. No shearing or breaking of contaminated needles is permitted [1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A)]. Except as noted in paragraphs (d)(2)(vii)(A) and (d)(2)(vii)(B).
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  • Sharps Containerization:
    • Immediately or as soon as feasible, contaminated sharps need to be discarded in appropriate containers [1901.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)].
    • Sharps containers need to be easily accessible to personnel and located as close as is feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used or can be reasonably anticipated to be found (e.g., laundries) [1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)].

Additional Information

 

 

Hazardous Chemicals

Hazard

Animated Arrow Exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals found and used in the laundry or housekeeping process. 
  • Soaps and detergents may cause allergic reactions and dermatitis.
  • Broken skin from soap or detergent irritation may provide an avenue for infection or injury if exposed to chemical or biological hazards.
  • Never mix together cleaning solutions that contain ammonia and chlorine. When mixed together these chemicals form a deadly gas.

Example Controls

Animated Arrow Implement a written program which meets the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to provide for worker training, warning labels, and access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

The Hazard Communication Standard ensures employee awareness of the hazardous chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace.

  • Agents with any of the following characteristics are considered hazardous: carcinogens, corrosives, toxic or highly toxic, irritants, sensitizers, or target organ effectors Hazard Communication Standard Appendix A and chemicals listed in 1910.1000 Table 2.
    • Both human and animal data are to be used in this determination. The Hazard Communication Standard Appendix B lists sources of toxicity information. 
  • There are exceptions to some of the requirements of the HCS for consumer products that are subjected to the labeling requirements of the terms as defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act [1910.1200(b)(5)(v)].
  • Provide readily available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for all hazardous chemicals.
  • Workers must be trained in potential chemical hazards and controls (engineering controls, work practices, PPE) necessary to prevent hazards in the work area [1910.1200(h)(3)].
  • All hazardous chemicals must be clearly labeled with appropriate hazard warnings, including any target organ effects. [1910.1200(f)].

Provide PPE 1910.132(a) (e.g., gloves, goggles, splash aprons, etc.) as appropriate when handling hazardous dishwashing detergents and chemicals. 

Exposures to Corrosives 1910.151(c) Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. 

Employer may choose to use another soap that is not considered hazardous.

The Utility, Dietary, Maintenance, and Pharmacy Modules also address hazardous chemicals.

Additional Information

  • OSHA 174 for a sample MSDS form.
  • Appendix E, Guidelines for Employer Compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard.

 

 

Latex Allergy

Traditional health care workers and many other workers , such as housekeepers, gardeners, food service workers, and laundry workers are exposed to latex products and latex allergy.

Latex NIOSH Warning: Workers exposed to latex gloves and other products containing natural rubber latex may develop allergic reactions such as skin rashes; hives; nasal, eye, or sinus symptoms; asthma; and (rarely) shock.

Hazard

Animated Arrow Exposure to latex allergy from wearing latex gloves, while handling contaminated laundry.

Example Controls

Use appropriate gloves for latex-sensitive employees:

  • Provide alternative suitable non-latex gloves as choices for worker use as required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [1910.1030(d)(3)(iii)]) for workers who are allergic to latex gloves.
    Non-latex gloves can provide the same protection from blood or OPIM as latex gloves. 
    • Note: Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, or powderless gloves are not to be assumed to be latex free.
    • The FDA now requires labeling statements for medical devices that contain natural rubber and prohibits the use of the word "hypoallergenic" to describe such products. (Federal Register, Volume 62, No. 189, effective September 30, 1998). A summary is provided in the FDA talk paper Latex Labeling Required for all Medical Devices (1997, September 30), 2 pages.
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    • Hand washing after glove removal is required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [1910.1030(d)(2)(v)] after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment. This helps to minimize powder and/or latex remaining in contact with the skin.

Other recommended strategies to reduce latex sensitivity and minimize employee exposure to latex include: 

  • Thorough clean-up of any residual powder in the workplace with appropriate vacuum filters.
  • Use latex gloves that are synthetic, low protein, powder free alternatives. Powder free gloves may reduce systemic allergic responses. 
  • Eliminate the unnecessary use of latex gloves when no risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens exists.

The Bloodborne Pathogens and Pharmacy Modules also address latex allergy.

Additional Information

 


 

Noise Exposure

Hazard

Occupational exposure to high noise levels from noisy machinery in this area may lead to occupationally induced hearing loss, hearing impairment, hypertension, elevated blood pressure levels and other health hazards. 

