Many doctors do not realize that there are important OSHA guidelines for Medical Offices that must be adhered to.

Typically, most office managers and safety managers are in charge of OSHA. Yet it is important that doctors understand the OSHA Guidelines for Medical Offices as well.

Here are 4 important OSHA Guidelines for Medical Offices that are important to know and abide by:

1) Bloodborne Pathogens OSHA Guidelines

According to OSHA website, the most frequently requested medical guidelines are those on preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens.

These guidelines include the use of universal precautions such as adequate sharps disposal, providing post-exposure medical exams and Hepatitis B vaccine to employees at no cost, and the use of color coding to indicate different types of regulated waste.

OSHA guidelines for medical offices require a written exposure control plan. An exposure control plan is a written document that includes a list of employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens in the course of their work. The procedures used to avoid contamination with bloodborne pathogens, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up and methods for reporting exposure.

(You can view the most up to date blood borne pathogens information on OSHA.gov)

2) Ionizing Radiation OSHA Guidelines

The OSHA guidelines require all x-ray equipment and all doors to rooms containing x-ray equipment to be labeled with signs reading “Caution: X-Ray Radiation.”

The guidelines also specify that all areas containing radiation or x-ray equipment should have restricted access, to limit the amount of radiation to which employees are exposed.

Medical offices containing x-ray equipment are also required to provide radiation monitors, such as personal dosimeters, to all employees who operate the equipment and to all employees whose work involves exposure to radiation.

3) Hazard Communications OSHA Guidelines

All medical offices are required to have a hazard communication program, providing details on how training in specific hazards will be provided to each employee.

OSHA guidelines require medical offices to provide employees with information regarding any hazards that are present. This should include:

– a list of hazardous chemicals,
– a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet for each chemical
– employee training in handling chemicals, medical wastes and any other hazards

4) Fire and Exits OSHA Guidelines

All medical offices must provide safe and accessible exits from the building in the event of an emergency. Exit signs and a diagram showing evacuation routes must be posted where they are visible to all staff and patients.

This may include posting signs in each treatment and examination room. All medical offices that use flammable gas must adhere to OSHA guidelines on wiring and equipment installation related to flammable gases.

Medical offices are advised by OSHA to consult with their local fire department on electrical and fire guidelines. It can also be a good ideas to talk with insurance companies or an independent OSHA consultant for advice.