26 SAFETY
Cholestech LDX System Procedure Manual
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Recommended Optional Information
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4.1 Introduction
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) ruled that beginning March 6,
1992, all labs must undergo training to protect the workers from bloodborne pathogens.
The new regulations outline in detail what employees must be taught about the hazards of
working with potentially infectious materials and what precautions must be taken to prevent
or minimize exposure. All biosafety training must be documented with dates, summary of
content per each class, names and qualifications of all instructors, and the names and job
titles of employees who attend.
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OSHA has also required that as of May 5, 1992, every employer will have a written plan
designed to eliminate or minimize worker exposure. This includes an outline of the
employer’s hepatitis B vaccination program. Employers are required to offer, at their
expense, a vaccine to any worker who may at any time be exposed to potential infectious
materials. Staff members may waive their right to the vaccine by signing a form, but they
are entitled to change their minds and receive the vaccine as soon as possible.
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You may use this section to file any training material, forms, or guidelines regarding lab
safety practices. For further information or to obtain training material regarding these
regulations, contact OSHA.
Reprints of the final rule, “Occupational Exposures to Blood Borne Pathogens,” can be
obtained by contacting this organization:
OSHA Office of Publications
U.S. Department of Labor
P.O. Box 37535
Washington, DC 20013-7535
Web site: www.osha.gov
Another excellent source of reference is the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory
Standards (NCCLS). The NCCLS is a U.S. organization developing standards for clinical
laboratory testing. For further information, you may contact this organization:
National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards
940 West Valley Road, Suite 1400
Wayne, PA 19087-1898
610-688-0100, FAX 610-688-0700
e-mail: exoffice@nccls.org
Web site: www.nccls.org
4.2 Reference(s) and Bibliography
1. Brown JW, Blackwell H. Complying with the new OSHA regs on HIV and HBV
protection.
Medical Laboratory Observer
June 1992; 21.
Safety
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