Example Controls

A safety and health program that recognizes and addresses the hazards created by noise exposure.
  • Occupational Noise Exposure Standard [1910.95].
  • Noise Hearing Conservation: OSHA Priority. Under OSHA's general industry standard, feasible administrative and engineering controls must be implemented whenever employee noise exposures exceed 90 dBA (8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)). 
  • In addition, an effective hearing conservation program [1910.95(c)(1)], including specific requirements for monitoring noise exposure, audiometric testing, audiogram evaluation, hearing protection for employees with a standard threshold shift, training and education, and recordkeeping must be made available whenever employee exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour TWA sound level of 85 dBA, Occupational Noise Exposure Standard [1910.95].
  • Some examples of engineering and work practice controls to help decrease occupational noise exposure levels are:
    • Reduce the amount of sound energy released by the noise source.
    • Divert the flow of sound energy away from the worker.
    • Protect the receiver from the sound energy reaching him/her. 
    • Proper maintenance of equipment, equipment replacements.
    • Revised operating procedures, equipment redesign, enclosures.
    • Acoustical shields and barriers.
    • Personal protective equipment.

Additional Information

 


 

Heat Stress

Exposure to excessive heat can result in heat exhaustion and heat stroke. At high temperatures, the body circulates great amounts of blood to the skin in an effort to eliminate heat through perspiration. As a result, less blood is circulated to the body's vital organs including the brain. Heat exhaustion can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and eventual collapse. If not treated promptly, by lowering the person's body temperature, a person suffering from heat exhaustion could suffer brain damage.

Even more serious than heat exhaustion is heat stroke. During heat stroke the body stops sweating, making it impossible to dissipate heat. The body temperature may rise to a dangerously high level in a short time and cause death.

Hazard:

Workers may be exposed to excessive heat from working in laundry areas. Exposure to excessive heat may lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and possible death. 

Example Controls:

Good work practice includes educating and training employees and supervisors to detect early signs of heat-related illness and have available first aid workers to recognize and treat these illnesses.  

  • Recognize the first signs of heat exhaustion, (e.g., dizziness, blurred vision, followed by nausea), and take immediate action to lower the employee's body temperature to prevent the progression of symptoms. Workers suffering from heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot environment and immediately given fluid replacement. They should also be encouraged to get adequate rest. 
  • Recognize the signs of heat stroke, which can be fatal. The symptoms are severe headache, mental confusion/loss of consciousness, flushed face, and hot, dry skin, with no sweating. If someone has stopped sweating, seek medical attention immediately. If a worker shows signs of possible heat stroke, professional medical treatment should be obtained immediately. 
    • The worker should be placed in a cooler, well ventilated area and the outer clothing should be removed. The worker's skin should be wetted and air movement around the worker should be increased to improve evaporative cooling until professional methods of cooling are initiated and the seriousness of the condition can be assessed. Fluids should be replaced as soon as possible. The medical outcome of an episode of heat stroke depends on the victim's physical fitness and the timing and effectiveness of first aid and medical treatment.

Good work practice encourages employers to assess worksites for potential hot work environments and identify and address ways to decrease heat hazards in these areas.

Employers should be aware of engineering and work practice controls such as:

  • General ventilation and local exhaust ventilation at points of high heat production.
  • Spot cooling fans.
  • Shielding from radiant heat.
  • Evaporative cooling and air conditioning.
  • Protective clothing and equipment.
  • Provide plenty of drinking water.
  • Acclimatize, or gradually introduce employees to the hot environment, because the body gradually builds up a tolerance to the high temperatures.
  • Consider the employee's physical condition and recognize that older workers, obese workers and personnel on some types of medication are at greater risk.
  • Understand the danger of using drugs, including therapeutic ones, and alcohol in hot work environments.
  • Alternate work and rest periods.
  • Monitor temperatures, humidity and workers' responses to heat at least hourly.
  • Supervisors should be able to detect early signs of heat-related illness and permit workers to interrupt their work if they are extremely uncomfortable.
  • Educate employees to recognize the need to replace fluids and salt lost through perspiration.

Additional Information

 


 

Lifting Hazards

*Note OSHA is currently involved in rulemaking for Ergonomics which may influence the following information.

Hazard:

Excessive reaching and/or lifting in the laundry area can cause work related musculoskeletal disorders such as strains and sprains to the back or shoulder area.

Example Controls:

Good work practice recommends employers should assess the laundry area for ergonomic stressors and identify and address ways to decrease stressors such as:

Train employees in proper lifting techniques:

  • Avoid lifting bulky or awkwardly weighted objects.
  • Avoid lifting/reaching or working above shoulder height.
  • Avoid awkward postures, such as twisting while lifting.
  • Lift items close to the body.
  • Limit the weight of the item to be lifted.
  • Lighten the item to be lifted.

Use mechanical aids to reduce the need to lift, such as:

The Ergonomics Module also addresses lifting hazards.

Additional Information

 

 


 

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