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Reproductive Hazards |
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Workplace implementation of engineering controls and work
practice guidelines may help reduce or prevent exposures to reproductive
hazards. Employees should participate in all safety and health education,
training, and monitoring programs offered by their employers. Training includes;
proper work practices, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment
(i.e., gloves, respirators, and personal protective clothing) that may be used
to reduce exposures to hazardous substances. The following references provide
information on possible solutions for hazards associated with
reproductive health.
- Hospital.
OSHA eTool. The following modules help health care workers recognize and
control hazards associated with reproductive health:
- The
Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health. US Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-104, (1999, February).
Addresses exposure, prevention, and reproductive hazards for female workers
and their unborn babies.
- The
Effects of Workplace Hazards on Male Reproductive Health. US Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-132, (1997, January 23).
Identifies steps to reduce or prevent workplace exposures to reproductive
hazards.
- Decreasing
the Chance of Birth Defects. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), (1997,
September). Identifies potential reproductive hazards
and solutions to help prevent birth defects.
Ethylene Oxide
- Ethylene Oxide. OSHA Fact Sheet, (1995, January
1), 47 KB PDF,
2 pages. Lists exposure hazards including reproductive
hazards with safety measures and controls outlined by the ethylene oxide
standard.
- Ethylene
Oxide Sterilizers in Health Care Facilities: Engineering Controls and Work Practices. National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Current Intelligence Bulletin 52,
(1989, July 13). Describes exposure control
methods for sterilizers, including Work
Practice Guidelines, available to copy and post by sterilizers, supply
cylinders, and mechanical access rooms.
- For additional information on ethylene oxide, see OSHA's Ethylene
Oxide Safety and Health Topics Page.
Hazardous Drugs
Nitrous Oxide
- Anesthetic
Gases: Guidelines for Workplace Exposures. OSHA, (2000, May 18).
Provides preventive measures to help minimize
hazards including reproductive hazards from exposure to anesthetic gases.
- Controlling
Exposures to Nitrous Oxide During Anesthetic Administration. US Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No.
94-100, (1994). Also available is a Worker/Employer Summary Sheet, 268 KB PDF,
1 page. Presents control measures for
preventing or greatly reducing exposure to nitrous oxide during the administration of
anesthetic gas.
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NIOSH
Warns: Nitrous Oxide Continues to Threaten Health Care Workers. US
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-118,
(1994, June 14). Warns health professionals that
scavenging systems need to be continuously monitored and maintained to
effectively reduce exposure to nitrous oxide.
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