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Dentistry |
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OSHA Standards |
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There are currently no specific standards for dentistry. However, exposure to numerous biological, chemical,
environmental, physical, and psychological workplace hazards that
may apply to dentistry are addressed in specific standards for the general
industry. This page highlights OSHA standards, directives
(instructions for compliance officers), and standard interpretations
(official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to
dentistry.
Section
5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause,
requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a
place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or
are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section
5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and
health standards promulgated under this Act".
Note:
Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have
OSHA-approved
State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement
policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are
identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted
different standards applicable to this topic or may have different
enforcement policies. |
Frequently Cited Standards
The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal OSHA
from October 2005 through September 2006, in Offices And Clinics Of Dentists
Industry Group
(SIC
code 802).
- 1910.1030,
Bloodborne pathogens [related topic page]
- 1910.1200,
Hazard communication [related topic page]
- 1910.132,
Personal protective equipment, general requirements [related topic page]
- 1910.305,
Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use [related topic page]
- 1910.36,
Design and construction requirements for exit routes
- 1910.37,
Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes
- 1910.133,
Eye and face protection [related topic page]
- 1904.29,
Forms [related topic page]
- 1904.32,
Annual summary
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1910.101, Compressed gases (general requirements)
The following standards, in order, were the most frequently cited by Federal
OSHA from October 2005 through September 2006, in Medical And Dental Laboratories
Industry Group
(SIC
code 807).
- 1910.1030,
Bloodborne pathogens [related
topic page]
- 1910.1200,
Hazard communication [related
topic page]
- 1910.37,
Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes
- 1910.303,
Electrical, general requirements
[related topic page]
- 1910.157,
Portable fire extinguishers
- 1910.178,
Powered industrial trucks [related
topic page]
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1910.1048, Formaldehyde [related
topic page]
- 1904.2,
Partial exemption for establishments in certain industries
[related topic page]
- 1910.22,
Walking-working surfaces, general requirements
- 1910.23,
Guarding floor and wall openings and holes
Directives
Standard Interpretations
-
OSHA has no specific standard on autoclaving used medical
instruments. (2004, September 3). Refers
to guidelines and recommendations on the use and monitoring of
sterilization equipment in dental healthcare settings by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) may also have relevant information in
connection with that agency's approval of autoclaves as OSHA has no specific standard.
Bloodborne Pathogens
- OSHA's
standard of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. (1997,
July 3). Discusses the standard requirement that employees use
gloves in the dental setting when there is hand contact with blood
or "other potentially infectious material" (OPIM) which includes
saliva in dental procedures as well as any body fluid that is
visibly contaminated with blood.
- Classification
of saliva in dental procedures under the bloodborne pathogens
standard. (1996, February 15). Based upon the
recommendations of the CDC with regard to precautions in dentistry
and the necessity for assuring employee protection against all
bloodborne pathogens, we have concluded that retaining "saliva in
dental procedures" as an "other potential infectious material" is
appropriate and correct.
-
Bloodborne Pathogen standard as it applies to personal protective equipment.
(1992, May 6). Determines that it is
the employer's responsibility to evaluate the task and the type of
exposure expected and, based on the determination, select the
"appropriate" personal protective clothing in accordance with
1910.1030(d)(3)(i) of the standard. In general, OSHA would expect
the employer to select traditional protective clothing, such as
clinic jackets, lab coats, or uniforms since this type of clothing
is designed to serve as a barrier to strike-through and would
protect underlying garments or skin.
- Orthodontics
wires considered as "sharps" under CPL 2-2.44D. (1990, May
25). Determines since the ends of orthodontic
wires can penetrate the skin their contamination with blood
can reasonably be anticipated. OSHA believes that they must be
classified as "sharps" under the above referenced Instruction and
standard and disposed of accordingly.
Hazard Communication
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