In September, a Massachusetts dental practice was cited for violating OSHA’s requirements for a respiratory protection plan and other standards. In this episode of In the Sterilization Room with Jackie, we take a closer look at the violations and how to make sure your orthodontic practice meets OSHA’s requirements for a respiratory protection plan amid COVID-19, as well as continuing requirements for written programs related to blood borne pathogen exposure control and chemical hazard communication.
Infection prevention and sterilization expert Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, not only provides guidance on the written programs you need to have in place to ensure you compliance with OSHA standards, but also where to find the resources to help you meet these requirements.
Links:
The OSHA “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” document is available at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3z5X8ym1WXS7NkCdPzdlFe0ooIILJ6qrlVupy26lms8RqRAa48-HF37xw
To find the Respiratory Protection Plan checklist highlighted in this video, download the “OSAP/DQP Best Practices for Infection Control in Dental Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Available at https://www.osap.org/page/covid-19-best-practices
The OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire can be downloaded at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3789info.pdf
